Most everyone has heard of Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall.
We don’t need no education
We don’t need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!
All in all it’s just another brick in the wall
The chorus got up the nose of England’s establishment as they viewed it a protest or anti-education song. It was a political knee-jerk reaction to a song that had little to do with the education system… it was about a much bigger topic of reminding people not to conform.
And speaking of non-conformance, if you’ve followed previous post/comments on this blog you’re already aware of the intimidation “rain clouds” creeping into the northwest.
But, did you know about the state-wide efforts this Saturday, October 25th as ‘Free the Colors’ Day? It’s a grassroots state-wide show of support for the Oregon Veteran’s Motorcycle Association’s (OVMA). Riders from every corner of the state, regardless of affiliation are planning to support OVMA’s stand against intimidation. You may recall that at the heart of Pink Floyd’s ‘Brick Wall’ story is how a group of school children from north London came to sing and express freedom on one of the music’s most iconic records… we’re not kids anymore so understand this freedom issue is bigger than just the OVMA.
Hopefully freedom to associate resonates with you and you’re planning to participate on October 25th. For any non-OVMA biker friends, if you do ride on ’Free the Colors Day’ on behalf of the OVMA, you can show your support by flying America flags and/or tying a twist of blue ribbon and gold ribbon on your bike or around your right arm (the colors of the OVMA) as a sign of support. The support will help send a message. For those riders who plan to join the OVMA West Valley Chapter sponsored ride:
- Join the ride at the beginning in McMinnville. They will leave Sharis parking lot at 11:00AM SHARP! Be there early.
- Or join the ride at the first scheduled stop. They will be leaving the parking lot of K-Mart on Hwy 22 in South Salem at 12:10PM SHARP! Be there early.
- Or join the ride at the only other scheduled stop. I-5 Northbound Rest Area (near Wilsonville). Time will be contingent upon the time it takes to ride from South Salem to the rest area. Riders need to be there by 12:20PM SHARP!
- The ride route will be determined by the OVMA State Road Captain and approved by their State President.
OVMA member ‘Pappy’ has assigned the following statement to the run which represents what they would like to make known: ‘For Those Who Fought For It - Freedom Has a Flavor The Protected Will Never Know’
UPDATE: September 27, 2008 – The ride results are HERE.
