Sputnik
<chairman@tmra2.org>
-----------------------
(new email)
tmra2chair@pop.powweb.com\
Jun 26/08
The Supreme Court has just ruled that it is a Consttutional Right for
citizens to own guns for self protection and hunting with some government
regulations.
Sputnik
Pennsylvania bill mandates
motorcycle helmet use The Staff of Clutch and Chrome June 24th 2008
Citing a study
showing an increase in head injuries among riders a Pennsylvania politician
wants to mandate motorcycle helmet use.
State Representative Dan Frankel has introduced H.B. 945, a bipartisan bill
that would restore the helmet requirement for riders 21 or older, restoring
the parts of Pennsylvania’s motorcycle-helmet law that were repealed in
2003.
Recently, two University of Pittsburgh faculty members compared four years of
data concerning motorcycle related fatalities; the two years before and two
after the helmet law was repealed. According to their analysis, head injury
deaths increased 66 percent and motorcycle-related head injury
hospitalization
increased 78 percent. The complete findings of the study will be published
in the August issue of the American Journal of Public Health.
The 2006 Legislative Budget and Finance Committee also conducted a study
which had similar findings and effect on the number of motorcycle riders’
injuries in Pennsylvania following the helmet-law repeal.
Frankel points to the increases and the possibility the data could get worse
with higher fuel prices encouraging more people to ride motorcycles.
Sputnik
Jun 25/08
Another state finally gets it. More ammo for the coming bout with Carona.
Sputnik
bikers June 23, 2008
Read Comments(2)Recommend (1)Print this page E-mail this article Share
this article: Del.icio.us Facebook Digg Reddit Newsvine What’s this? In
the past, surges in motorcycle accidents and fatalities have been cited
primarily to support arguments for mandatory use of safety helmets. We
support laws requiring helmet use, but realize that such a focus is
limited. The limitation is being addressed by the Louisiana Highway Safety
Commission's Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Committee. The committee has
launched a statewide motorcycle-safety campaign, using broadcast
commercials and billboards aimed not at bikers but at operators of
vehicles other than motorcycles.
There is good reason for the safety campaign. Louisiana ranks third in the
nation in biker fatalities. Lafayette's record is not good, either. Last
year, six motorcycle-related deaths occurred in the city.
The Insurance Information Institute says cycling has become more popular
in recent years. The number of bikes on our roads has soared, and the
appeal to older riders has increased. Deaths among cyclists 40 and older
have climbed substantially, the institute says.
In August, a safety summit produced by MSAC and the Louisiana Highway
Safety Commission was held in Baton Rouge. Safety officials pinpointed
reasons for the alarming increase in motorcycle fatalities. Among them
were lack of professional training, speeding, lack of protective equipment
such as helmets and operating while impaired by alcohol or other
substances.
These are all valid reasons for the alarming death rate among bikers, but
it is an incomplete list.
MSAC's new awareness campaign expands the safety focus - targeting drivers
of cars and trucks who pay too little attention to cyclists.
James "Poet" Sisco, president of ABATE Louisiana - American Bikers Active
Toward Education - and a founder of MSAC, explained the new focus.
"We try to teach safer crashing, and that's the wrong approach," he said.
"We should teach crash avoidance. It will do a lot more for them than any
helmet or safe crashing will."
MSAC's awareness campaign already has shown positive results.
According to Sisco, "It used to be that two-thirds of all motorcycle
crashes were the fault of a driver violating the right-of-way of a
motorcyclist. That figure has come down to at least 40 percent, and I
would like to think this campaign has something to do with it."
State funds are provided for the awareness campaign. House Resolution 3
allocates $100,000 specifically for motorcycle education and awareness.
The campaign calls for establishing six more billboards every year, if
funds are available. Scheduled to expire in 2009, a reallocation of funds
has been approved starting in 2010.
Motorcycle safety will be enhanced if drivers of other types of vehicles
keep a close watch for bikers. We urge all our readers to heed the message
of the awareness campaign
This is my response to Mr. Paschenko concerning his Article
Mr. Paschenko;
Senator Carona’s desire comes from an attitude problem rather than any
facts. He professes to want the helmet law reinstated to save lives. His
committee took our Dedicated Funds, which only motorcyclist pay into, and
moved it from the 402 status to the 601. This allows DPS to take 25% of
our budget for their use. This amounts to a $250,000 loss to our training
budget.
