KOBI News is reporting that the “GREEN NATION”, aka the Vagos Motorcycle Club is holding a west coast “meeting” in Grants Pass this weekend (August 9-10). Their signature “colors” – shades of green and a red demon caricature of Loki, the Norse god of mischief will be “flying” in southern Oregon.
Should we care? I’m not so sure, but given all the historical issues (dating back to 1999 and mostly bad) and the hefty fines, I find it curious the Vagos decided to hold a meeting in Josephine county again. Sure, it’s a free country…at least the last time I checked the First Amendment was alive and well, but the bad blood and community fears of violence will surely loom over the event and may cause an overreaction from Sheriff Gil Gilbertson…similar to Sheriff Dave Daniels days. Why risk police stops for “DWV” – driving while Vagos?
The group plans to meet at Schroeder Park, just outside of Grants Pass. Vagos MC member, Harry Hart (a Dentist in CA.) claims they are a “motorcycle family who come together and associate with one another and the police have it all wrong”…”it’s blown all out of proportion”.
I’m a bit skeptical and have written about colors flying in Oregon previously. The Vagos MC is identified as an outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) in the CA. Organized Crime Annual Report and the DOJ states:
The Vagos Motorcycle Club (Vagos) has hundreds of members in the U.S. and Mexico and poses a serious criminal threat to those areas in which its chapters are located. U.S. law enforcement authorities report that the Vagos have approximately 300 members among 24 chapters located in the states of California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and three chapters located in Mexico. The Vagos produce, transport and distribute methamphetamine and are also involved in the distribution of marijuana. The Vagos have also been implicated in other criminal activities including assault, extortion, insurance fraud, money laundering, murder, vehicle theft, witness intimidation and weapons violations. In the U.S., the Vagos are mainly active in the Southwest and Pacific regions.
Before I get a bunch of comments about taking too many falls without a helmet, let me just say I know one member breaking the law is one thing and to paint an entire club or over-generalize is quite another. But I also know that OMG want to give the impression they are a just a harmless riding club. Maybe its because so many states are doing what California is, once linked to a gang, the penalty for a crime is much more severe.
Here’s my point. I’m not passing judgement, but hope the Vagos MC members avoid big trouble in a small town so the state can avoid an enormous waste of taxpayer dollars and focus on higher profile criminally active street gangs.
Photo courtesy of Venice Beach org.
What a bunch of crap .I just heard a Iron Pig mc shot a HA at Sturgis . Pigs can say anything and do anything and get away with it . The cops gone bad website shows only a few cops a week busted for sex offences . The rest of the blue gang are free to terrorize America .
The Vagosmc.com website has been down forever. I guess they decided to close it perm like.
later
Butcher, you said it pretty well. You know, it is one thing when the LEO community tosses the gang label, but when people that should know better like HOG riders start tossing it, it is just down right insulting and in my book disrespectful.
Keep in mind I’m not affiliated, but as someone been around the block a while I’m kind of sick of one group being a club and another a gang.
and uh, to Dog, wether or not the Vagosmc.com website is up or down is club business and none of ours. It is best kept in the realm of club business and none of ours.
i think every ” club ” not ” gang ” has the right to hold gatherings,meetings,etc. as a red & white supporter i’ve seen cops panic and over do things its not right.what about the cops that form there own riding clubs ( m/c ) can we say there a gang? do other cops crack there heads open,or shoot them down?hell no they dont!people picture clubs as gangs in there minds! it was best said, when we do good no one remembers,when we do wrong no one forgets!
to all my brothers i wish the best in the trip just have fun and remember ” we give what we get” from ur brother chapin.vavos tkt m/c mexico
The fact that cops and 1%er clubs have patches is for an intelligent person to figure out which one creates crime and intimidation and which one rides to ride without asking and threatening people about what they wear and what club they can associate with. Hmmm those clubs that supposedly want freedom but are willing to assault those who express themselves by what they wear and what bottom rocker is shown. They seem like a territorial gang instead of a club. There IS a difference. “Butcher” the cops that violated the law in Sturgis will be dealt with by the law i.e. weapons violations. The idiot that wanted to fight over their patch should be charged and I am glad he got what he deserved. Maybe he will think about freedom instead of intimidation before he picks a fight again with a trained shooter.
