Virginia Freedom Riders :: Freedom Forums

Virginia Bikers' Rights :: Results of Latest Gov. Motorcycle Advisory Council Meeting

Author: faceman
Subject: Results of Latest Gov. Motorcycle Advisory Council Meeting
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 5:33 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

On April 29th I attended a meeting of the Motorcycle Advisory Council. As in the past, a major topic of discussion was the rise in motorcyclist fatalities in 2007.

The Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Ralph M. Davis gave a presentation. Ralph has recently received his "M" endorsement and is a new motorcycle rider. Ralph painted a grim picture of fatalities in Virginia using a mixture of data from the DMV, National data, and U.S. DOT. Of course his was trying to paint a picture of Virginia but using data from all over the country. At one point in his presentation he states that 94% of motorcycle fatalities in 2007 "were in the 21 to 65 age group [DMV]"?????!!!!! I guess most of the fatalities were people old enough but not too old to ride a motorcycle!

The DMV also provided a presentation. Their's was pretty good for the most part. They are sending fliers to motorcyclists at time of registration renewal that reminds riders of safety facts. They have also mailed fliers to people that have registered motorcycles but do not have the "M" endorsement on their license. Some of you may have already received these in the mail. The one thing I didn't like about their presentation was the flier they sent to the state police. It is a flyer designed to go into their ticket book. On it they list some of the codes of the Commonwealth. Among them are 46.2-716 License Plates, 46.2-848 Signals Required, 46.2-857 Driving Two Abreast, 46.2-909 Riding on Motorcycles, 46.2-910 Motorcycle Helmet Wear, 46.2-1078 Using Earphones, and 46.21157 Requirement of Inspection. Please look up these Virginia codes to make sure you comply. In addition the card has a "Safety Checklist" that includes the following;

Check license for all classifications and restrictions

If stop is initiated for another reason, take time to check for valid current inspection, plate position, and anything else that looks dangerous.

Look out for erratic behavior, no signals or incorrect signaling, lane changing, shoulder or center lane splitting.

If the motorcycle has no signals present, hand signals MUST be used. (Before enforcement action is taken, review the applicable code sections.)

More info? www.dmvnow.com/highwaysafety

The State Police also gave a presentation. I have yet to get an electronic copy of the presentation and there were no hard copies available at the meeting. The state police have already decided to step up their enforcement and inspection. They plan to set up motorcycle check points and inspection points around the Commonwealth to solve the "problem" of motorcycle fatalities.

The bottom line is this - because of the increase in fatalities, our government agencies are springing into action. Be prepared to be scrutinized. I would strongly suggest that if you are operating a motorcycle in the Commonwealth of Virginia this summer have your shit together, make sure you have your "M" endorsement on your license, have your motorcycle inspected and in good working order, and don't drink and ride!

If you get stopped please be polite to the officer. If you think the officer has over stepped his/her bounds and has violated your constitutional rights please contact us. Remember, if you get stopped for speeding and the officer decides to perform a rode side inspection of your bike (lights, breaks, etc) he may be over stepping his bounds. Please let us know if this happens to you.

Be careful out there and remember, the man is watching close this year!

Faceman
_________________
Bernie Adams, President
Virginia Freedom Riders

New York Freedom Riders :: NY State Police Presentation-MC Stops 2008

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: NY State Police Presentation-MC Stops 2008
Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 2:13 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

A PDF of the NYS Police MC Enforcement Presentation 2008 to
be given at various conferences in the U.S. is now posted on the
NYFR Web Site.

It shows the NY State Police use of Motorcycle Check Points for
MC Safety Checks and how they did it.

