During the past few days my friend and 'brother' BadInfluence63 was banned. He was stabbed in the back by a low rent personal attack that maligned his character in an open forum. He was belittled in a cowardly ambush launched behind the safety of a keyboard.

BI63 and I are truly brothers. Had this attack been in a saloon I can guarantee you that our response would have been direct, open, and brutal. You do not soil a man's name and reputation without serious ramifications. This is a bike forum, BI63 and I are real bikers, and an attacker has no special rights because he hides behind a coax cable.

BI63 should be reinstated without excuse or hesitation.

From two sources I hear the explanation that this is a big misunderstanding. Oh, there was a tragic computer server error, and posts were lost, and blah, blah, blah. I told RK that this is simply a "my computer ate my homework" excuse and a man's reputation hangs in the balance. BS.

I didn't spend five years in a bike club getting honor and commitment pounded into my tough skull to sell out those very ideals for the 'privilege' of being a forum member. The old code means more to me than discussing which brand of bolts is better for a 1983 full-dresser. From day one I have made no secret that the thrust of my belief system is the same now as it was in 1968.

Being able to call BI63 my brother and compatriot is worth more to me than yammering in a hobbyist forum. We come as a pair. No excuses, no quarter.

You attack him, you attack me. Ban him, ban me. You want me, you take him, too. And make your decision quick. I am impatient over matters of integrity.

Politics is like taking a dump. It's not officially over until your done with 'the paper work.'

My phone and personal e-mail has been clogged with support for BI63. It's good news and bad news. Bad news because the fight went public. Good news because real bikers rush to help in a fight, and yikes, did you ever!

The management and I are corresponding. I do not consider those private dealings to be fodder for here and now. Both sides are 'stubborn,' and I mean that in the motorcycling sense of the word.

My goal here is to make BI63 "whole." It is up to him to actually post--or never come back. But his account should be restored.

I ask for your trust. I will make sure to address all of your concerns. Time for cooler heads, brothers.

I have just received confirmation that BadInfluence63 is no longer banned, and has been welcomed back. The episode is finished. We will be moving forward.

Thank you for your (intense) support. Just remember, you must be careful for what you wish for. He'll be back. Chico