Our Annual Toy Run to benefit the kids at Shirners' Hospitals for Children is coming up.
Governor Douglas has been invited to greet us at the State House as he had done for several years, we haven't received a confirmation yet, but we expect him to be there.
Shriners' Hospitals are in need of funding. They've allways been there for kids and families who needed them, now they need us. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and your checkbook (or cash) and make a donation to keep Shriners Hospitals for Children open. You can visit their site and donate now - Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Vermont State Constitution - Article 6th. Officers servants of the people That all power being originally inherent in and consequently derived from the people, therefore, all officers of government, whether legislative or executive, are their trustees and servants; and at all times, in a legal way, accountable to them.
First off, a great big thanks to everyone that did come. Democracy is not a spectator sport, only by participating can you expect change. Thanks to Ted and the guys at Ted's Flying Hogs - the best bike shop in Vermont.
The day started out windy and rainy and the turnout was light for our Annual Storm the State House. Even so, it was a successful day. Our shirts got a lot of attention, we handed out a lot of literature and even managed to get some "pompous asses" to take us seriously and treat us with a little respect.
Living in a democratic republic gives us the opportunity to participate in our government. It's not just a spectator sport.
I was going to ask our representatives during our Annual Storm the State House today, whether they believe their job is to represent us or to govern over us. I actually did ask a few and hopefully we made them uncomfortable enough in their answers and our reaction, that maybe they'll start changing their minds.
From the Vermont State Constitution:
Article 6. [Officers servants of the people] That all power being originally inherent in and co[n]sequently derived from the people, therefore, all officers of government, whether legislative or executive, are their trustees and servants; and at all times, in a legal way, accountable to them.
It looks like some of our elected officials need reminding that their job is to serve us. We'll be working on that over the sumer and fall and we intend to press our helmet reform bill so that it is voted on in the next session. That session starts in January 2010 and ends in May. If you want to help restore "government of the people" we need your help. We need you to contact your representatives and let them know that you want them to take their laws off of your head.
Only 19* states now mandate that all riders wear helmets. Help us reduce that number by making Vermont a Freedom of Choice State.
Missouri voted to allow Freedom of Choice on April 30, 2009 and sent the bill to the governor. It passed by a two-thirds majority without much discussion. Even if the governor vetoes it, it looks like it will pass.
Congrats to riders in the Free State of Missouri.
H.070 has been introduced in the Vermont Legislature to reform Vermont's draconian, helmet law. The proposed revision would allow adults over the age of 21 who have more than 1 year riding experience (MC endorsement on license) the freedom to decide whether or not to wear a helmet.
Vermont law currently forces all motorcyclists to wear a helmet.
Title 23: Motor Vehicles Chapter 13: Operation of Vehicles 1256. Motorcycles-Headgear § 1256. Motorcycles-Headgear "No person may operate or ride upon a motorcycle upon a highway unless he or she wears upon his or her head protective headgear reflectorized in part and of a type approved by the commissioner. The headgear shall be equipped with either a neck or chin strap. (Added 1967, No. 264 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)"
More information is coming. We will need your help if we are to regain the right to choose in Vermont. You can be a Freedom Fighter by joining UMV or donating your time, energy, experience and knowledge. Contact us, come to a meeting, go to the State House and introduce yourself to your elected officials, remember they work for you, it's not the other way around.
For the past several legislative sessions the helmet reform bills have never made it out of the Transportation Committee. We need your help this time around. Contact your legislators and tell them to "Keep Their Hands Off of Your Head."
If anyone can explain S.067, please email it to me or use the Contact Us links.
Event NHSTA's department of making up numbers can only make the exaggerated claim that helmets are 37% effective. Why are we forced to use something that even people making up the numbers have to admit is 63% ineffective?
FastFred's Motorcycle Rights E-zine: Motorcycle Event Pictures and Coverage
