I remember back when I was studying history, how confusing I found the politics of the Balkans. And whenever I felt that I might have sorted things out, it all shifted and I was back at ground zero.
Sometimes I get the same feeling looking at biker clubs. Often it’s the same cast of characters, switching patches like they were fastened on with Velco. Yesterday’s Bandido is today’s Mongol and tomorrow’s Rock Machine and next week’s Vago.
Rob Lamberti and Chris Doucette of the Toronto Sun bravely sought to sort out where things stand in the Greater Toronto Area at the moment. I don’t know Chris but I have worked with and in competition with Rob for years and I believe whatever is printed under his byline. He’s thorough and careful and takes his reputation seriously.
I personally think the Hells Angels have things too sewn up for there to be any biker war in the GTA. Billy Miller and Paul Porter were both Angels’ rivals, but accepted patches and now are HA leaders in the province. The Hells Angels don’t really have to fight. They can just offer patches to people they want inside their tent.