The Bull Pen: February 2009

Did you know that Illinois has more units of government than any other state (i.e., city, county, township, etc.). Over six thousand. One contributing reason may be the township governments, which are generally six miles square. 

Did you know that Illinois has the highest gas tax in the Nation?

Did you know that Chicago Illinois has the highest sales tax in the Nation?

Now, thanks to Rep. Kenneth Dunkin (D-Chicago) our legislators may have found a way around the pesky Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.  If you don't remember what the Second Amendment is here you go:  A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Rep. Dunkin has introduced House Bill 687 to the Illinois Legislature which would require gunowners to purchase $1 million worth of liability insurance. 

This bill is a not worth the paper it is written on.  As an insurance guy you would think that I would support any action that helps me sell more insurance.  Think again.  This bill was poorly constructed and the liability insurance that this bill would require would not cover liability from criminal acts which is what it was intended to do.

Dunkin's bill also would require the Illinois State Police, to revoke and seize the firearms & the firearm owner ID cards from anyone who does not supply proof of the liability coverage to the agency.
HB 687 is currently under consideration in the Illinois House of Representatives' Rules Committee.

I have always enjoyed hunting and look back with fond memories of my dad taking me hunting after school.  Hunting and gun ownership has been a lifelong tradition for Americans.  My son Clay and I enjoy hunting together and target shooting which has been a wonderful father son bonding activity for us.

Lets face the facts regarding gun ownership.  Statistics have shown that Americans who legally own firearms are not the problem.  The problem is with those folks who illegally own firearms.

I have been supportive of wating periods for gun ownership, gun registration, safety training and other well thought plans which address gun ownership and safety.  Last year my son Clay completed his hunter safety education and what a happy day this was for our family. 

At what point do we say enough is enough?  Our second amendment rights are on trial here.

Are you still unconvinced?  Lets fast forward.

Consider Attorney General Eric Holder who recently stated "The Second Amendment Does Not Protect Firearms Possession or Use That Is Unrelated To Participation In a Well-Regulated Militia."

This is the same guy who recently said "Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and I believe continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards," 

Cowards Mr. Holder?  I respectfully disagree....

So what can you do?  Please contact your elected officials to share your thoughts.  If you do not know who your elected officials are please use the following link to search for your representatives.

 http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx?NavLink=1

Let Freedom Ring

Who is the real Roland Burris?  If you look at his headstone he is a trailblazer who has selflessly served the people of Illinois for years.  I thought ex Gov Blago picked a Teflon clad guy in Burris.  If you look back upon his career it appears scandal free. 

As we watched Roland get hammered from every corner it appeared he was a legitimate choice and not even Blago could screw this one up.  During questioning Roland Burris told Illinois legislators that he had no contact with anyone related to former Gov. Blagojevich and his alleged scheme to sell that same senate seat? Roland scores the seat and time to move on...

But wait just one minute.... Now Roland Burris has said that, as a matter of fact, he actually did have such contact? Now Burris recalls that he did have contact with Blago's ex Chief of Staff who is now indicted and probably looking forward to some quiet time in the Governors ward of Wisconsin Federal Prison.  It appears that Burris did try to do some fundraising for Blago but must have had amnesia when asked during his confirmation process about any contact...

It looks like we will have to see what the ethics investigation produces as Roland has publicly stated that he will no longer answer questions regarding this ordeal. 

I have never been one to judge someone before they have had their day in court.  I would be interested in what the next inscription on Rolands headstone will be.  Any suggestions?

If you are stuck in the same old business model you have used for years you may be Disco Dick. If you are constantly looking for the better ways to serve your clients you may now be Hip Hop Harry. So which one are you?

Lets face it, everyone has their Achilles heel.  What I mean by that is everyone has something that they absolutely dread.   For me it's the dentist.  For others it may be talking to insurance agents, accountants, Realtors or lenders.  There are countless things that people dread.  My question is, what do you do to help your clients overcome this fear on their terms?

 As I mentioned, I have always dreaded my dentist appointments.  Maybe it goes back to some bad experience that I had as a kid or maybe I am just a wimp.  Either way, I just knew that when it was dentist time I was always looking for excuses to put it off.  Fortunately for me I found a dentist that "Caters to Cowards".

This dentist treated me on my terms and what a wonderful change.  Now let me be forthright.  If you pump enough Nitrous Oxide into someone it's damn near a certainty that you will have an enjoyable experience. 

So what is my point here?  We all reach out to existing & prospective clients in hopes of earning their trust and developing a long term relationship.  Are you placing your clients needs above all others? 

Take a moment and look at what stereotypes exist for folks in your industries and ask yourself if you are part of the problem or part of the solution. 

If you constantly strive to serve the needs of your clients on their terms you are part of the solution so please keep up the good work...

My name is Dean Akey & I sell insurance on your terms.  If I can help you please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or call me at 630-232-9811.

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. If you don't remember me, my name is Dean Akey and I will be your guide for another fun filled edition.  Are you ready?  OK then, let's get started...