Windy Joe. Are you kidding? Call it what you will, club, gang, group, girl scouts. They are trouble. Check some of the members records. The members have given themselves and the rest of law abiding citizens who ride a bad connotation.
trash, is all they are..say aloha vagos
well i think cops are all pussies who were picked on in school and only became cops cause this is there way of getting back at everyone fuck the cops i personally never had any probloms with the vagos and to all u cops and cop suporters out there you get in my way and you will die bitches i dont give a rats ass
Dirty Richards,
You, and those who think like you, are one of the reasons we NEED good law enforcement in this country. So we are going to die if we get in your way? Wow… heavy chit there.
I personally have never had any problems with the Mafia, Skinheads, the KKK, or your Vagos. Doesn’t mean I agree with their philosophy or how they operate.
Wow, not to sure what to think. I support the law and have several close friends who work for the PD. But I also have some very close friends who are Vagos that are very good people also. There are good PD and bad PD. I am sure you would all agree. There are also Good club members and bad club members. I feel weed out all the bad PD and all the bad club members. I have been to many charity events that the Vagos have put on and have also seen how active the club members in their community’s. I am glad to know the good PD and the good Vago club members!
I sure would like to know how much taxpayer money is wasted on suveillence and profiling during the average MC gathering. I’ve seen some unbelievable measures taken over the years, and I know all that manpower and fancy equipment can’t be free.
I wonder what the average citizen would say if he/she actually knew how much of his/her money was being spent on these types of efforts, as opposed to how few arrests and more importantly how few actual CONVICTIONS are ever made.
Oh well,… some things will never change.
Respects,
Hermano Roadrash
You cannot put a price tag on prevention. There is also no way to measure what is prevented by a stepped up LE presence.
The reason for the typical LE presence is probably due to some well known incidents involving rival Clubs. We all know which ones I am referring to here. People died…
So, the next time, the communities involved step up the security measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again. They are damned if they do, and damned if they don’t.
If they don’t and someone gets hurt, you can be sure some attorney will be filing a lawsuit claiming the city didn’t do enough to protect his client.
On the other side of the coin, if they do, then some civil liberty attorney files a complaint claiming his client’s civil liberties, i.e., freedom of expression or something along those lines were affected.
Sometimes you can’t win for losing…..
Oh please…. guilty before proven. You Badges are so self righteous it’s comical. I’ll be sure to call a BART cop when I need assistance or maybe the Orange County Sheriff or better yet Ted Kennedy, Larry Craig and Ted Stevens.
How many other dozens can be named? How does it feel to be profiled as a group and not an individual?
And the point you are trying to make in some sort of smart assed way is what?
I do know law enforcement is profiled as a group in general. They are profiled (appreciated) for the job they do 24/7 day in and day out.
This kind of says it all, “The only problem with police work is that you have to recruit from the human race.”
Retired LE you need to get a life. Put down your donut and get back to your security guard job. Your entire string of comments and responses is so sterotypical it’s comical. It’s evident you are nothing but a self righteous Lone Wolf McQuaid.
Go snort another line and share your thoughts with someone who actually cares. I don’t.
Retired LE (as in RETIRED)
To be honest, I know a LOT of vagos (and although i’m not denying the fact that there is most definitely a reason they are an OMG) I also know that they are the sweetest, most respectful men I have ever met. They ARE like a huge family, and many of them deserve respect as individuals. I understand that this opinion doesn’t really matter to anyone, but I figured I would at least put it out there for the brothers.
Every Vago I have ever encountered has looked out for me and been kind, and I have a lot of heart for all of you. Be safe boys! ❤
Now that’s not very nice Deputy Fife (Retired LE) but you have made my point exact. You are a self righteous prick. By the way, when you say Retired. Would that be forced early retirement due to a flaw in your human judgement? I bet they are laughing there asses off about you at the station house; I mean donut shop.
MFIC: I never said squat to you initially but you gotta start with the personal jabs and smart ass disrespectful comments.
a) You Badges are so self righteous it’s comical.
b) Put down your donut and get back to your security guard job.
c) Your entire string of comments and responses is so stereotypical it’s comical.
d) It’s evident you are nothing but a self righteous Lone Wolf McQuaid.
I used to deal with your ilk all the time. Things never change it seems.
