Biden denies permit for 'Rolling Thunder' motorcycle rally to honor vets on Memorial Day
Category: News & Politics
Via: texan1211 • 5 years ago • 155 commentsBy: Terresa Monroe-Hamilton (BizPac Review)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
May 5, 2021|Terresa Monroe-Hamilton|Print Article
Congressional lawmakers are outraged after the Biden administration denied an event permit in Washington, D.C. for the "Rolling to Remember" motorcycle rally on Memorial Day which has been held for the last 32 years.
Better known as "Rolling Thunder," the charity event is intended to honor America's fallen heroes. The rally is a tradition in D.C. that brings together thousands of veterans and other patriots from all over the country to commemorate war veterans, including those missing in action and prisoners of war. The action comes as D.C. is beginning to open up after the coronavirus lockdown.
Organizers have waited almost a year for the Defense Department to issue the parking permit needed for the event. The Pentagon cited the pandemic for not issuing a permit to the group so they could gather in its parking lot. The Biden administration "refused to talk with event organizers" and "refused to respond to Congress about this topic," Rep. Darrel Issa (R-CA) said in a statement this week.
A number of congressional members petitioned the Pentagon in April to approve the rally. The permit was originally given the green light in March but was rescinded this week with no explanation.
American Veterans which hosts the annual event reportedly obtained the necessary permits from the Department of Transportation, the Department of the Interior, and a number of other agencies. Issa noted that the Pentagon's ruling "leaves patriotic veterans without a safe alternative" to gather.
AMVETS is a congressionally-chartered veterans service that represents more than 20 million veterans and their families in the United States.
Issa charged the Biden administration with playing politics, given that Biden just hosted a rally in Georgia: "The Rolling to Remember event is no less safe," Issa declared. "The only difference is the politics that are denying veterans the opportunity to honor their fallen comrades. If patriotic veterans are not welcome at the Pentagon, are they truly welcome anywhere in the Biden Administration?"
The Biden Administration is making a terrible mistake by blocking a veterans charity from the use of Pentagon parking for the Rolling to Remember POW/MIA remembrance motorcycle ride. Sadly, the decision seems to be more about politics than safety.https://t.co/rENBxexDRI
— Rep. Darrell Issa (@repdarrellissa) May 3, 2021
The Pentagon released a statement last week attempting to explain their actions:
"Unfortunately, the department has disapproved AMVETS permit request. The department took into careful consideration all aspects of AMVETS request, to include the current Health Protection Condition status on the Pentagon Reservation; substantial community transmission of COVID-19 in Arlington County, Virginia; number of Americans fully vaccinated across the nation; nature of this event with its decreased ability to maintain physical distance; and large crowds in one location for an extended period of time. This event draws national attention and participation; therefore the risk of exposure from participants from other communities extends well beyond the National Capital Region."
"If COVID-19 conditions permit, the department would gladly consider supporting a future event request from AMVETS, potentially as soon as this Labor Day weekend," the statement continued.
"The department looks forward to supporting future events with AMVETS, and as always, we appreciate AMVETS' support of our veterans, their families, and their communities, including promoting better awareness of veterans' issues, as well as AMVETS continued support for our missing-in-action service members," the statement weakly concluded.
Biden's Pentagon cites pandemic to deny AmVets' 'Rolling to Remember' bike rally, despite 32 yr. tradition https://t.co/o7SBZIVHoWpic.twitter.com/3alyj0FhR9
— Conservative News (@BIZPACReview) May 2, 2021
Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) slammed the Biden administration for rescinding the Memorial Day permit: "Memorial Day traditions like Rolling to Remember have been granted permits by every administration, Democrat and Republican, for the past 30 years. The Biden Administration's decision to end this Memorial Day tradition flies in the face of the freedoms that so many have died to protect," he told Fox News.
"We are blessed beyond words to be citizens of the greatest country on Earth and only live free thanks to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. But sadly right now, in Joe Biden's America, it is easier to cross the border illegally than it is to get a permit to pay our respects to our nation's fallen heroes," Mast noted.
