| Subject: |
|
Re: ABATE OF LOUISIANA ISSUES URGENT NATIONWIDE CALL-TO-ACTION! |
| Name: |
|
Sam |
| Date Posted: |
|
May 15, 08 - 10:12 PM |
| Email: |
|
fxdwgrider@comcast.net |
| Website: |
|
http://rider-sam.blogspot.com/ |
| Message: |
|
[Sent to the entire list]
Subject: HB 1295 - House Floor Amendments 3676, 3754, and 3794
Dear Honorable Representatives,
It has been brought to my attention that a number of amendments have been proposed to House Bill 1295. I'm not sure what the logic of this was, but with the current state of the economy, this wasteful use of tax dollars to debate discriminatory and unconstitutional amendments to an otherwise reasonable bill is appalling. The only name I can honestly call it is an attempted filibuster. I highly object to this wasteful practice. If the bill at hand cannot be argued sensibly and decided upon fairly, those who object need to step back gracefully. This is the sort of thing I personally look at when I decide who to vote for.
The three amendments are, as pointed out, discriminatory and unconstitutional. Amendment 3754 prevents the motorcyclist from suing unless the victim can prove a helmet would not have been the cause. That is ludicrous. Helmets don't cause death or injury, accidents do. How does this make any sense when most motorcycle deaths or injuries are the fault of another driver? Does that not state that unless there is a head injury it is the motorcyclist's fault, regardless of whose fault it was? Does that also apply to pedestrians and bicyclists too? They are just as vulnerable. Our society already knows that if they run over a motorcyclist and kills them, they can walk away with a traffic ticket. Look to one of your own, Sorrento city Mayor, Brenda Malencon, who ran down a motorcyclist, killed him, and seriously injured his wife, and who is currently working to escape justice.
Amendment 3676 requires those who choose not to wear a helmet to buy additional uninsured motorist and health insurance. Is this to assure even more "protection" against those who negligently kill us? Or to line the insurance industry's pockets even further. Why is it that there is so much animosity toward motorcyclists? Is it because we enjoy our sport? Is it because we demand the same freedoms that everyone else in society has? Is it because we are adults and wish to have the right to choose?
Amendment 3794 is perhaps the addition that angers me the most. Not only is it a violation of my personal rights over my own body, but it is arrogant and self-serving. It is a well known fact that helmets do not protect the head above 20 mph. So then, would this only apply if either vehicle was moving at 20 mph or less? And again, does fault play a part in this? Or is the motorcyclist, once again, automatically at fault. Law enforcement already has a hard time determining who is at fault in a right-of-way violation (which should be a no-brainer - no pun intended), and now you're going to ask our already clogged judicial system and law enforcement agencies to become experts in determining all these things, in a timely manner? And whose pocket will this come out of? The taxpayer? Or will you "assign" it to the "guilty", but dead, motorcyclist?
HB 1295 was brought forth by the people and it is wanted by the people, especially those it affects the most - the motorcyclist. Is that not why you were elected? To pass into law that which is requested by the people? We don't need any more mothers, thank you. I have one of my own. What we need is for you to do right by us, stop spending tax payer's money debating worthless amendments, and get on with the job at hand.
And though I do not reside in the state of Louisiana, I visit there often. The rights of motorcyclists are my concern no matter where I live. When a case goes to court, previous judgments are looked at in determining the outcome. All states have a profound affect on each other. Discrimination is unacceptable no matter whose House Floor it is discussed on.
Please do the right thing and pass HB 1295. Please place these amendments where they belong - in the garbage.
Respectfully,
Sam
[address & phone] |
|
Replies:
|
|
|
Hi Bruce by Al & Dolly Salmi · May 16, 08 - 1:12 PM
|
Reply
Home
bravenet.com