We asked for a law to increase the punishment for those who cause a
collision resulting in death or serious injury due to inattentive driving.
Currently if a driver fails to yield the right of way and injures or kills
someone they pay only a small fine and go home. This Bill was killed.
Insurance companies reserve the right to not pay benefits if you are
injured in an accident while participating in a dangerous activity
including riding a motorcycle. We offered a Bill to correct this problem
and it too was killed. Thus we have to carry insurance that may not pay
benefits if we are injured on our motorcycles.
Maryland introduced a strong Motorcycle Awareness campaign in their state,
cutting the number of accidents by 50% in the first year. We have argued
for the same type program in this state for years and have been rebuffed.
So much for the Senator’s claim that he is concerned about rider safety.
The legislature established a Traumatic Injury Fund to help pay for
injuries not covered by insurance or patient pay. The funding comes from
added cost of traffic tickets and other fines. The same committee which
moved our Training Fund also moved this fund out of the dedicated class
along with several other dedicated funds. This was done to show a balanced
budget when one did not actually exist. So much for his concern about
cost.
I met several times with the Senator’s Staff and staff members from Baylor
College of Medicine during the last session concerning his Bill. We were
given the cost of motorcycle injuries to the hospital but they couldn’t
give us the same cost breakdown on those injured in auto accidents saying
that information was not available. We again expounded on the benefit of a
strong Motorcycle Awareness Program and were told by the representatives
from Baylor that if we would accept the Bill they would pay for an
awareness campaign. How would that save them money.
We will once again oppose his Bill and soundly defeat it. This isn’t about
wind in your hair. It is about the constitution which government refuses
to accept.
Respectfully,
Sputnik
State Chair
Texas Motorcycle Rights Association
512-971-6777
FYI Pass it on.
Read in this mornings Galveston Daily News an interview with Senator Carona. He was quoted as saying he will introduce a Bill to reinstate the helmet law in Texas this coming session.
Get ready for a fight.
Sputnik
State Chair
Texas Motorcycle Rights Association
Received this note from Lampson's campaign today.
Sputnik
Hi,
I hope this message finds you doing well. My name is Steve Snodgrass; I work for Congressman Lampson. I wanted to follow up about the blog post today on your website. Congressman Lampson did not vote for impeachment.
The vote was to send the matter down to committee. I kindly request that it be removed since some readers might incorrectly believe that Lampson supports this.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I just wanted to clarify
this.
Thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely, Steve Snodgrass
---------------------------
I haven't seen anything on the news today but this came from the govt. website.
sputnik
Articles of Impeachment - Vote Passed (251-166, 16 Not Voting)
The House voted to refer 35 Articles of Impeachment against President Bush to the Judiciary Committee.
I have personally checked this story out and it is TRUE. The company does this every year. In one year the donated over $ 900,000.00. By all means share it and by some of that candy. Everyone loves M&M's.
Sputnik
We have all been touched by cancer , somewhere in our lives, please read below and keep it going.
I have been asked to keep this going and hope you will keep it moving too.
The New M&M colors
Pass this on to all of your friends. There are many women out there who have breast cancer. Lets do all we can to support this cause.
New Pink & White M&M's
The maker of M&M candies has teamed up with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to raise funds through the sale of their new 'pink & white' M&M candies.
For each 8-ounce bag of the special candies sold, the makers of M&M (Masterfoods) will donate 50 cents to the foundation. The next time you want a treat, please pick up a bag (now sold in stores nationwide) - you will be donating to a great cause and satisfying your sweet tooth.
Just think...If each of us buys one bag or two... . how much will be donated Buy a bag for a friend........... ;
Please pass on to all your family and friends.
Florida and Michigan had all their delegates except with each having only
1/2 vote. Harold Ickes on behalf of Hillary Clinton reserved the right to
appeal the decision to the Credentials Committee.
Sputnik
May 19/08
Just a Warning
The Turnout for the Primnary was so large it has happily created a problem
for the Party. Not enough room for those wishing to attend the Convention
in Austin.
Not such a happy problem for us. If you are not a Delegate or an
Alternate, or have not entered the drawing for the few spots left and been
told you won, you will not get in. No need to come to Austin hoping for a
way because there is a city code on how many people the building can hold
and they won't go over that.