The rally always takes place over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. It usually starts on Friday evening with the Blessing of the Bikes ceremony at the National Cathedral. Then a candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial takes place to kick off the event to remember our fallen heroes.
The Biden administration has also canceled the 4th of July fireworks at Mt. Rushmore and is being sued by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
There was widespread anger on social media concerning Biden's Pentagon blocking the rally:
With the cancelling of the AMVETS Rolling to Remember Bike Parade permits, this "President" shows once again that he hates America and the VETERANS who fought for it.#BidenMustGo
— Jarome Bell (@JaromeBellVA) May 4, 2021
Onward. #RollingToRemember@jchenelly | @ScottTaylorTVpic.twitter.com/7vF0PwvUM8
— AMVETS (@AMVETSHQ) May 1, 2021
Even though Biden/Pentagon, for the first time in over 30 years, has denied a permit for Rolling to Remember motorcycle rally held on Memorial Day in Washington, DC. It sounds like they are going ahead as planned!#SemperFi
— Joshua T. Hosler for American Veterans (@JoshuaHosler) May 4, 2021
"At a time when President Biden can find a way to hold outdoor political events, it's shocking his administration can't find a way to help our veterans do the same," said Rep. @KenCalvert (R-CA) regarding the matter.
— Kyle Morris (@RealKyleMorris) May 3, 2021
Let's roll anyway!!! I am sure there are other staging areas outside of Dc. Us the Reagan or Dulles airport parking lot. Pay to park the rollout!! GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!!
— Karl Pearl (@kspkspearl) May 4, 2021
The Biden administration sees veterans as white supremacists and anarchists. His handlers are going to do everything to stop any pro American activities. They stopped the 4th of July celebration at Mount Rushmore. What's next?
— CSB (@CSB86191359) May 3, 2021
Biden suffocates Patriotism
— ThroughMyEyes (@Richard36837296) May 4, 2021
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Men on motorcycles is what frightens Joe Biden. He really needs to get out more. I'd like to drop him off in Roxbury. He can wash his undies when he gets home.
why would joe want to hang out with a bunch of old 4-F sissies and draft dodgers that have low self esteem and a leather fetish?
joe only wears them once, then he donates them to the home for brain dead trumpsters to filter the water they soak their dentures in.
He can't find his own ass much less someone elses...
He sure kicked Trump's ass not too long ago.
Really, seems Biden and his admin are scared to death of the orange man bad. So scared they have to have their cronies censure him and deny our soldiers be honored for their service.
I want to be there when you call all them bikers that. I would even pay for the privilege.
Depends are only ment to be worn once. How many times do you wear them.
So are your spelling skills.
I'm pretty sure the President isn't who you go to for parking permits.
Of course he did...Biden is a POS.
... yeah, like those other patriots on 01/01/21. veterans only, no problem. but nobody wants to see a bunch of wannabe's flying gadsden flags, confederate flags, nazi flags, and trump flags off the sissy bars of their motorcycles. especially when this holiday represents the heroes that gave their lives protecting america from the same scum that is exemplified by the last administration and it's unamerican sycophants.
I was thinking something similar. Why would Biden want DC invaded by a horde of Trump flag waving idiots?
Let them take a year off and see if they can come back next year with a more reasonable and actually patriotic outlook.
anybody that believes trump won the last election and aligns themselves with that POS now, threw their patriotism away on 01/06/21. let the vet wannabe's ride down that street at 100mph without helmets at midnight. I'll order a hundred pounds of carpet tacks for the occasion.
oh, did you miss this part?
They would not come in 2021 and just promote generic patriotism, they would come and promote Trumpism. Fuck em. Stay home and cry in your beer.
let those wannabe-vet bikers ride around mar-a-lago, then they can all go gangbang melania and ivanka for all I care...
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They're going to come anyway. This just shows Biden's true character refusing to allow certain groups the same access as others get.
Speaking of unpatriotic people, how is that Michael Wood only got 3% of the vote? Doesn't Texas like Jesus loving family centric war heroes?
