ANOTHER PARENT BELIEVES IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Sylvania, Ohio officials are considering making it a law for youngsters to wear a safety helmet when riding a bicycle. Lori Ferguson, coordinator of the Greater Toledo Kids Coalition, told City Council helmets can reduce by as much as 88 percent the chance of brain injury in a fall from a bicycle. The group presented copies of legislation from other Ohio cities that have made helmets mandatory for youngsters with maximum ages ranging from 12 to 19. Penalties include confiscation of bikes in some ordinances and fines of up to $100.
Patti Barnes, a Sylvania resident, urged the council to pass the legislation without referring it to the safety committee. She said the city could be the first in the area to pass such an ordinance and that passing it would give every parent an answer when children asked why they had to wear a helmet.
"Because it's the law is a good answer,'' she said.
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BIKERS GET ALONG BUT VETERANS SQUABBLE
Local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion have squabbled over who gets priority at the Hollister Veterans building. American Legion members say the city, which owns the building, gives the VFW overwhelming priority when scheduling events - and has for years.
Arguments and tensions escalated most recently at the 2004 Hollister Independence Rally. The groups argued over a time when the American Legion biker breakfast had to give way to the VFW luncheon; the events raise money for the organizations.
Over the rally weekend, an argument between members of each organization even led to an American Legion member calling police and pressing charges against a man from the VFW. Well before the rally, the tiff over the Veterans Building kitchen reached a point where the groups involved Hollister officials as quasi mediators. The American Legion even requested a special emergency City Council meeting before the rally to the resolve the dispute. But the city, citing a lack of time to organize it, denied the request.
Mayor Tony Bruscia acknowledged he hasn't been involved in the dispute and therefore said he isn't fully aware of what led to the problems. Still, Bruscia expressed frustration about the squabble. It really irritates me we're having problems from people getting to use that building for free, at the expense of the taxpayers, said Bruscia, adding hes also upset that city resources have been spent on the matter.
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UNESCO VOTE
Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) introduced a bill that would stop U.S. funding for UNESCO...one of many United Nations boondoggles. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) was a key leader in the floor fight. Amazingly, the bill actually passed on a voice vote.
Not so amazingly and unfortunately, the internationalists immediately demanded for a recorded vote and twisted enough arms to kill the bill. But this minor victory...as short-lived as it was.is still an indication that the tide is turning against the notion of the U.S.'s continued support for the U.N. under the current terms. We just need to keep the pressure on. The voice vote garnered 83 Ayes.
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DOUBLE TAXATION
Texans are finally going to feel the ramifications of the new Transit Authority that was formed during the last legislative session. Last night with 600 + people voicing their opposition CAMPO voted to change 11 roads in the Austin area to Toll Roads. These roads were and will be built with taxpayer money and you will pay again to travel them. Some will not have free feeder roads running alongside and some will be handed to private investors and they will collect the tolls.
This is just another present from Rick Perry and his allies. They voted to make these toll roads without even declaring the cost to travel them. You can bet the tolls will never do anything except increase. Generally the spin is that the tolls will be dropped when the cost of the road is paid. One state just reported that rather than drop their toll it was doubled. The reason given was the toll collectors needed a raise. Had the toll been dropped there would be no need for toll collectors. I remember when the Turner Turnpike was built back in the early 50's in Oklahoma. It would become free once paid off. It is still a toll road.
We have just been shafted but despite this being Perry's brainchild it couldn't have happened without Democrat support. Several Republicans voted against the issue.
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STICK TO THE ISSUES
While listening to C-Span2 today the Senate was arguing the Gay Marriage Amendment to the constitution. This Amendment has no chance of passage and they all know it but still they waste time posturing for the upcoming election. Senators Charles Schumer (D) New York and Dianne Feinstein (D) California spent their 15 minutes berating the House for not yet voting to renew the Assault weapons ban. Another case of posturing for the upcoming election. They couldn't even stick to the subject but preferred to push their own agenda.
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FROM CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
From Sam Nobles of CBA/ABATE of NC:
This afternoon, HB-965 was heard for concurrence in the House. Rep.Dewey Hill spoke on the bill, the vote was taken, and it passed 112-3. We've done it folks! This bill does not have to go to the governor, so it's now law. It becomes effective Dec. 1. Congratulations people- we not only scored the first win for the bikers of North Carolina, we left a network in place and built relationships that will continue to serve us well. I will be sending out some of the things that we are looking at for next year soon. But first... it's party time!
Congratulations to our Bros and Sisters in North Carolina.
Sput
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FROM CALIFORNIA
AB 2844 will raise the legal limit of apes from shoulder height to 6 inches above shoulder height to help end senseless harassment during traffic stops against Bikers. The offense was also recently ruled a POINT on your license and NON-CORRECTIBLE by the California Judicial Coucil!
PASSED the Assembly Transportation Committee 14-0 PASSED the Assembly Floor 74-0 PASSED the Senate Transportation Committee 10-0. The Bill has NO OPPOSITION and now awaits a vote
on the Senate Floor in early August.
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If you are one of the many who haven't sent in your renewal yet this month it is time to get it sent. While sending your renewal sign up a friend as a new member. We need your support NOW!!
--
Have I done that which I can do to the best of my ability?
HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.
Sputnik