Your kind likes to go right to the personal attack so don’t whine when you get the same treatment in return. I will finish my donut on the condition you remember to wipe the smack off your face.
oh now LE has his feelings hurt. You can dish it out but can’t take it. Where is the line of prevention vs supression? All of you are the same. Institutional cases who can’t see beyond your brainwashed training. You are all insecure little minded people terrified of any free willed thinking. If was up to you and your brethren we would all be robots like you. Categorized, controlled and filed.
Tell me, when you were recruited wasn’t it from the human race pool that, “The only problem with police work is that you have to recruit from the human race.”?
Here is a web site for you to take a look at.
http://www.copsgonebad.com/news.php
You are on one side of the fence, and I on the other. That will never change.
You, and those who think like you do, are what I consider job security.
My hat is off to the men and women who wear the badge. It is because of you, and those who think like you do, that we need them.
Here is a web site for YOU to take a look at.
http://www.nleomf.com/
http://www.heroes-inc.org/
HEY RETIRED LE, ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST
Joseph L. Bruno, the former State Senate majority leader, was indicted on Friday on charges that he reaped millions of dollars from companies seeking business from the state or from labor unions, capping a long-running investigation into one of New York’s most powerful political figures.
Thank god the people will always out number the oppressors.
Thanks hangaround girl. Lots of love from the aloha state.
And I thought OMG was “lie” enforcements call when they see us coming? Oh My God!!!! You can strip us down to the bone colors or not WE WILL STILL BE VAGOS! Can you say Rampart, http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/02/amid-an-aggress.html,
hey it looks like that strip bar in L.A……………..
I’ve been looking for a life long friend and brother after loosing contact with him, I had left California to live in the mid- west, We somehow lost track of each other, I had been back went to his old house spoke to different people no luck,I have done so much to try and find him, Today my search ended…… My brother is gone……He passed away 04-24-05 I finally got my answer doing a search thru the Church of The Ladder Day Saints. I’m sick and I’m broken Hearted…….Please if there is anyone who can give me a some answers and fill in a couple of blanks I would appreciate it so much, He was a Vago when I left California, he belonged to the S.F.V. chapter, His name is Mike Katz (aka) Sinbad …… I can’t stop the tears and really need to know what happend ??????????? He was my sons Godfather and had always been a loyal brother & Friend, Please any info……. Sinbad I LOVE YOU!!!!! Be Free, Ride easy……..Your baby sister Tracey
I support the Choir boys. They pack heat and they have stinkin badges!
The 1% are good only for target pratice.
There are good and bad cops just like there are good and bad bikers. It depends on the personality behind the badge or the patch. You cant put everyone in the same category because of some dumbass or F’d up situation. Who knows what to believe unless we see it with our own eyes. We shouldnt form opinions over hearsay. I know some cops and I know some bikers. There’s an asshole in every crowd. As long as they leave the rest of us be, let them learn their lesson the hard way. Someone WILL eventually educate them….be sure of that, especially in the biker world, cop or not. To the 99% of LE that are legit, thank you for what you do. To the 99% of bikers who arent outlaws, thank you for not doing what you might want to do but know you shouldnt.
Hey just wanted to add my peace, Im a retired disabled vet, have many friends who ride all of whom are upstanding guys who have always had my back.
This bs with George Christie bothers the hell out of me, jesus you cant even ride free in this country anymore, what the hell did I get all shot up for for 18 years so our freedoms could be takin away by the man.
For those who can, ride hard, ride free. And hell stop by Pahrump, NV pick me the hell up for a run!
Peace to all my brother’s and their families.
BW
As long as there are groups that proclaim their freedom there will be organizations that will proclaim them outlaws. The minute men, the continental congress, and even the United States of America have all been declared outlaws by those that wish to oppress freedom. I am a proud member of the US military, an American by choice and a Vago by the grace of God. I will stand up and protect the freedom of all Americans, in a patch or in a suit. Give me the freedom to be who I am as I have put my life on the line to protect the freedom to let you be who you are. Aloha LVDV
Maybe if you took the demon off your back and called yourself the family MC With say the pillsbury doughboy in the middle maybe you would not be thought of as the violent thugs you are. Its not what is seen on your bike runs and how nice you are to the girls. Its the crap that goes on behind the scene the ways you fund yourself and the criminal crap you deem as neccessary that makes you the OMG that anyone in there right mind would not want anything to do with.