I did, hardly my problem if you can't see it.
What, so all bikers are Trump supporters and every event they do is a Trump rally? Did you miss the part where it's supposed to honor veterans? Is that a partisan issue?
The event is sponsored by AMVETS. They're a non-partisan veterans organization. Members donate money to both Republicans and Democrats.
Did you miss the part where they have been doing this for 32 years?
Rolling Thunder Tribute to US Military Turns into a Trump Rally
The Rolling Thunder caravan of motorcycles rolled into Washington Sunday, to support the U.S. military on the country's Memorial Day weekend, but it turned into a political rally for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, real estate titan Donald Trump.
Spoken like someone who is trying way too hard.
If support for Trump is the reason for the denial of a permit, then such denial violates the First Amendment.
The far left wacko extremists in Joe's administration appear to be totally in charge now.
The last groups that a government should alienate is the military, the vets, and law enforcement....while appeasing our enemies.
They're gonna come anyway. Lots of Dems and women and gays are vets....and like to ride. What will Biden do...call out National Guard and Capitol Police.
Now you're changing your tune?
Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are ‘Losers’ and ‘Suckers’
Note, this is not about Trump, this is about your partisan beliefs, and how they constantly change.
Your buddies here seem to differ.
I've never changed my tune or beliefs about those groups. I never said I supported that statement attributed to Trump.
Go troll and bully someone else
Supported, no. Defended, yes.
About my comment not being about Trump? Where do you see that?
Another bald faced lie. I have never his idiotic statements.
permit or no permit , whats going to stop a bunch of people using their chosen mode of transportation from using the roadways and going where they choose? Nothing.
Im too old and had too interesting a life to be a contortionist , hell i count myself lucky to be able to put my socks and shoes on by myself now.... i can remember when i was young and only my breakfast cereal went snap crackle and pop....nowdays....
Without unneeded comment.
Right on, Hallux. You just proved the headline of this seed to be absolute political bullshit - just about the only weapon the Republicans/conservatives/Trumpsters have left, they know that their ignorant followers witll eat it up.
Well, I don't know for sure, but then neither do you. If I were guessing, I'd say it went to the Secretary of Defence and MAYBE HE made the decision, and MAYBE he informed Biden who didn't disagree with him. But then, the headline didn't say "MAYBE", did it?
People need to vet articles before seeding them, otherwise they end up looking stupid when the reality is quite different from their biased sources.
no worries. they're used to that here.
Why do you ignore science? Imagine thinking, in 2021, that an outdoor event at the end of May will be a super spreader event.
“and anyone with a brain knows the Admin. knew and approved.”
You mean the pentagon answers to the commander in chief?
Why do I ignore science? Me ?
True if social distancing is followed I'm sure all will be safe.
Unfortunately it seems not everyone is always responsible. IMO: That's the main reason we have so many laws even, because so many people lack personal responsibility to begin with. .. Sad.
............... ................ .............. ...............
So this may have been a consideration: ?
North Parking Lot at the Pentagon
.. LOL ... NOT Me..... I'm just posting it...
My wife and I rode our Honda Gold Wing trikes down from New Jersey to Spanky's house in Virginia arriving Saturday. Spanky was hosting a cookout for the Southern Cruisers Riding Club (SCRC). We would be part of the SCRC group riding to the north parking lot of the Pentagon on Sunday to line up for Rolling Thunder.
We met up with the SCRC for breakfast at a local restaurant. The group was too large to ride together so it was split into two groups.
We rode up I95 and soon entered the center HOV lanes. We arrived at the Pentagon and weaved our way around the building to the north parking lot. This is the parking lot on the opposite side of the building from where the damage occurred during the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks.
There were numerous volunteers trying to direct us to our final positions in the parking lot. We were trying desperately to at least stay together with Spanky so we tried to ignore most of the frantic hand waving by the volunteers and kept our attention on Spanky's bike.
Bikes were packed together tightly in long columns and completely filled the lot within a few hours. We were at the head of a column looking directly at the Pentagon.
