Carlos Hazday

I've done some traveling on my motorcycle over the past decade; many of the descriptions of places CJ visits are based on my experiences. Some are the result of research. The variety of landscapes in the US is amazing and few of us appreciate what our country offers. From South Carolina swamps to the New Mexico desert, to large urban centers, there's a multitude of sights to enjoy.

It's good to see you here on a Sunday morning, Renee. Welcome back and feel better.

Although exaggerated for dramatic purposes, the woman's attitude is not unique. Please note she's probably not a rider herself but one of the many skanks who hand out at motorcycle gatherings trying to hook up with bikers.

Welcome to the club LOL One reader told me about bragging to someone that she knew people heavily involved with the Human Rights Campaign; she was referring to CJ and his fathers.

Considering the proliferation of reputation points due to 'chat' threads, this is something I'd love to see.

I've done it again, haven't I? Mention motorcycle helmets, guns, the death penalty, and now abortion and the comments go through the roof!

@dughlas I agree. Roberts is a little more realistic than Scalia was or Thomas is. Sooner or later, more liberal judges may be appointed. If the conservatives start overturning decisions, we could end up in a tit-for-tat and us Americans would be the ones suffering. CJ may hate me for this but a STRICT interpretation of the 2nd Amendment could decide militia does not refer to individuals.

This is a no-spoiler zone. Liz was Owen's sister.

Considering the number of women running for President, all the new laws will be a campaign issue. Although a large number of Americans are opposed to abortion, I think just as many or more would prefer the status quo.

Ritchie turns 18 and leaves for Colorado in the summer. See what I mentioned about CJ protecting his brother. The dads may never find out. I know the parents of the two guys I helped in a similar situation never did.

I think at one point I had CJ rail against the short-sightedness of politics and business. This is a perfect example. I suspect the idiot in the White House will express his support for those laws and that will be ammunition the opposition will use against him. The pendulum shall swing. It may not happen next year but at some point... Am I being foolish thinking the Supreme Court will punt? Roberts could very well side with the liberals in this issue.

Thanks, bud.

It'll all depend on when they find out. Since Ritchie specifically approached CJ and Owen not wanting Cesar to see a large expenditure, it may be a while. I don't think CJ would betray his brother's trust. Additionally, the dads may be a bit more relaxed than you suspect. The second child always has it easier and since CJ's already stood up to them a few times, they may decide not to do anything too drastic which could bring CJ's wrath down upon them. Also, the dads support Planned Parenthood, I made certain that was noted in the chapter. They are obviously not anti-abortion.

@dughlas You've pretty much mirrored my views. If anyone's opposed to abortion, they don't have to have one. I wouldn't, but I wouldn't dream of forcing my personal beliefs on anyone. Lucy made a decision and Ritchie supports her right to do so.

I get the feeling CJ followers are a bunch of size queens. Sorry, ladies, I'm referring to the men!

Your fault for raising her to think for herself instead of being a sheep (ewe)!

I wholeheartedly agree. Daddy can have an opinion but the decision is ultimately mommy's. What amazes me is all the anti-abortion idiots who proclaim the sanctity of life but then forget about the kids' welfare. One out of five children in the US live in poverty and many go to bed hungry. How about we worry about the living instead of a fetus? Don't get me started! LOL

It would be hypocritical of the author, CJ, or anyone else to try and dictate how a woman should behave when we all oppose the government telling us who we can love. This is one of those areas where institutional intrusion reinforces CJ's belief in limited government and the evils of religion.

Ritchie benefits from having superior role models. With Brett, Cesar, CJ, and Owen around, Ritchie's actions reflect what he's learned from the dads and his brothers.

An abortion is a personal decision best left to women. I wouldn't dream of telling anyone what to do. There'll be a short comment following up, but this is CJ's story and delving deeper into what's a peripheral issue for the MC didn't sound right. Four chapters to go and the next one's a motorcycle trip. The biggest drama will be whether CJ wears a helmet or not.

Those two were meant to be together. Now and then, they force me to write sappy lines. LOL

Lucy's decision to go on the pill was made before the events in this chapter. She's never been a major character and a discussion of pros and cons would be outside the realm of what I wanted to cover. As far as birth defects, it sounds like a scare tactic similar to immunizations. I admit my knowledge is limited since it's not something I've had to deal with. Your comment about Ozzie summarizes my intent for that section of the chapter. Ritchie's learned he's not alone and can always go to his 'brothers' for help. The fact he talked to Owen before CJ arrived shows how much the kid trusts the Aussie. CJ taking time to think before acting was something else I wanted to highlight. His dads blew up at him a few times and he doesn't want to repeat the mistakes. And as far as Owen goes, I'm pretty sure the money concerns bothering him in the past are gone. Him being the one to offer the money was on purpose. Considering recent news about Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, and other states trying to interfere in a woman's right to make their own decisions, I'm amazed at the timing of this chapter considering it was written so long ago.

I've been through what CJ and Owen faced twice. In both cases, I provided funds and a place to rest. Things are a little different these days since an early pregnancy can be terminated using abortion medication. Ritchie will be with her right after, and I hope will keep tabs on her while the pills work. I think it takes up to 48 hours before the uterus empties itself.

I'm sure everything will be fine. It's the back-alley, coat hanger abortions some people would like to see return that are really dangerous.

I can't win! LOL Y'all complain about long chapters with too much going on but when I give you one with only two subjects being covered it's too short.