We expect that they will continue to use this tactic in NYS.
The presentation is being offered as a model to other states.

http://www.newyorkfreedomriders.com/
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders

Biker related information :: BIKERS AS A POLITICAL POWERHOUSE IN NC

Author: Sharon
Subject: BIKERS AS A POLITICAL POWERHOUSE IN NC
Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 2:46 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

This from Jan at the Biker Republic

Bikers as a political powerhouse in NC
Raleigh NC May 1, 2008 (AMP)
With only 5 days until the primary elections in North Carolina, Bikers USA and B.O.L.T. of NC announces that their analysis of the NC candidates is #1 ranked in Google for a search of NC PRIMARY CANDIDATES ENDORSEMENT. This has safety nazis who forced a helmet onto our heads sweating bullets, just like we sweat under those hot helmets in the Carolina summer. Our answer to them? They can all go suck eggs.

boltnc.org/docs/ncga_candidates.pdf

Please feel free to pass it on and post on internet sites and forums.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: BREAKFAST SATURDAY MAY 24, 2008

Author: Sharon
Subject: BREAKFAST SATURDAY MAY 24, 2008
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:18 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

ABATE of VA Mason-Dixon Chapter, will be serving breakfast
Saturday, May 24, 2008
from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at John's Place,
11104 Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA
$6 per person, $1 discount to ABATE & WNC members,
Veterans and patch holders, naked women and Elvis impersonators
Good Southern-style Cookin

Directions: 66 to exit 57A (rte 50) towards Fairfax
1.7 miles to right onto Rte 29/Lee Hwy, John's Place is 1/2 mile on the right
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

ABATE of VA :: BREAKFAST AT JOHN'S PLACE MAY 24

Author: Sharon
Subject: BREAKFAST AT JOHN'S PLACE MAY 24
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:16 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

ABATE of VA Mason-Dixon Chapter, will be serving breakfast
Saturday, May 24, 2008
from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at John's Place,
11104 Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA
$6 per person, $1 discount to ABATE & WNC members,
Veterans and patch holders, naked women and Elvis impersonators
Good Southern-style Cookin

Directions: 66 to exit 57A (rte 50) towards Fairfax
1.7 miles to right onto Rte 29/Lee Hwy, John's Place is 1/2 mile on the right
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: WINCHESTER BIKE SHOW MAY 17, 2008

Author: Sharon
Subject: WINCHESTER BIKE SHOW MAY 17, 2008
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:08 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Benefit Bike Show Saturday, May 17, 2008
From 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.
821 North Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA
540-662-7182
Sponsored by Warlocks M/C, Titans M/C &
Goodfellows R&B
$10 in advance, or $15 at the door
To benefit the Henry & William Evans Home for Children, Inc
For more info contact
Irvoe: 540-352-4961, or Jimmy 304-820-4437
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

ABATE of VA :: Steak Run 2008

Author: Sharon
Subject: Steak Run 2008
Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:12 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

The Mason Dixon chapter will host the annual Steak Run this year at Heavenly Acres in Stanardsville, VA Saturday, June 14th. Watch for more info on the particulars to be posted soon.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Biker related information :: Champagne Fired!

Author: Sharon
Subject: Champagne Fired!
Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:08 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

This is good news from the Biker Republic

http://www.ktbs.com/news/Highway-safety-chief-fired;-blames-disagreement-with-governor-over-helmet-law-10696/

Highway safety chief fired; blames disagreement with governor over helmet law

The former executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission said he was fired because he disagreed with Gov. Bobby Jindal's push to repeal the state's mandatory motorcycle helmet law.
Champagne, who held the post for 12 years, said he was abruptly fired March 25 and left six days later.
He played a key role in the 2004 push to enact the law, which requires all motorcycle operators and riders to wear approved helmets or face fines.
Champagne said he got the news of his dismissal from State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson.
Edmonson said Champagne was not replaced because of his views on motorcycle safety helmets. The administration wants to move the office of traffic safety in a different direction, he said.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: SPRING POKER RUN

Author: Sharon
Subject: SPRING POKER RUN
Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:26 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Sunday, May 4, 2008
Tradesmen M/C
Starts at JV's Restaurant, 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA
(At the intersection of Annandale Rd. and
US 50/Arlington Blvd. Approximately 2.5 miles
inside the beltway on the left (north) side.)
Sign in 10:30 to 11:30, come Early for the Breakfast Buffet
Ends at the Clubhouse in Manassas
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: POKER RUN SEPTEMBER 20, 2008

Author: Sharon
Subject: POKER RUN SEPTEMBER 20, 2008
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 2:14 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

The Culpeper ABATE of Virginia Chapter will host a Jim Orange Memorial Poker Run on September 20, 2008. Mark the date, more details will be posted soon.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