These people offer nothing to society at all.
If you dont want to get f’ed with by the cops dont hang out with a group of people that have created a reputation that says F the cops and continually have a large amount of members that bring the criminal persona to the club. Start a club that does not allow this kind of mentality.
You know what they say if it quacks like a duck.
Remember at the end of your life you will be judge by what you do and what you say.
To the Vagos peeps I met on the road. I had never heard of you ( yes I live on an island) and asked if I could get a pic with you as a funny gesture which my adult kids would appreciate. I approached 3 of you and got nothing but a very decent respectable reaction from the 3 of you. My husband and I thought you were very nice, fun, and good sports…. I really appreciated your manner and you were gentlemen and nothing short of it. You humored an old woman and it made my day getting the pic. I don’t know how to find the guys to thank them and send them the pic if interested. I told them that I had a prison ministry and all I want them to know is this which I never said but will now for anyone reading this…
Jesus promised his diciples 3 things…
1.They would be entirely fearless….
2. They would be absurdly happy…
3. And always in trouble……Yeah thats Moi!
My testimony in a nutshell… God keeps me alive and out of prison….May you receive the fruits of a blessing and not the curse…Thankyou for your good humor and kindness…
Rev. Sister Willis
Thank you, Sister Willis. It’s good to hear a positive MC experience. Just because a man flys colors and rides a motorcycle does not make him instant scum. Like Sister Willis here, she wasnt intimidated and reached out to these men and received kindness and respect. Not all bikers are outlaws and not all outlaws are animals. Bottom line…. Show Respect to get Respect.
It’s been said before but worth repeating again.
No matter how good or righteous a man (or woman) is, when that person gives their allegiance to an organization, he or she takes on the baggage (good or bad) that comes with it.
Caesar
Thankyou Mark and Caesar for your comments…As one of my fav. cartoonist Richard Stine says and I quote:
It is Simple:
“We are where we should be, doing what we should be doing.
Otherwise, we would be somewhere else, doing something else.”
A quote from my book that I love……
“You never leave a place you love. You go away, taking a part of it along and leaving a part of you remaining”. Sister Willis
Also I trust no one but Jesus Christ and one of my favorite verses as you ponder and reflect on your rides is this:
He stretches out the north over Empty space, and hangs the earth on Nothing….Job 26:7
If He can do that I don’t have any trust issues there. Yes indeed Ceasar, I have given my life and service over to only One Master Jesus…He said ” The servant should not expect better than the Master, so for those that Spit on US and treat us unfairly etc. the worst.. remember they did it to Him so I will pray for my enemy which I can only do through Christ who strengthens me and gives me power , love and a sound mind… Couldn’t do it on my own like I said in the first comment my testimony is simple: God keeps me alive and out of prison…
Hey When I met the mc 3 guys it was in California and I think their jackets said South Bay ? It was the week of Monday May 11th I think? in a place like Indepence , Lone Pine, Id have to look on my map hwy 395? Not really important…Have a good one…Sister Willis
Hey Sister Wellis, Was that picture taking in Ca. on hwy 395 ??
The Vagos Motorcycle Club, also known as the Green Nation, is a “one-percenter” motorcycle club that was formed in San Bernardino, California during the 1960’s. The club’s insignia is Loki, the Norse god of mischief, riding a motorcycle and members commonly wear green. The Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have named the Vagos as an Outlaw Motorcycle Club, claiming that they are involved in criminal activities such as producing, transporting and distributing methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as assault, extortion, insurance fraud, money laundering, murder, vehicle theft, witness intimidation and weapons violations. The Vagos have approximately 300 members among 24 chapters located in the American states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and three chapters located in Mexico.
criminal activities
In October 1998, a two-year undercover investigation of the Vagos resulted in the arrests of more than a dozen people for kidnapping, and drug and weapons crimes, and in September 2004, a state investigation involving the gang led to the arrests of 26 people and the seizure of more than $125,000 in cash, drugs and guns.
On March 9, 2006, twenty-five Vagos members and associates were arrested on firearms and drug violations charges following one of the largest coordinated law enforcement probes ever conducted in Southern California. The operation, knowns as “Operation 22 Green”, involved around 700 personnel from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and local police and sheriff’s departments. Ninety-five illegal firearms, illegal drugs, $6,000 in cash and two stolen motorcycles were also seized.
