Hearing for House Bill 137 --Re-posted with permission from Bruce Arnold

To: 'Bruce Arnold'Subject: HB 137 Hearing - Janury 10, 2008COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE - HEARING FOR HOUSE BILL 137 JANUARY 10, 2008 HOUSE BUILDING, RM 404 TALLAHASSEE, FLhttp://tinyurl.com/37opzmHere's a recap from this morning's hearing on HB 137. All quotes are as Iremember them, as I did not have a tape recorder with me. All internet linksand email addresses are listed at the bottom of this message. I arrived at 8:30AM for the hearing, which was to begin at 9:00AM. The roomwas empty except for the committee secretary, who was more than happy toaccept my request to speak. Out of perhaps 75 seats, only 25 were filled bythe time the meeting started.Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera...[carlos.lopez-cantera@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office:Suite 111 2300 Coral Way Miami, FL 33145-3511 Phone: (305) 442-6877 ]...the author of this bill, gave his introto the bill and stated that he had issued a "strike-through", meaning he hadchanged the wording, and the initial submission was no longer valid.However, all he changed was the speed limit offense to more than 50 milesper hour over the speed limit, up from 30mph. I was unaware of this changeand therefore did not have a copy of this revised bill.Mr. Lopez-Cantera then played a video created by a news team in Miami, onSportbike riders pulling wheelies at high speed on public roadways. In thevideo, two tickets were given out. Riders were interviewed. Statements like,"it's like a drug to me, the need for speed," and, "I just pay the ticket,no big deal."After the video, an officer from Miami spoke to the committee. Mostly heprovided testimony on accident history. One in particular was about a womanwho was killed in her SUV when a Sportbike rider slammed into her at a highrate of speed. His bike went through the driver's compartment. There was nomention of whether the woman violated his right-of-way. He spoke of how thewoman's infant was not in the car seat, but underneath the passenger seat onthe floor, gaining a considerable amount of sympathy from the committee.Questions for him from the committee members presented the first indicationof where this hearing would lead. Representative Susan Bucher felt the drag racing laws already covered thisissue and wanted to know if this current law excluded motorcycles. Mr.Lopez-Cantera did not know the answer and stated he had not researched thatlaw. She clearly thought the bill was redundant with respect to speeding.She also wanted to know why they couldn't put a helmet law repeal into thewhole package, as she feels helmets will save more lives, and is needed. Shelater stated that motorcyclists who did not wear helmets were just organdonors. Though she didn't like this bill, I didn't get any warm and fuzziesfrom her either. Another Representative, Greg Evers, testified that he was dead set againstthis bill. He had received an email where the author described a scenario bywhich a motorcyclist could be arrested for erroneous reasons (by harassmentor profiling). The author then stated at the end of the email, "I know allthis, because I'm a cop". It struck a cord with him, Mr. Evers said. Heseemed to grasp the entire concept of why this bill is so discriminating.I was first up from the audience to speak in opposition to the bill. Ipresented my case from the standpoint that the bill was discriminatory, andthat confiscation of private property was unconstitutional, and from afairness standpoint as well (motorcyclists vs. all drivers). The bill, Isaid, should be written to include all drivers because, yes, I agreed,stiffer penalties are needed for reckless driving.The first question I was asked was, do I think permanently confiscating amotorcycle is too harsh of a punishment. To which I said, yes, without adoubt, not when right-of-way violators, DUI offenders and other recklessdriving, kills without equal punishment.The second question asked was how would I propose stopping these stuntriders from violating speed laws. To which I replied, our tax money would bebetter spent finding a way to catch them. One suggestion made by Mr.Lopez-Cantera was to make it a high fine punishment for not having yourlicense plate permanently affixed, so Sportbike riders could not take themoff. This is how they get away; they can't later be identified by video.I also said, I don't like it when they do this either, but it happens muchless often than reckless driving of auto drivers, and shouldn't we work onmaking stiffer punishment for all reckless drivers, instead of singling outmotorcycles?I was also asked if I thought more graduated punishment would be acceptable,and I said yes it would, but only if the bill is written to include allmotor vehicles, not just motorcycles.Next up to speak was a representative from ABATE, who basically repeated allof the same points.Last to speak was Winn Peeples, who represents motorcycle dealers inFlorida. He also said that most of what he wanted to say, had already beencovered, but added that dealers are also 100% opposed to this bill. He sitedthe revenue netted in Florida by the sale of motorcycles. Financinginstitutions would not finance a motorcycle in Florida if this bill passes.I believe that Greg Evers approached Mr. Lopez-Cantera privately and offeredto defer the bill, rather than kill it, if Lopez-Cantera would agree. Icould not hear what was said, so this is purely speculation, but shortlyafter that private conversation, Evers approached the Chairman on the side,and the motion to vote on a deferment was issued. The committee favorablyvoted to defer the bill to a later date.Final note: At first I was discouraged