ABATE of VA :: JIM ORANGE MEMORIAL POKER RUN

Author: Sharon
Subject: JIM ORANGE MEMORIAL POKER RUN
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 2:03 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

The Culpeper Chapter Jim Orange Memorial Poker Run is set for September 20, 2008. Mark the date, more details will be posted soon.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

ABATE of VA :: ABATE OF VIRGINIA STATE RALLY 08

Author: Sharon
Subject: ABATE OF VIRGINIA STATE RALLY 08
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 11:29 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

ABATE of VA STATE RALLy
June 20, 21, 22, 2008
Wildwood Campground, 6252 Elon Rd, Monroe, VA 24574
Right near dead-center of the state and off the Blue Ridge Parkway

$25.00 for an entire weekend of camping, fishing, swimming, motorcycle rodeo games, tattoo artists, leather vendors, live music from Glenn Shelton, and much more.
Sign in starts at 1:00 p.m. Friday afternoon
$15 for one night, or $25 for all weekend
Hot showers, camp store, cabins available, visit wildwoodcampground.com for more details.
This event is open to the public, all motorcycle enthusiasts welcome!
Contact Tony at (434) 993-3197 with questions
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: ABATE OF VIRGINIA STATE RALLY 08

Author: Sharon
Subject: ABATE OF VIRGINIA STATE RALLY 08
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 11:26 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

ABATE of VA STATE RALLy
June 20, 21, 22, 2008
Wildwood Campground, 6252 Elon Rd, Monroe, VA 24574
Right near dead-center of the state and off the Blue Ridge Parkway

$25.00 for an entire weekend of camping, fishing, swimming, motorcycle rodeo games, leather vendors, live music from Glenn Shelton, and much more.
Sign in starts at 1:00 p.m. Friday afternoon
$15 for one night, or $25 for all weekend
Hot showers, camp store, cabins available, visit wildwoodcampground.com for more details.
This event is open to the public, all motorcycle enthusiasts welcome!
Contact Tony at (434) 993-3197 with questions
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: APRIL 5, 2008 SCAVENGER HUNT

Author: Sharon
Subject: APRIL 5, 2008 SCAVENGER HUNT
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:48 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

The Miss Behavin Bikhers M/C is hosting a Scavenger Hunt in downtown Culpeper on Saturday, April 5, 2008.
Registration from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
at the Raven's Nest Coffee House, 254 E Davis Street, Culpeper
Cost is $10, or $5.00 for participants under 12 years
Prizes will be awarded at the Mountain Run Bowling Center at 4:00 p.m.
missbehavinbikhers.com for more info
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: APRIL 27, 2008 ABATE HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT

Author: Sharon
Subject: APRIL 27, 2008 ABATE HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:44 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

The Culpeper Chapter will be hosting a spring horseshoe tournament at the Culpeper American Legion Post 330 on Sunday, April 27th. Sign in starts at 11:00 - first throw at noon. $10, double elimination, partners luck of the draw. Trophies, prizes, food and beverage for sale courtesy of the Sons of the American Legion. Portion of proceeds to benefit the Sons charity fund.
Contact Sharon at 540-937-3924 for more info
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

ABATE of VA :: HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT - April 27, 2008

Author: Sharon
Subject: HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT - April 27, 2008
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 3:04 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

The Culpeper Chapter will be hosting a spring horseshoe tournament at the Culpeper American Legion Post 330 on Sunday, April 27th. Sign in starts at 11:00 - first throw at noon. $10, double elimination, partners luck of the draw. Trophies, prizes, food and beverage for sale courtesy of the Sons of the American Legion. Portion of proceeds to benefit the Sons charity fund.
Contact Sharon at 540-937-3924 for more info
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

General Chat :: Classic Media

Author: MissPenny
Subject: Classic Media
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:39 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Thanks to Chainsaw for sending me this one:

A biker is riding by the zoo, when he sees a little girl leaning into the lion's cage.
Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her screaming parents.
The biker jumps off his bike, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch.
Whimpering from the pain the lion jumps back letting go of the girl, and the biker brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly.

