On Friday, January 11th, the Mongols logo was removed from the Mongols MC. A US District Court ruled that they were guilty of things such as conspiracy , racketeering, drug dealing , and even murder. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jury-decides-strip-mongols-biker-gang-trademark-logo-n958036
Instead of attacking the club’s members, the end result of a decade long attack was to focus on the logo. The Mongols logo, is a Genhis Khan caricature riding a chopper, holding on to a sword. This has been the symbol that represented one of the most notorious of the 1% MC clubs that exists.
While there is a history and symbolism to this logo, it is just that. The members of the club are still 1% bikers. The government pulling the logo is a unique attack that many others fear is an attack on freedom and independence.
The prosecutors made the case that the root of all evil was the logo. Battles and even murders have occurred as a result of this logo. If you remove the image, you will weaken the club. While this may be a blow and it may be something that leads to other attacks on expression and symbols, the elements that existed from the beginning will still be there. Brotherhood and biker camaraderie. Criminal elements find their way into any organization. There may be a hedge fund managers club or pharmacy exec club with a rolex symbol . Will the government then seek out anyone wearing a rolex as a way to weaken the criminal element?
An Outlaw Approach
Violent attacks, drugs, and other crimes the Mongols have been accused of in the past are not something that is good for any society. Attacking the symbols and logos is an attack on something bigger and may open the door to other attacks on freedoms enjoyed in this country. This approach by prosecutors will have to be watched. Is it even “outlaw” its self.