A grassy slope was way off to our right where many sat sunning themselves, waiting.
We arrived by 9 a.m. but the ride was not expected to begin until at least noon. There was no shade and the sun was hot. Many wouldn't get out until after 4 p.m.
Someone in the crowd had borrowed a ladder and climbed it to get a better picture of the crowd. That started a line of people wanting to use the ladder for their pictures too. Finally, someone stepped in and cut off the line so the poor guy could return the ladder. Here's a picture my wife got on top of that ladder.
................................
Something else I thought of that may not be real safe because of all the people maybe restaurants and hotels. I'm sure there is lots of close up partying going on as well.
Also I doubt the Rolling thunder ride is the only think still being affected by the virus. Sloowly we are trying to get back to more normal Sloooowly and carefully ... LOL "Conservatively so even...
"
Yes. Putting aside the number of people who will be vaccinated, if you still believe an outdoor event in the summer is bound to be a super spreader event you don't understand the science. T
That could be an issue if people are crowding indoors, but the event itself wouldn't be. Although with vaccinations becoming more prevalent, I think the days of "super spreader" events are pretty much past.
Seems it would be kinda hard to social distance the whole time though. I agree when riding the chance of exposure would be probably next to zero.
And Yes, I would imagine after dark would be the time to be most careful when people move indoors for dinner, partying and lodging.
PS: I'll bet every restaurant, hotel, motel and RV park is swamped close to and all long the ride.
I'm sure it's a good time, But I'd be careful, Tomorrow is another day and I hate being sick...lol
Yeah, taking into consideration the people who are bound to attend such an event and the improbability of preventative guidelines being followed religiously, and from experience already gained from such events, and the fact that today's daily figure of new coronavirus cases and deaths from Johns Hopkins is 40,733 cases and 933 deaths in America notwithstanding the number of people vaccinated, and the event is only a little more than three weeks away, and as Yogi Berra said, "it isn't over 'till it's over",I think I DO understand the science, but I also know that denial is not unknown among others.
Internet photos (Bing) of the Rolling Thunder event 2020, duing the worst of the pandemic. As here noted by a supporter of the event, the pandemic is so well under control now due to vaccinations, so surely isn't it bound to be an even more massive event? It's not just the riders, it's all the others who attend.
The @DeptofDefense has denied a parking permit to the American Veterans, or AmVets, to stage a rallying point at the Pentagon,
“Memorial Day traditions like Rolling to Remember have been granted permits by every administration, Democrat and Republican, for the past 30 years,” said Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL). “The Biden Administration’s decision to end this Memorial Day tradition flies in the face of the freedoms that so many have died to protect,” Rep. Mast told Fox News.
A special events section of the Pentagon had approved AMVETS’ permit for Rolling to Remember on March 11 but then revoked it. Last month, Mast — a 12-year Army veteran who worked as a bomb disposal expert and lost both his legs while deployed in Afghanistan — wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urging him to “promptly approve” the permit in April.
In his letter, Mast said the Pentagon approved the permit “only to revoke that approval a week later, citing a ‘routing error’ and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event is being put at risk by the refusal of the Pentagon to approve the permit in a timely manner.”
AMVETS’ national executive director Joe Chennelly expressed his disappointment with the decision on “Fox & Friends First” on Monday.
“Our biggest disappointment with the Pentagon’s decision here was that they never gave us an opportunity, despite us asking many times, to be able to present a plan of how we would be able to meet at the Pentagon parking lot outdoors in a safe, responsible way,” Chennelly said.
“What, traditionally, this event has been all about is our missing in action. We have more than 80,000 Americans who are still missing in action since World War II,” Chennelly said. “We are committed to still having a central staging area. … We have a Plan B and a Plan C.”
w.dailywire.com/news/biden-administration-blasted-for-ending-vets-30-year-old-memorial-day-rolling-thunder-motorcycle-parade
If you tell bikers they can't do something that they have been doing, that will just make them more determined to do it and more of them will show up