When we were kids, we picked our friends based on how close they lived, or who had the coolest toys. As we grew older, we gathered like minded kids and made our own "cliques", small groups that were better (or worse) than other "cliques". Then, on the big day of hitting adulthood, we realized how foolish it all was, and we made our own way through life.

Now, at a time where solidarity would be of utmost importance, we are back to the "kid" stage, gathering our "cliques" and being better than the rest.

What the hell am I talking about? You don't see it?

Look around the freedom movement in the motorcycle world. There are several, if not many, groups out there. All of them want one or more freedoms, whether it be helmet choice, loud pipes, off road riding, or actual militia-type scenarios. In the true sense of "freedom of speech", none of these groups are wrong. But as the saying goes, "your freedom stops where my nose begins".

We have to watch the terminology we use in our everyday lives, if we are on a 24 hour promotion of our ideals. To talk about gathering troops to win, let's say, a helmet repeal, then in the same speech referring to the RUBS or YUPPIES in our world is only forming a class system in our world. I have asked over and over for a definition of a RUB, no one has one.

For the uninformed, the word RUB means "RICH URBAN BIKER". That is the extent of a definition you will get anywhere, as I have found. Now, if the truth were known, most owners of running Harleys would fall into the RUB category by someone out there. Anyone working, and owning a Harley that runs would fit into the category.

Take the term "RICH URBAN BIKER" apart via Webster's Dictionary:
RICH: 
1. having wealth or great possessions; abundantly supplied with resources, means, or funds; wealthy: a rich man; a rich nation.
URBAN: 
1. of, pertaining to, or designating a city or town.
2. living in a city.
3. characteristic of or accustomed to cities; citified: He is an urban type.
BIKER: 
1. a person who rides a bicycle, motorcycle, or motorbike, esp. in competition or as a hobby.
2. Informal.a member of a motorcycle gang.

Now. looking at the definitions, we have to further define:
wealth:
1. a great quantity or store of money, valuable possessions, property, or other riches: the wealth of a city.
2. an abundance or profusion of anything; plentiful amount: a wealth of imagery.
3. Econ.
a. all things that have a monetary or exchange value.
b. anything that has utility and is capable of being appropriated or exchanged.
4. rich or valuable contents or produce: the wealth of the soil.
5. the state of being rich; prosperity; affluence: persons of wealth and standing.
6. Obs.happiness.

It looks like #5 applies here, to the term RUB.

So, looking at the definitions of this term, many, most, or all of us are deemed RUBs by SOMEONE out there. You like that idea? Did you just say "I ain't no f***ing rub? Then you are a bigot, and a detriment to the freedoms movement in the USA.

Don't leave yet, there is more.
Another term of endearment we throw around:

YUPPIE:
a young, ambitious, and well-educated city-dweller who has a professional career and an affluent lifestyle. Also,YUPPY.

The term "affluent" can be defined, again, many ways. The guy not working, collecting welfare, might think anyone with a job and a new Harley is "affluent". That guy with the job may look at the dude with two Harleys and think he is "affluent". Malcombe Forbes was "affluent". It is all relative.

Now, to my bottom line:

In a world obsessed with imagery and ego, why would we want to alienate even ONE partner in our fight? Most people want to fit into a group, be accepted. Whether this is right or wrong is another issue, but it is true. We have to be aware that our labeling of FELLOW RIDERS based on a class system is not only derogatory and unfair, but fatal to our need for troops in our fight. How can we hold meetings, with strangers at the meeting, while referring to RUBS and YUPPIES? I have seen this happen, and heard the comment after the meetings. It was not pleasant, and they did not come back.

Do not get me wrong, I fell into the same "biker lingo" in the past. It is very easy to do. I do not now use terms such as YUPPY, RUB, WANNABE, JAPSHIT, RICE ROCKET, and other terms. These are counter productive, except to put up a fence around us. Besides, maybe a rich guy with a new bike with zero miles on it is a politician.... a potential ally.

Don't discriminate against your own, our own. The guy you call a yuppie today may well be a great fighter tomorrow, for us.