Announcing:
           “2nd Annual Truckers
          Appreciation Parade, 2001”

     Introduction:

 The American Reform Association Inc. (Association) is a civil minded political action / lobbing group, whose main office is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The Association is a member base organization that was founded for the purpose of protecting the American citizens’ Constitutional rights, civil liberties, and ability to engage in our free enterprise system.

The Association is currently engaged in the trucking industry with motor carriers involved in Interstate Commerce. We have not limited our efforts in this industry just on commercial and Constitutional issues. The Association believes that the  protection of American industry and jobs (in this case) is coupled with protecting American lives on our highways.
 
 

     Parade:

     Last year, in March of 2000, the Association was involved in a convoy of
     semi-trucks that traveled the entire length of the United States.
     The Association was one of three organizations that took part in this
     event. We called to our  members to take part in this convoy that we
     dubbed the “Truckers Appreciation Parade 2000”. Our members
     answered the call and many of them placed the letters ‘TBOR’ on the
     back of their trailers with duct tape, (this year we have vinyl lettering
      available). It was estimated that by the time the convoy had reached
     Washington, DC on the 16th of March there were nearly 10,000 trucks
     that were involved, start to finish. There were many drivers that we spoke
     to at truck stops and along the way that gave us their support.

     What:

     This year the Association is hosting the “2nd Annual Truckers
     Appreciation Parade, 2001” (2ATAP). We will be extending an invitation
     to take part in this event to several other trucking companies and
     organizations and expect to see a  significant increase in participation.

    Owner / Operators-drivers, company drivers, trucking companies, or
     individuals  that wish to take part in 2ATAP are welcome to stay with the
    parade for the complete trip. If this is not possible, participants are
    welcome to drive for as much of the trip as their schedule will allow. For
    leaders of an RT or SRT, they can hand the proverbial “baton” on to
    another driver to continue the trip. However, this  must be arranged in
    advance. 1

     When:

 The main convoy in 2ATAP will begin with a rally on July 6th & 7th, 2001 in Ontario, CA. Other legs of 2ATAP will start in several other major cities across the  nation, (times and locations to be announced at a later date) and all will end in Washington, DC on July 16, 2001.

     Where:

The Association is working to establish additional rallies at major cities across the nation as a part of 2ATAP. This would include volunteers and representatives to drive their trucks or pilot cars to head up and lead the individual convoys that will join main parade legs along the way. Not all slots have been filled. If you would like to take part in 2ATAP or have someone represent you, contact our office.

     Why:

As our nation intends on opening up the Mexican border to Mexican trucks two issues become problems that must be addressed. The safety of our fellow Americans, (the safety on our highways) is a working condition that we must insist on being enforced. The second is American industry and American jobs.

We have seen the steel, plastics, garment, automotive, and electronic industries in the United States close down as Mexican base industry continues to grow. I realize that the opportunity to pay less for labor is attractive, but consider the stock market. If Americans can not afford to buy, the American economy suffers.

As major trucking companies merge together, will they remain based in the United States? Will we, the American citizens be able to compete? If American citizens can not afford to buy products, what will we haul?

At the Association we believe that it is time to call for a “Motor Carriers Summit, 2001”. For our elected officials to take the time to stop and listen to our concerns and the condition of our industry will only help our industry and our nations economy.

As we join the 'global economy' it is not unreasonable to ask for protection of the individual American citizens ability to engage in the free enterprise system. It is not  unreasonable to ask for protection of American jobs.

The Association has and is sending out invitations to a select list of Senators and Congressmen. Many have accepted and we expect many more to follow. Feel free to extend an invitation to elected officials that you have had contact with in the past.
 
 

          How?

          We encourage you to take a few short moments to make plans to take
          part in or to be represented in 2ATAP. There are some leadership
          positions that are yet to be filled.

          We have designed a 2ATAP logo to commemorate the event and help
          to defer the high cost of this endeavor. We have allowed a space in
          the 2ATAP logo for you to place your logo. This will allow you to
          show your support; positive affirmation. Good drivers are hard to
          keep, your support will only show that you care about their life out on
          the road and our economy.

     If you have any questions, please contact my office. I will be happy to
      help.

     Eric Zephyr
     President
     American Reform Assn. Inc.