A reporter has seen the whole scene, and addressing the biker says "Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I saw a man do in my whole life."

Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars.
I just saw this little kid in danger, and acted as I felt right.

Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed.
I'm a journalist, you know, and tomorrow's papers will have this on the first page. What kind motorcycle do you ride?

A Harley Davidson.

The journalist leaves.

The following morning the biker buys the paper to see if it indeed brings news of his actions, and reads, on first page:

BIKER GANG MEMBER ASSAULTS AFRICAN IMMIGRANT AND STEALS HIS LUNCH

.
_________________
Penny Adams
Virginia Freedom Riders - Legislative Officer
Member Sons of Liberty Riders

"Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians."
Chester Bowles (1901 - 1986)

National Bikers' Rights :: Helmets to be introduced in SAFETEA-LU by Trans. Secretary

Author: MissPenny
Subject: Helmets to be introduced in SAFETEA-LU by Trans. Secretary
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 4:32 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Below is a copy of Mary Peter's (Transportation Secretary) proposed amendment to SAFETEA-LU (subsection (e)(1) of section 2010). She is seeking support for this amendment in the Senate and the House.

The intention of the SAFETEA-LU money, with regard to this particular section, is to grant money to states to implement motorcycle safety training and motorcycle awareness programs - and nothing more. Mary Peter's is proposing legislation that amends SAFETEA-LU to allow states to use that money to promote the use of motorcycle helmets.

Now is the time to contact your representatives. Let them know that what will save motorcyclists lives is what the SAFETEA-LU money currently promotes - motorcycle safety training and motorcycle awareness programs. Motorcyclists don't need to be provided with "safer crashing" - we need to avoid the crashes all together. Helmets can't prevent a crash. Motorcycle safety training and motorcycle awareness programs will work far better at preventing crashes in the first place, thereby saving lives.

Let's get fired up and send out those letters to our representatives. You know - the ones that work for US. Let them know you disagree with Mary Peter's proposal. Spread the word!

_________________
Penny Adams
Virginia Freedom Riders - Legislative Officer
Member Sons of Liberty Riders

"Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians."
Chester Bowles (1901 - 1986)

Calls to Action :: SSB556 Sub Committee Assignment in House

Author: MissPenny
Subject: SSB556 Sub Committee Assignment in House
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:45 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

SB556 (Blacksmith's Bill - Right of Way Violations) has been assigned to the House Courts of Justice Sub-Committee: Mental Health. Please write the Delegates on that sub-committee and request support for this bill. Delegate Gilbert is on that sub-committee and a strong supporter of SB556, so I've removed him from the list of people to write. If you'd like to send him a thank you note for supporting SB556, please do so at DelTGilbert@House.state.va.us.

Below is the contact information for the Mental Health sub-committee members, immediately followed by email lists that are comma delimited and semi colon delimited to accommodate most email programs. This bill is extremely straight forward. Just a simple email and/or call asking them to support the bill will suffice.

Albo, David B.
DelDAlbo@house.state.va.us
(804) 698-1042

Bell, Robert B.
DelRBell@house.state.va.us
(804) 698-1058

Fralin, William H., Jr.
DelWFralin@house.state.va.us
(804) 698-1017

Marsden, David W.
DelDMarsden@house.state.va.us
(804) 698-1041

Peace, Christopher Kilian
DelCPeace@house.state.va.us
(804) 698-1097

Toscano, David J.
DelDToscano@house.state.va.us
(804) 698-1057

Watts, Vivian E.
DelVWatts@house.state.va.us
(804) 698-1039

Comma delimited email list:
DelDAlbo@house.state.va.us, DelRBell@house.state.va.us, DelWFralin@house.state.va.us, DelDMarsden@house.state.va.us, DelCPeace@house.state.va.us, DelDToscano@house.state.va.us, DelVWatts@house.state.va.us

Semi Colon delimited email list:
DelDAlbo@house.state.va.us; DelRBell@house.state.va.us; DelWFralin@house.state.va.us; DelDMarsden@house.state.va.us; DelCPeace@house.state.va.us; DelDToscano@house.state.va.us; DelVWatts@house.state.va.us

Here is a link to the text of the SB556 http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?081+ful+SB556S1

Please contact each of the above Delegates and ask support for SB556 - and spread the word!

