The word "Diablo" when translated into English means "Devil". It seems that the Diablos Motorcycle Club (MC) periodically attempts to live up to its namesake, whether intentionally or not.
Let's start with a few quick facts about the Diablos MC. According to Wikipedia the club was founded in 1961 in San Bernardino California. The founder Jack Baltas died in 2012 at the age of 70 years of age, shortly after being released from prison on drug trafficking charges. It's a whites-only club that spans across the entire United States but has a higher density on the east coast. One interesting tidbit about Jack Baltas is that at one time, he was a candidate for Meriden city council, a town in Connecticut which in 2010 had a population of over 60,000. What makes this interesting is that to be a candidate for any city council, one is usually civic-minded, respected within the community and an able communicator. Perhaps these characteristics is what allowed Jack Baltas to organize and grow a nationally recognized organization.
Another key fact regarding the Diablos MC is that it's considered part of the one percenters. Basically, what this means is that the Diablos MC and similarly organized clubs that are one percenters live outside the rules as prescribed by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). This is not to say that the Diablos MC has no rules, but that they have their own set of regulations. One of those rules is that every club member must be a gun owner - no exceptions.
The Good
Being a member of the Diablos MC, or any club for the matter, provides one with a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose. What's wrong with socializing with others that have similar interests and values? Within all one percenter clubs, there is a strong sense of respect for one another. A code of conduct is a must, with strong repercussions for those that violate that trust. Should a fellow member die, there is a typically a very large funeral procession, the purpose of which is to show respect for the dead member and to his surviving family. Typically helmets are not worn during the funeral procession. Ultimately, the Diablos MC have each others backs.
Let's face it, there's a certain swagger that comes with being a one percenter. By its association with other one percenter clubs, being a member of the Diablos MC puts one in a circle that is not an easy affiliation to become part of. What's wrong with striving to become a member of a very exclusive organization? With a motto of "Diablos Forever, Forever Diablos" one can begin to grasp the seriousness of joining such a gang. For all intents and purposes, these guys are total bad asses.
Let's look at this from a Harley Davidson perspective. You have these guys cruising around on your product. They're in the news periodically, albeit not for necessarily doing things that are beneficial for the masses, yet it's basically free advertising. Are there any statements from Harley Davidson disavowing specific motorcycle clubs? Just by existing the club is contributing in a way to the economy. Throw in insurance, buying gas, ammunition and the purchasing of accessories. The Diablos MC may or may not like the idea of contributing to the global economy, but Harley Davidson motorcycles are made of numerous parts that come from all over the world.
The Bad
Over the years, the Diablos MC has had numerous run ins with the law. In 2017 there was an incident of a shooting near a Diablos MC in Terre Haute, IN. Long story short, there was an altercation between a few club members and another individual. The altercation escalated, resulting in a number of shots being fired on a street near the club. A number of club members were brought up on charges due to witnesses testifying that the shooting took place and that club members attempted to cover up evidence, including the hiding of guns and the picking up of shell casings. Now in all fairness, who wouldn't pick up shell casings after a shooting? Isn't it human nature to clean up ones mess? Most of us were taught at an early age to pick up after oneself. Hiding guns, well that's another issue. It's safe to say that the Diablos MC members sees themselves as an outlaw motorcycle gang (OMC), as do most law enforcement agencies.
You Decide
Let's face it, the Diablos MC have been involved in a number of elicit activities. Yet, the appeal to many is apparent. It's an organization that has been around for almost 60 years. How many organizations match that record? How many business can say that? They do what they want and strongly believe in America and freedom. They don't bend the knee to "the man". Deep down most folks have the yearning to live a free lifestyle, but lack the gumption to do so.
Is drug trafficking and weapons distribution the way to go? Probably not. However, these two alleged traits of the Diablos MC contain components of capitalism. Supply and demand, profitability and the freedom to do so.