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Letters and Opinions

The opinions expressed in the following letter(s) do not necessarily reflect those of the executive of the Confederation. The Ontario Confederation of Clubs retains the right to edit, in whole or part, any material submitted to this web site and to reject any material without explanation.

Letter to Vancouver Sun regarding veteran's bike clubs

The following letter was sent to the Vancouver Sun by Derek Gartshore

Dear Editor in Chief.

About your article on Veterans Motorcycle Clubs being puppet clubs. This statement is 100% false. You do a great disservice to our troops and veterans serving our country by making these accusations. Clubs starting up usually contact the bigger clubs out of respect telling who we are and to avoid any issues pertaining to same. This is in no way meaning that they support the bigger clubs. Your lack of knowledge is appalling to those who serve and put their lives on the line for the freedom and security of our country.

The Police in their grandeur would like the public to believe their inaccurate reporting for their own self serving purposes...to get increased funding etc. And to replace the fear with their own inadequacies to fight the real criminal elements such as street gangs.

Maybe you should try interviewing a Veteran who rides with a club and get the real idea of what we are about. Helping fellow Veterans and their families deal with death, being there for one another, after being gone on a 7 month tour in Afghanistan. Helping those who come back injured or with post traumatic stress issues. Not to mention the numerous charities we are involved in.

Word has been spread around to not purchase a newspaper ever again from your Agency and we do number in the thousands. Its a shame the dishonour you have done to those soldiers who love the thrill of motorcycling and being in an organization that enjoys the same as you....freedom. Sensationalism at its best, just to sell newspapers. Well thank you for your ignorance and lack of respect and knowledge.

Discretion is the better part of valour. We know about valour. Shame you do not know about discretion. thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope in the future you may look before you leap and dishonour those who fight so that you may enjoy your freedoms. I am sure you will be hearing from many veterans in the near future.

Thank you.

LW C.O.C. Club member