that I saw no local support from areaBikers. But Winn Peeples and I agreed that those of us who were there, wasenough to work constructively in the time alotted, and push HB 137 back tothe drawing board. That and Representative Greg Evers. Winn was there onbehalf of Florida's dealers. I was there for myself, and for all ofFlorida's freedom fighters who couldn't be there.SO WHAT NOW? IT'S ALL GOOD RIGHT?Sorry. Let's be clear. This bill is NOT dead. And it *could* come up on theagenda again, though it is less likely to now than before, not without arewrite. Below is a summary of each Representative and my perceived*opinion* of their position, based on what was heard today.Representatives Richard Glorioso, Gary Aubuchon, Jimmy Patronis, Greg Eversand Nick Thomspon were all in favor of rewriting this bill to a broaderdegree; to include ALL motorists, and for stiffer penalties for recklessdriving, but with graduated punishments employed. Nick Thompson initiallywanted to kill the bill, as did Greg Evers. They all need to hear we supportthem and appreciate their proposed vision.Representative Ed Hooper wants to see offending Sportbike riders punishedseverely but conceded that a graduated punishment was better than none. Hecould be pushed over to our side, maybe. He also had a personal "story" totell about a death on a motorcycle.Representative Scott Randolph was sympathetic to our position, but feltthere was a need and agreed with a rewrite. He seems to be "on the fence".He needs to hear from us also.Representative Susan Bucher I believe would have voted no, as she seemed tofeel this bill was redundant, though she is no biker advocate. And thoughshe bears watching, I believe she will not be a contender.Representative Steve Precourt would have voted in favor of the bill as itstands. He needs to be inundated with emails and letters of opposition. Heneeds to see just how many of us vote here in Florida, and how manysupporters there for our cause in this country.Representative Michael Scionti was not present due to a recall back toactive military duty.RECOMMENDATIONS:First order of business - send a thank you letter or email to RepresentativeGreg Evers. What he did today was show 100% support in our favor. Let himknow you were watching and waiting, and you appreciate his position. He wasagainst "motorcycles only" and against the confiscation of personalproperty.Second order of business - email or call the rest.The opportunity to rewrite this bill to be a huge benefit to allmotorcyclists and include all drivers is an enormous boon to come out ofthis. I have been asked to help draft the bill in the right way, for all.There is a lot of work left to be done here before anyone can breathe a sighof relief. There will be NO COMPROMISE on discriminatory wording, or confiscation. Thebill will include all motorists or face strong opposition. Those on thecommittee who want to see this happen have stated their position clearly infavor of this. Still, don't let your guard down, don't fall back, hold theline.COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE - All relevant documents are listed here:http://tinyurl.com/2aqomfRepresentative Richard "Rich" Glorioso - Chair rich.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov District Office: Suite 204110 W. Reynolds StreetPlant City, FL 33563-3379Phone: (813) 757-9110 Representative Gary Aubuchongary.aubuchon@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite 3053501 Del Prado BoulevardCape Coral, FL 33904-7223Phone: (239) 344-4900 Representative Susan Buchersusan.bucher@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite 1022240 Palm Beach Lakes BoulevardWest Palm Beach, FL 33409-3403Phone: (561) 682-0156 Representative Greg Eversgreg.evers@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: 5224 Willing StreetMilton, FL 32570-4971Phone: (850) 983-5550 Representative Ed Hoopered.hooper@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite 2062963 Gulf to Bay BoulevardClearwater, FL 33759-4259Phone: (727) 724-3000 Representative Jimmy Patronisjimmy.patronis@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite A455 Harrison AvenuePanama City, FL 32401-2775Phone: (850) 914-6300 Representative Stephen L. Precourtsteve.precourt@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: 310 South Dillard StreetSuite 400Winter Garden, FL 34787-3515Phone: (407) 814-6138 Representative Scott Randolphscott.randolph@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite 100701 East South StreetOrlando, FL 32801-2953Phone: (407) 893-3084 Representative Nicholas R. "Nick" Thompson nick.thompson@myfloridahouse.gov District Office: Suite 2082120 Main StreetFort Myers, FL 33901-3010Phone: (239) 533-2411 Representative Michael Scionti (not present at the hearing and will probablynot be involved with this bill in the future)michael.scionti@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite 1024221 North Himes AvenueTampa, FL 33607-6228Phone: (813) 673-4674Updates to follow as they occur.Respectfully Submitted,Dara McLain***EXPRESS YOUR OPINION IN THIS ONLINE POLL:http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/13570122.html***"The battle for bikers' rights is not about patches, parties or poker runs. We fight to protect the freedom and promote the interests of American motorcyclists ... to defend our right to choose our own modes of transportation, attire and lifestyle ... to deter and defy discrimination against us ... and to vanquish those who violate our rights or right-of-way."--Bruce Arnoldhttp://ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights.php***Please post your comments and replies here:http://ldrlongdistancerider.com/forum.php

Do You Want to Save Daytona Bike Week ? ? ?