Yours in Liberty,
Penny
_________________
Penny Adams
Virginia Freedom Riders - Legislative Officer
Member Sons of Liberty Riders

"Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians."
Chester Bowles (1901 - 1986)

Biker related information :: ITS THE LAW, not the Device

Author: MissPenny
Subject: ITS THE LAW, not the Device
Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 12:11 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

ITS THE LAW, not the Device.
Written by: Jessie McDugald in 1998

Over the past thirty-plus years of our helmet law there has been a lot of confusion about exactly what we've been working to achieve. Popular slogans such as "Let those who ride, Decide," and "Freedom of Choice" have been misleading because they indicate that we haven't had a "choice" or that we haven't been "deciding" on helmet use, when in fact we've always had the choice and have never stopped deciding. Like me, many of us in South Carolina have the tickets to prove that we do decide and we do make choices. The problem has been the consequences of our choices which, until June 16, 1980, was a $100 fine or 30 days in jail. The punishment for not wearing a helmet hasn't changed, its still $100 or 30 days, but the law has changed. We amended the law so that adults, 21 years of age and older, would no longer be punished for our choices. To this day each of us, as adults, continue to exercise our "Freedom of Choice" on helmet use, We Ride, We Decide.

This seems fairly simple to many of us who have been dealing with this issue for the past 25 or more years, but to many others its been difficult to understand. "How-in-the-hell did South Carolina earn their Liberty almost 18 years ago?" is a question I've heard more times than I care to count. "Why do you have a Helmet Law Support rally every year?" is another question I've heard just as often if not more so. The answer is very simple, we stopped arguing the device and began arguing the law.

What the heck is the device? It's the hat, the helmet, the brain bucket, the skid lid. For years we fought on the helmet battlefield with little success. Much like General Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia, CSA, whenever our enemies "picked the ground" we were less than successful. (This would be an opportune time to discuss military tactics and strategy but I'll save that for another time.) Even the most cursory glance at our helmet law made it obvious that the issue of the device is mentioned only in that it should be of a certain type, and on an approved list. Not one word mentioned how good a helmet was or how it would save your life, prevent an accident or injury, reduce the "social burden" or medical cost. NOTHING! Not one word, and yet we continually found ourselves doing battle over the device because our enemies wisely fought us in the device arena knowing full well that the law said nothing about these issues. When we finally awakened to our enemies' strategy we decided to let them expend their energies on those issues that had nothing to do with the law, we let them argue the helmet, the device. We decided to argue the law, and we WON!

I recognize that many of you might find this line of thinking difficult to comprehend when you've heard all those device arguments over and over again, both pro and con. So imagine for a moment that you're seated in the audience of a public hearing arguing to mandate helmet use for all adults. The enemies of Liberty bring up all the same old arguments about insurance, public burden, accidents, injuries, and fatalities. That forcing everyone to wear a helmet will cause the economy to boom and be the answer to every safety question known to man. It is the one "silver bullet" that mankind has searched for for millenniums. That this one device, if used by every man, woman, and child, would bring peace and happiness the world over. (I know, I know, they don't get that carried away publicly but they might as well.)

Notice that not one word addresses the law, the question of arrest, incarceration, or fine. Seldom will the enemy venture into the battlefield of the law because he is woefully unprepared. He won't address why I (or you) should be arrested, incarcerated, or fined when I don't wear a hat except to say that I MIGHT get into an accident, and I MIGHT be injured, and I MIGHT sustain greater injuries if I'm not using the device, and I MIGHT not have sufficient medical insurance coverage, and I MIGHT cost the taxpayers (funny how we aren't taxpayers when this argument comes up) more a little money. Our enemy will argue anything but the law itself. He has chosen the battlefield, he has picked the ground, and it is the device he wishes to argue. In the past be went headlong into the fray and were as successful as the Light Brigade in the Crimea . Try as we might, we could not provide sufficient information to counter the artillery and infantry charges of our enemies on their chosen field of battle. We lost once again.

