This morning, outside the Tallahassee Capitol, I witnessed democracy on two wheels—a rumbling, leather-clad, flag-waving brigade of over 150 Trump-supporting bikers protesting their sky-high insurance premiums. And let me tell you, their message wasn’t just loud—it was exhaust-pipe loud.
Yesterday afternoon, I had the chance to chat with some of these “democracy in action” road warriors. They were fired up—not just about insurance costs but also about navigating the legislative process. Some were laser-focused on practical matters, like how to get through security at the Capitol. One question that stumped me: If someone “carries” both a gun and a knife, does that count as one concealed weapon or two? I suddenly felt underqualified for both security consulting and medieval weaponry laws.
But jokes aside, these bikers are onto something important. Insurance laws and policy forms don’t just appear out of thin air—they’re influenced by legislators who, in turn, are influenced by the people who show up and make noise (sometimes literally, in the case of these Harleys).
The reality is that in a diverse democracy, different groups will have different concerns. Some are worried about homeowners insurance, some about flood coverage, and some—like this group—about the cost of insuring their bikes. And that’s exactly why participation matters.
Because, let’s face it, if everyone thought the same way, life would be like eating plain oatmeal every day—no sugar, no fruit, no cinnamon—just an endless, tasteless mush of predictability.
But thanks to the variety of voices (and revving engines) in our democracy, we get a system that—while sometimes chaotic—is never boring.
Thought For The Day
“Democracy is not something you believe in; it is something you do.”
—Abbie Hoffman
