Allen West, Claude Kirk and Outlaws
10/19/2010
This isn't the first time the Outlaw motorcycle gang has been part of Florida politics.
This week, Republican Allen West has been trying to explain what he was doing with members of the Outlaw motorcycle gang which impressed him with their "security" efforts on his behalf.
Democrat Congressman Ron Klein has tried to suggest that West may be a bit too friendly with the Outlaws in an effort to stave off a serious challenge by West.
But let's go back to 1967, when the Outlaws became the foil of Florida's Republican governor after they nailed a girl to a tree.
Kitty's Saloon was a less than reputable place near Juno Beach. The Outlaws made it their hangout and place of business.
Christine Deese, an 18 year old redhead, was nailed to a tree when she failed to give $10 to her "old man." After watching her for 15 minutes, the Outlaws took her to St. Mary's Hospital.
Apparently it never occurred to the gang that the doctors might find the whole thing a tad suspicious and call the cops.
The Outlaws had already been getting attention from the cops and prosecutors for raising hell, firing guns in the air and menancing the fine folks of Juno Beach (who are now best know for speed and traffic light cameras).
Gov. Claude Kirk vowed to rid the state of the Outlaws and participated in at least one raid.
Kirk was featured in newspaper stories throughout the country and in Life, Newsweek and other magazines.
"This bunch of bums has got the word they're not welcome in Florida," said Kirk when the roundup was over. "I hope young thrill-seeking girls who go with them know now they can get their fingers burned -- or, in this case, their hands nailed."
The round-up included Outlaws - Spider (who had Reese nailed), Fat Frank, Mangy, Super Squirrel, and Crazy John. They all pleaded guilty.
Today, if they are still alive, they are collecting Social Security.
Despite Kirk's growing fame as a crimefighter - it wasn't enough to help him win reelection in 1968.
Ron Klein courted the same SFCOC Clubs. Despite what has been alleged, the Leathernecks MC (a veteran’s group) are not affiliated with The Outlaws. You have to join the SFCOC in order to have a MC in SoFla. This "gang" is a local veterans support club that raises funds and does funeral escorts for fallen service members. Also, it is interesting to compare the unedited video of the Vets for West Rally to the one released by the DNC. http://www.usmcleathernecks.com/ron-klein/
Posted by: Lauderdale Vet | 10/20/2010 at 08:52 AM