In December 2007, six members of the Vagos were arrested for beating and robbing a member who intended to leave the club. The victim was attacked at the Custom Motorcycle auto shop in Grants Pass, Oregon then taken to his home where the attackers robbed him..
We will all be judged, including those with badges. Live and let live………………We Give What We Get. Thanks sister Willis.
Lexdmms8, I’d like to pat your back for doing an excellent job in copying the Wikipedia article re: Vagos M/C and pasting it into this comment page.
Have you ever been able to write a complete sentence on your own?
The cops proudly announce their “undercover” operations successes on page 1 of their local newspapers with all kinds of photos. Yet when all is said and done the dismissal of charges, return of “legal” firearms”, legal cash and other confiscated property is returned that story does not get printed or is buried on a back page and generally is less than a paragraph in length!
I’d like to suggest that you anti M/C types take a fair and impartial look at both sides of the story. Ask some of the cities in Southern California that have paid out millions of YOUR dollars to LEO alleged OMG’s for violations of civil rights and harassment! Yes, millions of your hard earned money taken from you in the form of taxes.
I don’t care what the orginizations is or who is in it you will always find a group of bad apples. Look at all the corrupt police departments in this country. How many cops does it take to subdue a unarmed 110 pound weakling? Eight! Two to handcuff him and 6 to kick and punch him while he’s on the ground handcuffed.
I know of a Vago that was attacked at a gas station that resulted in a serious injury. During the violent attack a gutless cop stood at a gas pump ignoring the crime committed right in front of him. At one time this anal opening swore to “serve and protect”? I don’t believe that oath said “those who I deem appropiate to protect”.
Bull
I’m glad I checked back to see that a nice comment was written by diver….Today as I watched the news… I like Fox News no one need comment as I know they aren’t popular in some circles but I like them and watch my favorite stuff throughout the day anyway… anyone see that a 72 yr. old Granny was pushed and shoved and Tazed to the ground by the officer. A little tazer happy as he did it twice. Just over speeding in a construction zone and resising handcuffs and arrest. If I were to be fair to both sides I think this particular incident was pathetic and rediculous, I think he should of had backup forces perhaps the swat team…I don’t think he could handle it alone without force… Duh just a given the itty bitty thing was 72 and came up to his waist. I hope you saw that diddy today ugh. Part 2 of my comment is this to BULL…. 37 years ago I pulled into a gas station where an old boyfriend was taking over for a friend for the day… I got out of my car windows down and proceded to tell him I had enough of his abuse and going to get married to the man I am still married too today, well he started beating me up slapping and punching my face all the while as men stood with one hand pumping their gas just watching saying or doing nothing. This was like ’72 no cell phones then.. Nothing Nada just spectators I’m only 135 lbs. I got in the car window down grabbed for my keys tried to find the starter and key in hole all the while he is slaping my face left and right…got out of there. Now for the “punch line” if you get my pun… The guy was trying to be in law enforcement an officer HP…. So I called and started to turn him in and the detective wanted to know who it was they didn’t want him …and being a scared kid and knowing this guy would get even I just said I’m sorry I can’t ruin his life…and hung up. Well thank God he never made it anyway….There is a God.. Just to say it happens to people of all kinds. Where’s the love…giggle… I’m sure of one of you had seen this happening you would not have stood back pumping gas into your bikes at least I would hope not and maybe he wouldn’t of even done it if you all were at that station at the time, it could of been the best deterant a person could have had under my circumstances… A Very Present Help in Trouble…See if you can see that 73 year old granny that was tazed been on the news all day and they are going with the officer cuz she was cussing at him …Oh wow I’m shocked aren’t you!
Paul Harvey had a pretty good read on what cops are.
He had an interesting statistic about bad cops as well. Something like less than one half of one percent tarnish the badge. Pretty good statistics when you compare that to other walks of life.
Oh yeah, god bless those fine upstanding citizens like Mike Carona, Orange County Sherriff convicted and sentenced to 66 months federal time for corruption and BART cop Johannes Mehserle, who murdered Oscar Grant by shooting him in the back at point blank range while lying on the ground last New Years Eve and let’s not forget the sweetheart LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus who murdered her ex-boyfriend’s ex-wife.