Flashback! Valentine's Day 1980. House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Special Laws. Our opponents have launched a vicious attack with various medical personnel, highway safety "experts," and so much printed data that it would take several gigabytes to store. As we begin our counter-attack the legislators wonder how a bunch of dumb-ass bikers, with only leather jackets and denim (no coats & ties), and a love of Liberty to protect us could possibly contravene such an overwhelming force aligned against us. But hold, we refused to fight at Gettysburg and picked Fredericksburg to make our stand. We switched battlefields, we picked our own ground. We chose to argue the law and not the device.

As we began we stated that we had no arguments with all the data provided by our opponents, in fact it was the same data that we used to come to diametrically different conclusions. We reminded the legislators of the old saying: "Figures don't lie, but liars can figure." We reminded them that our Highway Department and other opponents had a great deal of practice at figuring. We pointed out that not one word of testimony from our opponents addressed the issue we were there to address, the question of arrest, incarceration, or fine of adults who simply choose not to wear a hat when operating a motorcycle. We pointed out that on every level, federal, state, and local, the laws recognized the principle of adult responsibility and in many instances specified a particular age when these responsibilities were incurred. On the federal level, age of responsibility is addressed in the areas of service to country and other areas (president-35, senate-30, house-25, voting-18, etc.). On the state level (governor-30, senate-25, house-21, drinking-18 [before the fed blackmail, now 21], consensual sexual intercourse-14, etc.) this issue was equally addressed. What was it about this one particular device that made it so important that regardless of age and experience adults must be mandated under threat of arrest, incarceration, or fine to use it. Even if we believed that every word spoken by our opponents were 100% true would that be sufficient warrant to punish adults that simply didn't want to use this device ALL of the time? We argued the law, we left the device alone.

Although we didn't convince all of the legislators (some continue to believe that those adults who voted them in to office need to have these decisions made for them), in the end are arguments won the battle. And although the war continues our enemies have yet to put forth even one sound argument for punishing adults, so they continue to argue the device, and we don't mind at all. We'll continue to argue the law, not the device.

The reason I'm bringing this up now is because Parkay reminded me there are many bikers, in and out of South Carolina, either too young to remember almost two decades ago or new to motorcycling and have little knowledge of the history of our struggle for Liberty. So for the record: ABATE of South Carolina has no position on the device, wear it if you will or don't if you won't. As for the law, we support the amendment added on June 16, 1980 which no longer punishes adults with arrest, incarceration, or fine when making the choice of not wearing a helmet. We're adults. We're expected to act like adults and we're expecting to be treated like adults. Maybe using this particular device is a good idea, if so then convince us. But don't try to beat us into submission because it just won't work.

There you have it, a Readers Digest version of our DEVICE versus the LAW history. If you're still confused then think about it the next time you have a drink or smoke a cigarette. The law says that if you're under 21 and you have a drink or under 18 and smoke a cigarette then you can be arrested, incarcerated, or fined. The device is the alcohol or the cigarette. See if you can come up with some good arguments as to why you should drink or smoke, then think about some reasons why you should be arrested if you do either or both. I'm willing to be that you can't come up with many (or any) sound arguments as to why you should be arrested, incarcerated, or fined for using these devices. Should you use them? Probably not, but it isn't my job to be your guardian angel or big brother. Should you be punished if you do use them? NO! Not in a million years. Its your prerogative to decide on what devices you should use or not use. You should only be threatened with punishment when you use these devices against others. Does not wearing a helmet cause accidents, injuries, fatalities, insurance cost increases, or enhanced public burden? Nope! Never has, never will. And to credit a few bits of Styrofoam and fiberglass with such qualities is ridiculous.

Remember this the next time someone questions you about our law here in South Carolina ; we have no argument with the device but we do object to a law that threatens us with arrest, incarceration, or fine when we don't use that device. After all, its the LAW, not the device, that concerns us.

Dum Spiro, Spero.

This article is located at
http://www.bikerezine.com/articles/law-not-device.htm

Other related articles are available at
http://www.bikerezine.com/articles.htm
_________________
Penny Adams
Virginia Freedom Riders - Legislative Officer
Member Sons of Liberty Riders

"Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians."
Chester Bowles (1901 - 1986)