For those coming to town we will be camping at the state office for anyone
wanting to camp. 275 OLd Lexington Road in Elgin. Get on Loop 109 off of
Hwy. 290 and turn right at the light or Hwy. 95 and turn left at the
light. (only light in town) Go 4.4 miles to when the speed limit drops to
35mph.(pass a church on the left) Pass Raccoon Rd on the right and the
office is the 2nd driveway on the right.
Sputnik
May 11/08
Our friend Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson was quoted in the paper
saying the Feds wanted some land in Texas to be turned into a Federal
Park.
He told them they would have to open up Federal Parks to allow carrying of
weapons and ammunitions and for hunting. THe Park Board passed a
Resolution to allow weapons in Federal Parks. When interviewed again
Commissioner Patterson said "they have got half of it done".
Still this is just a regulation and can be changed at any time. It also
doesn't include the hunting.
There is a Bill that can do exactly what Commissioner Patterson asked for.
The Bill currently has four Texas Congressmen signed on as Cosponsors.
Louie Gohmert Dist 1
Ted Poe Dist. 2
Kenny Marchant Dist 24 and
John Carter Dist 31
If one of these is your Congressman call and thank them.
H.R.5646
Title: To protect the second amendment rights of individuals to carry
firearms and ammunition in units of the National Park System and the
National Wildlife Refuge System and to require that hunting activities be
a land use in all management plans for Federal land to the extent that
such use is not clearly incompatible with the purposes for which the
Federal land is managed.
Sponsor: Congressman Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (introduced 3/14/2008)
Cosponsors 33
Let's pitch in once again to stand up with a man who has stood with us
from day one. His name appears on nearly every Bill we have worked and if
his name isn't on the BIll it is on the list of those testifying in our
favor. WAke up! Stand proud! Get the job done.
Contact your Congressman and let them know you want them to cosponsor HR
5646. Cut and paste the short title above into the heading of your letter
so there is no question that you know what the BIll does.
Let the Congressman know that Land Commissioner Patterson supports this
Bill and ask for a reply if they will cosponsor or if not then why not.
Let us know as soon as you get a response. Wait no more than 10 days for a
response, then follow up with a phone call and contact the office.
Ask everyone in your area to do this.
Thanks,
Sputnik
State Chair
June 13-15
The East Texas Chopper Guys, Fathers Day Rally, for the Texas Motorcycle
Rights Association, will be held at the ETME Acres Inc. campground this
year. The location is on Hwy 21 between Nacogdoches and San Augustine.
Friday will be kind of laid back, set up camp, self guided tours around
the area and food by G&N Scooter Shack. We will have tunes by DJ Doc for
the weekend and an informal Pickin’ Session Friday night.
Saturday kicks off at 9:00am with a Run-N-Gun Poker Run by Sputnik, last
bike in at 12:00 noon. 2:00pm Field Meet starts. Skills, Thrills and
Spills under the direction of Wild Bill Barr.
8:00pm The Janet Z back by popular demand with her original Texas Blues
and Folk Music.
Sunday 9:00am Brother Mac and the Circuit Riders wikk conduct Worship
Services for all.
A hand made ETCG shirt Quilt Will be won by some lucky individual
Saturday Night. Tickets $5 each or 6 for $5
Admission $30, includes Camping, Run Pin and Participation in all events.
T-Shirts $ 15 each.
We will be at the State COC Meeting this weekend where I will become a
independent member of the Texas Defenders.
The following weekend we will be at the TMRA 2 meeting in Hico. We expect
at least one member from every chapter to be present at the State meeting
in Hico.
Sputnik
For more information call Dennis Leggett at Leggett Cycles 936-269-3394
Apr 21/08
Here is the Proposed Budget for 2008. A hell of a come down from last
year. This is in large part to the Rallys at Groesbeck as well as all the
other support we have picked up.
It also only allows for me to draw a salary of $ 750 per month. Should we
do as well as I anticipate during the rest of this year I will expect a
larger salary or a good sized Christmas Bonus to add at least $6000 to my
annual salary. That would still only amount to $ 1250 per month, $ 500 per
month less than you originally approved.