All LE’s theres a statistic for you.
Your report confirms what Paul Harvey said; The statistics of good versus bad is way better than most professions out there.
What you are missing is the reason you are able to report these incidents is because the LE community cleans house when one of their own goes bad or makes a mistake.
When cops go bad – guess who takes care of it? You guessed it, other cops whether it be at the local, regional, or on the federal level.
Paul Harvey…. He’s brilliant and I like him thanks for posting this……Paul Harvey wow I miss him and most people have such respect for him….When PH speaks people listen…
Hey Sister Wellis let me know if that was you…Thanks
About BAD cops…Well the same ASSHOLE has pulled me over 3 times. 2 times he said i didn`t use my turn signal and the 3rd time unsafe line change. WELL !!!!!! How do you make a unsafe line change when you don`t even change lines!!!!!! SOOOOOOO who is the real CRIMINAL!!
Me?? (who has never been in jail) Or the COP who LIES just to pull me over!!!! Hey i was in the Marines for our RIGHTS…..But on the same hand it`s for the cops to have the right to LIE too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bottom line is pull me over for something i did..
DON`T LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OR YOUR THE REAL CRIMINAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello R…VV see what I posted at the bottom..as yes it may be me and which of the 3 were you? Give a clueplease thanks it sure would be a hoot if it is you.
Hey….. RVV
I may be the one you saw …. If you are the sweet generous person I met say something if you can remember that would I.D. both of us….. Only we would know what was said and what took place and where it was… and yes it was 395…. If it is you which one are you there were 3 that I spoke too…Just give a word of exchange we had. Thanks RVV
WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY FATHERS DAY WEEKEND!
Hi Sister Willis,
Well i was not in the picture, But i was there. It was at a Chevron on i think May 7…. And your Husband took the picture. You said something about your kids and telling them something about the picture..I`m sorry i just don`t remember. But it was 2 Vagos and 1 club from Florida.
R….VV This is sooo funny Iat first I was saying to myself “hum wonder if this guy was really there as almost and I say almost stated could have been read in my comments”……. But 3 things you said were right on that no one would know but someone there and the clincher was the date as I had to look myself and was confused and you were right on. It was so hot out not use to it. Now did you know the 2 guys I got my pic with? Are they from Florida? Are you? There was one guy who had his back to the camera which was great to be able to see the fronts and back of the jackets. I thought all 3 of these guys were so nice to us. I am very observant and so quite aware of those that were around. We are photographers and it was alot of fun. My husbands mother died unexpectedly so we went down for a mothers day celebration of her life. Are you familiar w/ Cali? I have my reasons for asking just curious where your from?
Hi Sister Willis,
I`m sorry to hear about your mother inlaw.
Well i`m gald to hear the GOOD comments you said about us. One of the guys in the pic. I have known since the 2nd grade. All of us there was from so cal.one of the guy’s was from Fl.Yes I’ve lived in Calif all my life.
So you can’t always believe what you hear or read about a person..It pay’s not to judge until you get to know someone for your self..As you have found out..To bad so many people have such closed minds….Yes I would really like to see the pic…Need to find away to do that..As am sure you know I don’t feel it’s safe to post my email here..Well we will have to come up with something..
Thanks R….vv
We will my brother, we will figure a way…
Rvv….Which one was your friend from 2nd grade the man on the left or right of me facing the camera. The guy to my right would of probley been closest to you. One had an iguana tatoo was really great. One of the men talked to me more than any of the others. I’m assuming the guy from FL. was South Bay jacket. Had his back to the camera.
We are from Southern Cali originally.One thing I wanted to mention regarding your club is that I was clueless when I walked up and said “I’ve always told my kids that I was going to join a motorcycle gang and just disappear like Jimmy Hoffa if they didn’t shape up… Well one of the VC members was the one who corrected me and said we are not a gang ( quite offensive) we are a club. I apologized several times for my ignorance. He said “thats why I’m here to educate you” Which I was glad he was so patient with me not knowing. I explained I was from the 60’s when everything was put in the “Gang Catagory” Everything and everyone. So we exchanged our birth dates the year and I was 5 yrs older. He corrected me on a couple of things and did it in a very respectable way he didn’t want me to leave dumber than a box of rocks when I approached the club. My adult kids got a kick out of seeing ol mama mingling with the guys they always knew Mom did what she said. Sooner or Later. Did you ever go to the ROCK SHOP on Mullholland in the Santa Monica Mountains? Thats where I told my kids if they didn’t “quitit” I was dropping them off and they shaped up real quick. giggle Enjoy the weekend all.