It was February 6^th and I fired up my trusty scoot "Betty" to ride in a funeral for Ed Ufland.  Ed was the past President of the Blue Knights where I serve as Chaplain.  Ed had lost his battle with cancer and was a wonderful man & lifelong biker who will be missed by many.  The weather was a balmy 9 degrees when I departed for work and even considering the circumstances, I couldn't have had a bigger smile on my face.  It was great to be on two wheels again.  After getting into work and wiping the frozen boogers out of my moustache I got to thinking that another riding season has begun.  What a wonderful feeling to be back in the saddle. 

It has been said that only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out the car window.  I would definitely enjoy the wind rushing thru my hair if I had any.  Even without hair I love the feeling of freedom from when I ride.  Freedom is something that universally ties all bikers together.  Speaking of freedom, have you ever heard of Representative Karen A. Yarbrough (D) of the 7th District?  If you are a biker and live in Illinois, you will.  You see, on February 10^th, Representative Yarbrough introduced House Bill 925 to the 96^th General Assembly.  House Bill 925 if passed amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to require every operator and passenger on a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or motorized pedalcycle to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards.  That's right, mandatory helmets are coming to Illinois should Representative Yarbrough get her way. 

Now, not all Illinois Bikers are passionate about this topic.  If you are now is the time to reach out to your State Representative and share your thoughts. If you don't know who your State Representative is you can search for your Representative at the following link.  http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx?NavLink=1

In addition to contacting your State Representative, you may want to join ABATE

A.B.A.T.E stands for A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education.  The mission of the members of A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois is to preserve the universal right to a safe, unrestricted motorcycling environment, and to propose and advocate actions that can be taken by elected and appointed officials to protect and conserve the natural resources of the State of Illinois, and ensure through professional management that sustainable use, recreational opportunities and enjoyment of these new resources is available for this and future generations.

ABATE makes every effort to influence State, National, and Worldwide political actions in favor of motorcycle rights.  In addition, ABATE conducts programs to educate drivers, seniors, legislators, and motorcyclists. You can find a local chapter at http://www.abate-il.org/.  Please stay tuned to Abate for the latest developments on this issue and let freedom ring.

The debate on motorcycle helmets continues to evoke great emotion from all of us bikers.  It is my belief that as bikers, we, and not our government should be allowed to decide this issue.    

If you would like to share your opinions and meet other bikers, please join the Chicagoland Bikers group on Facebook.  The Chicagoland Bikers group is open to everyone and has some great features like your favorite rides, biker friendly establishments and the latest biker related events. 

Well, that's it for this month.  When I am not sharing my wisdom with you via my Thunder Roads editorials or running the Rescue Rider program, I run an insurance agency West of Chicago.  I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most.  If I can help you with your insurance please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899.  I would love to hear from you.  Until next month, enjoy the ride.

Ok, its Friday the 13th and getting close to the weekend...  I have always been a superstitious person and think that this unlucky day has caught up to me.  I had the White Castle sliders for dinner last night and whamo.... They say a pic is worth a thousand words... Try this on instead... Have a great weekend and stay away from the White Castle sliders if you know what's good for you.

Dumb & Dumber - Potty Time

I would like to Welcome David Carr to Active Rain.  David is a genius when it comes to Social Networking.  For those of you in the Columbus Georgia area David is a guy you should absolutely get to know...

America Needs Heroes.... Not Zero's

Maybe its just me but I doubt it.  Lets face it times are tough for folks everywhere.  I was so very disappointed in Michael Phelps and the pictures that surfaced recently.  This guy truly had the world by the tail and was reportedly worth $100,000,000 in the endorsement market.  Many big companies flocked to Michael's court as a result of his amazing performance at the Summer Olympic Games.  Phelps endorsed many big name products as corporate america was happy to allign itself with a modern day hero...   And did Michael rack up the zeros......

And Then

Sometimes we find it funny to laugh at the lovable looser like Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times at Rigemont High.  The difference is that Spicoli was not ever a person that our kids idolized or was paid millions of dollars as a true American hero....

Michael, I hope you loose all of your endorsement deals and spend the rest of your days reflecting on how you have let America down and all of those children who looked to you as their hero.  Ok, maybe that is too harsh.... You can still have one endorsement deal....

 This seems to be more to your liking...

Do you tweet?  Are you on Facebook? How about Ziggs?  There are multiple channels available for you to connect with other folks.  The newest wave now is linking all of the pieces together and reaching out to your audience. 

If you have something to say, you should constantly look for avenues to reach out.  I recently found what I think will be the newest method of connecting with others in your community.  The concept is called hosted blog/conversation sites.   These are typically alligned geographically and attract some of the best bloggers and people in your areas. 

I am looking forward to seeing these sites grow in popularity and add another tool in our social networking programs.  Please check out http://www.illinoisblogspot.com/ which is the group I just joined. 

For those of you in the Ohio area here is another good example of one of these sites.  http://www.intowncolumbus.com/