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Losing the plot
Has a lobby group that cheers on the impounding of motorcycles completely lost the plot? Yep, no question, according to Guido…
I’ve tried to follow one rule when it comes to my professional life – unhappily not always with success. And that is, never work with children, animals or volunteers. Now just as your blood pressure starts rising, I’ll hasten to add that I am filled with admiration by many volunteers and have even been known to indulge in a little volunteering myself.
But there’s no escaping the fact it has its dangers, particularly when dealing with delicate and complex tasks that are better left in the hands of paid professionals.
Here’s a prime example – a media release that turned up a few weeks ago:
“Motorcycle Impounded Monash 23-2-07
“Motorcycle Riders Association President Dale Maggs supports the action of the Victorian Police in the impounding of a motorcycle.
“The motorcycle was detected speeding on the Monash last night; the same rider had been caught last Thursday in a similar scenario,
“When riders choose to place their life and the lives of other at risk its time to react and Impounding his vehicle is an appropriate action.
“The race track is the only acceptable venue for high speed motorcycling and then by those whom have the knowledge and training to deal with the possible outcomes.
“Most riders are respectful of other road users and the laws but it only takes one nong to tarnish the respect we have gained.
He needs to take a walk with me through the Austin Hospital and maybe then he will understand his actions could have had a catastrophic outcome
“We strive to save lives and reduce the risk of injury to riders perhaps impounding his joy will do just that!
“Regards, Dale Maggs, President”
This is wrong for so many reasons, it’s hard to know where to start. But let’s just begin with how on earth does a motorcycle lobby group stand around cheering when someone else’s bike is impounded? Note to President: you’re meant to be on our side.
Then there’s the little legal issue. As I’ve told my journalism and publishing students numerous times over the years, the fact that someone is wearing a police uniform does not make them a reliable source of information. It just confirms they have a vested interest. Police in fact get things wrong, make mistakes, and sometimes lie.
In this case, the MRA has blissfully taken what they’ve been told as gospel, before the person concerned could possibly have been convicted of anything. Nevertheless the MRA, the motorcyclist’s friend, was happy to see this person punished. Keep it up folks, and it’s only a matter of time before you end up in defamation court. Then who’s going to feel like a nong?
My next objection is what on earth was this trying to achieve? That being naughty on the roads is frowned upon is hardly news. Though I’ll admit a motorcycle lobby group barracking for the impounding of motorcycles probably is. Was it an attempt to curry favour with the police? If so, I’d suggest it will be a miserable failure. Rolling over on your proverbial back and acting like an apologetic lap dog is not a position calculated to earn respect for any organisation. And that’s how the MRA looks, thanks to this release. If you want some tips on how a lobby group with real teeth should behave, have a look at the Vic Police Association. Lots of people don’t like them, but no-one messes with them. Their idea of currying favour is not actually chewing the politician’s head before they snap it off.
I have the misfortune of reading some spectacularly inadequate media releases in various roles, but this has set a new standard. It’s enough to make me rethink my rules on volunteers. Maybe it should be to never allow anyone to put their hand up for anything they can’t actually do.
You’re always welcome to get in touch via the palatial Motorcycle Trader offices at locked bag 12, Oakleigh 3166; Or on the wire at guy.allen@traderclassifieds.com.au.
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