Sputnik
Texas Motorcycle Rights Association
Projected Budget for 2008
MONTHLY:
Rent 650.00
Sputnik’s Salary 750.00
Terri’s Salary 1500.00
Electricity 175.00
Warrior 400.00
Travel 300.00
Phone 250.00
Taxes 120.00
Butane 25.00
Email 50.00
Office Supplies 50.00
Bankcard 28.00
Dish Network 30.47
Postage 40.00
Miscellaneous 100.00
Total Monthly _______________
$ 4468.47
X 12
------------------------------
Annual $ 53,621.64
Advertising 2,000.00
_______________
Total $ 55,621.64
Apr 04/08
Texas MC Rights Association State Meeting = May 5-7, 2008
We have secured the Hico City Park for our State Meeting. Hico is West of Waco on Hwy. 6, where it joins with Hwy 281 in Hamilton County. (about 18 miles north of Stephenville.)
Warriors may arrive Friday afternoon, set up camp at the park and relax.
There will be no official business scheduled for Friday night. Just kick tires and tell lies while meeting old friends and getting acquainted with new ones.
Saturday morning at 11:00 am the Advisor meeting will get under way.
Members are welcome to sit in on the meeting but do not have a vote on Advisor issues.
The General Meeting will begin Saturday afternoon at 1:00 pm. Any issues pertaining to the Association in general will be brought up and handled at this time.
One issue that will be brought up at the General Meeting will be a proposed change of the Bylaws to allow Beer sales at Rallies.
Hico is a quiet little town and the people are friendly. Motels, for those not wishing to camp, are 18 miles away in Stephenville. If you choose not to camp you are sure to miss out on a lot of fun.
We would like each chapter to bring or send an Auction item. There will be some new products for sale during the weekend. Bring a friend. Please send at least one member from each chapter.
You could all chip in to pay the expenses of at least one member. That way you can get a personal report and be sure any issues you have get discussed.
HB 529, introduced in the Louisiana legislature will make it illegal to carry a concealed weapon while operating a motorcycle. There is no allowance for those with a CHL. The Bill will be heard by the Judiciary committee.
Let’s lend them a hand and contact the members of that committee
expressing our opposition to the Bill.
The following are the committee members and their E addresses.
Ernest Wooton, Chairman larep105@legis.state.la.us
HD 105 ~ Belle Chase, Louisiana
Damon Baldone, Vice Chairman larep053@legis.state.la.us
HD 53 ~Houma, Louisiana
Roy Burrell ~ HD 2 larep002@legis.state.la.us
Don Cazayoux ~ HD 18 larep18@legis.state.la.us
Elbert Guillory ~ HD 40 _larep040@legis.state.la.us
Mickey Guillory ~ HD 41 _larep041@legis.state.la.us
Chris Hazel ~ HD 27 _hazelc@legis.state.la.us
Frank Howard ~ HD 24 _Howardf@legis.state.la.us
Joe Lopinto ~ HD 80 _lopintoj@legis.state.la.us
Nick Lorusso ~ HD 94 _larep094@legis.state.la.us
Barbara Norton ~ HD 3 _nortonb@legis.state.la.us
John Schroder ~ HD 77 _schroderj@legis.state.la.us
Gary Smith ~ HD 56 _larep56@legis.state.la.us
Rickey Templet ~ HD 85 _templetr@legis.state.la.us
Bodi White ~HD 64 _larep064@legis.state.la.us
We are heading out for the Thunder in The Hill Country first thing in the
morning. We'll set up down there and get back Sunday evening. Have a good
weekend.
Sputnik
Apr 03/08
Get Ready Louisiana
HB 529 has been introduced in Louisiana titled:
"Unlawful possession of a handgun while riding a motorcycle"
It shall be unlawful for a person to possess a handgun on his person, while operating a motorcycle.
Any handgun or firearm possessed by the operator of a motorcycle shall be properly stored in a compartment on the motorcycle while the motorcycle is in operation.
The law does not apply to a peace officer and makes no allowence for those having a CHL.
Conviction carries a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for six months or both.
Don't wait til the last minute saying it wont happen. Get on the members ass of the Justice Committee Members NOW.
OPEN LETTER TO THE EPA
MOTORCYCLE TRANSPORTATION FACT SHEET
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To register with a credit card please call Terri at 512-971-8777 or Sputnik at 512-971-6777.
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Sputnik
State Chair / TMRA 2
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