Posted on 05/30/2002 8:59:36 PM PDT by Cultural Jihad
Edited on 04/12/2004 5:37:07 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]
SACRAMENTO (AP) - A bill to exempt motorcyclists over age 21 from having to wear helmets failed in the Assembly on Thursday.
Already defeated once, bill author and motorcycle rider Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy, R-Monrovia, resurrected AB2700 to argue once again that the state is taking away individual freedom by requiring drivers to wear helmets. His effort failed on a 34-33 vote.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
OK, here goes , isn't the essence of what we believe in, personal decision making. Freedom, even to do something that is at worst, personally unwise? In Ca. the argument was that the taxpayers had to pick up the tab for uninsured motorcyclists. Well, what about insured riders, insurance is mandatory in this state? What about the cost to society from teenage pregnancies, what about the burden on taxpayers of illegals. What we have here, is an easy target. And yes, I ride, and yes I wore a helmet even before it became mandatory.
There are numerous fatalities with car wrecks daily, and many, if not most, involve the head being crushed, or at least being dented severely. SO, we should endeavor to pass legislation asap to have all car drivers, and passengers, well helmets as well. After all, it sounds reasonable enough, no?
Better yet, why not for any activity where a person is moving along the surface of the earth, with hard objects that can be potentially in the path, like skiing,- water and snow-, jogging along the side of the road, tree climbing, rock climbing, electric linemen, mowing the lawn on a riding lawnmower, climing a ladder over 3 feet tall, hell, why not strap one on while flying in an airplane, or riding a joy ride at an amusement park? What about roofers, high rise construction workers, window washers? Why not put on the helmet when walking down to the mailbox? absurd?? did you know people have fallen down, hit their head, and died while walking to the mailbox?? Hmmmm? I agree with you and would go one step further, I would legislate the wearing of a helmet 24/7 after birth, to be taken off by the embalmer upon your demise. After al, one cannot be too safe.
Lets demand everyone who drives in cars must now wear helmets, including all the passengers.
Where the hell do you draw the line?
That line has already been drawn, at the state border. People in Nevada and Oregon are free to ride their cycles without helmets, if they want to. Californians do not tell Oregonians how to live their lives, and neither do Nevadans tell Californians whether they ought to wear helmets, or seat belts, or what the speed limit should be, etc.
Of course, the CHP knows nothing of the sort. This is strictly and arbitrary and capricious statement.
Helmets, like seatbelts may or may not be a good idea, but they are a TERRIBLE law. It's one of those "revenue" laws that the CHP and their fraternity love because they can get lots and lots of brownie points from judges for bringing in all those wonderful, fineable cases before them.
Catching badasses just doesn't measure up to the revenue-generating potential of a helmet law. After all, a cop COULD get hurt arresting a badass.
A little of topic, but how do you like Colorado's idiotic new slogan on seat belt use?
"Click it or ticket." Ain't that special?
I simply must print up some bumper stickers that say "I won't click it so take your ticket and stick it."
Cute. But hardly in the same league as Henry David Thoreau. Civil disobedience requires the acceptance of the consequences of one's actions, rather than the ol' whine and cheese shtick.
That sounds more like a problem with socialism than helmets. Won't you help fight socialism rather than conceding to it?
The only reason why anyone other than myself should suffer if I splatter my brains across the macadam (If I'm a single guy) is because of socialized medicine, not the lack of a helmet.
As it is, my wife asks me to wear a helmet, and I do.
Speaking of that, would you ask the state to mandate that I wear a condom when engaging in sex with my wife if I don't have a certain income?
Why should the state mandate that I wear a helmet on my head and not mandate that I wear a helmet on my willie?
It should be between me and my wife.
Those are your words, not mine. I said I wear a helmet, I am also insured. I don't need you or anyone else to pay for the consequences of my irresponsibility." Do you realize that even when driving a "cage" the main cause of death is head injury? Why not helmets for auto drivers? Actually, forget it, I don't give a damn what you think on this topic.
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