Sister willis, The one that was talking to you a lot is the one i have known since 2nd grade. Hope you have a great weekend!!
R….VV try this temp e-mail addy….Thanks and make sure I know it is you ……
sisterwillis@live.com
RVV….. just copy the exact post link and if it doubles on you only type what is above the link is only temp til I send the pics but I need to know it is you….
Below is the info to the 5 links that moved me today. Since I can’t post the links here just write down the you tube info to get it direct to you start with #1 and go to 5…This takes place in Japan but I think we can all relate. Goes with the club statement We give what we GET…Respect. I hope you like these I was so grateful I had to share. I have posted it on my blog. Go to you tube and click on Children Full of Life I admit I sniffled my way through it.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO VIEW ALL 5 OF THESE POSTS IN ORDER VERY BEAUTIFUL I HAD TO POST
Wouldn’t it be nice if the USA had teachers and respect for peers and family . What a Bonding experience that this teacher provides… This is the Golden rule put quite simply lived “Do to others what you want done to you”…This is a great lesson for the bond we share with our clubs and close friends the loyality…Please watch all 5 to gain the entire story. It’s universal I don’t care how TOUGH we are we are each of these people. Please enjoy… We have also been these kids I have a special bond from my Jr. High School peeps (Northridge CA.) and my HS peeps Cleveland HS Reseda CA) Taft High School/ Woodland Hills/ Canoga Park HS/ El Camino if anyone is from those parts San Fernando Valley! I posted this today on my blog but wanted to share on this blog I hope it’s okay…Sister Willis
Well worth the time to watch all five.
Children Full of Life (1 of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=armP8TfS9Is&feature=related
“In the award-winning documentary Children Full of Life, a fourth-grade class in a primary school in Kanazawa, northwest ofTokyo, learn lessons about compassion from their homeroom teacher, Toshiro Kanamori. He instructs each to write their true inner feelings in a letter, and read it aloud in front of the class. By sharing their lives, the children begin to realize the importance of caring for their classmates.”
Children Full of Life (2 of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc7S8HAfDzk
“Good teachers connect theory with life…”
Children Full of Life (3 of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd7YWx7idfE
“Project: Raft … teamwork, self-realizations, class victories…life. You come to school to be happy. If one person is unhappy, everyone will be unhappy.”
Children Full of Life (4 of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEW65OKRiAk
“Academics and Life Learning….Death and empathy.”
Children Full of Life (5 of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FGdXEBcdh4&feature=related
CHILDREN FULL OF LIFE
In the award-winning documentary Children Full of Life, a fourth-grade class in a primary school in Kanazawa, northwest of Tokyo, learn lessons about compassion from their homeroom teacher, Toshiro Kanamori. He instructs each to write their true inner feelings in a letter, and read it aloud in front of the class. By sharing their lives, the children begin to realize the importance of caring for their classmates.
Capturing the intimate moments of the students’ laughter and tears, the film explores one teacher’s approach to allowing children the opportunity to discover the value of sharing powerful emotions. Classroom discussions include difficult issues such as the death of a parent or being the victim of bullying. In this “school of life,” the simple message is learning to look after one another.
Following Mr. Kanamori’s class for a whole school year, the cameras were kept at the children’s eye-level, giving their view of the world as they cope with troubled relationships and the loss of loved ones. Through their daily experiences, viewers see how they develop together a spirit of co-operation and compassion.
Children Full of Life was awarded the Global Television Grand Prize at this year’s 25th Anniversary Banff Television Festival, the festival’s highest honour. It was the first time Japan took the top prize. As well, the documentary won the Rockie Award in the Family and Youth Programs category.
Children Full of Life is directed by Noboru Kaetsu and produced by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).
OH DUH the links did show up… click on them in order for the entire picture…I thought of the Vagos MC and your bond of loyality
R…VV you have known your brother since second grade enjoy….Sister Willis
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