FIRST AMENDMENT NOTICE: This is a political communication to Bruce's Rights Riders List exercising our Freedom of Speech as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution to convey information regarding motorcyclists' rights and motorcycle awareness issues. To insure that you continue to receive emails like this, please add "bruce@ldrlongdistancerider.com" to your address book and safe senders list. To no longer receive our emails, please reply to this email with "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject line.***From: Imre Szauter, AMA Legislative Affairs Specialist [mailto:iszauter@ama-cycle.org] Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 4:54 PMTo: Bruce ArnoldSubject: Discriminatory Legislation to be Heard in CommitteeAction Alert 01/08/2008 Draconian Legislation Proposed in Florida: Seizure and forfeiture of motorcycles part of legislation HB 137, "Offenses Committed While Operating a Motorcycle", introduced by Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera (R-Miami)...http://tinyurl.com/yuuu44...proposes that any motorcyclist charged with reckless operation or riding 30 miles per hour or greater above the posted speed limit would face arrest, seizure and forfeiture of their motorcycle, and revocation of their motorcycle endorsement for ten years. The legislation applies ONLY to motorcycles and their operators; no other motorized vehicle or driver operating on a public roadway is threatened with these penalties.Review the history and the text of this bill by clicking here:http://tinyurl.com/37opzmThe House Committee on Infrastructure will hold a hearing on JANUARY 1O AT 9AM in room 404 HOB to consider HB-137. See the committee notice by clicking here:http://tinyurl.com/25ral2A related bill (SB-802) has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Rudy Garcia (R- Hialeah). Click here to review the history and text of SB-802:http://tinyurl.com/2n9gmrEven if you obey the law, HB-137 is discriminatory and unfair because it sends the wrong message - motorcyclists are the ONLY threat on public roadways. Car, light truck, and SUV drivers, alleged to have violated the SAME laws, do not face the same harsh penalties. That's discrimination, period.Because time is short and this issue is important, make three phone calls TODAY to make your voice heard -1) Contact the office of HB-137's sponsor and state that you DO NOT SUPPORT HB-137 because it is discriminatory. Here is Representative Lopez-Cantera's contact information:Capitol Office: 300 House Office Building, 402 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300, Phone: (850) 488-4202District Office: Suite 111, 2300 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145-3511, Phone: (305) 442-6877Legislative Assistant: Lourdes Gonzalez District Secretary: David Cruz2) Contact the office of the Chair of the House Committee on Infrastructure, Representative Richard "Rich" Glorioso, and state that you DO NOT SUPPORT HB-137 because it is discriminatory. Here is Representative Glorioso's contact information:Capitol Office: 405 House Office Building, 402 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300, Phone: (850) 488-0807District Office: Suite 204, 110 W. Reynolds Street, Plant City, FL 33563-3379, Phone: (813) 757-9110Legislative Assistant: Cori Cuttler District Secretary: Robyn Bryant3) Contact your representative - use the Florida StateWatch area under the Rapid Response Center...http://tinyurl.com/3xvxcl...to learn who your representative is and then make the call and/or send an e-mail message OPPOSING HB-137.HB-137 and SB-802 are discriminatory - don't let these bills go uncontested. The law and its penalties should apply to all violators, not just motorcyclists.Make those calls NOW!***WANT TO SAVE DAYTONA BIKE WEEK? OR HOW ABOUT JUST SAVING ***YOUR OWN BIKE***? PLEASE MAKE THOSE CALLS!First they put away the dealers, keep our kids safe and off the streets. Then they put away the prostitutes, keep married men cloistered at home. Then they shooed away the bums, then they beat and bashed the queers, turned away asylum-seekers, fed us suspicions and fears. We didn't raise our voice, we didn't make a fuss. It's funny there was no one left to notice when they came for us. --NOFX, inspired by Pastor Martin Niemöller ***"The battle for bikers' rights is not about patches, parties or poker runs. We fight to protect the freedom and promote the interests of American motorcyclists ... to defend our right to choose our own modes of transportation, attire and lifestyle ... to deter and defy discrimination against us ... and to vanquish those who violate our rights or right-of-way."--Bruce Arnoldhttp://ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights.php***Please post your comments and replies here:http://ldrlongdistancerider.com/forum.php

"NEW" gas tank for my 750 Honda

Finished Tank
Primed tank

Tank before

The Twelve Days of Christmas

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come outof the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
Today, I found out.>From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England werenot permitted to practice their faith openly. Someoneduring that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Eachelement in the carol has a code word for a religious realitywhich the children could remember.


-The Partridge in a Pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone.....

Chrome Divas Christmas Party

The Christmas Party for the North Platte, Nebraska Chapter of the Chrome Divas will be at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 16, 2007. Every body will bring a covered dish and dress in style, bring a guest and party hearty.

Chrome Divas are a ladies only motorcycle group, consisting of both riders and passengers and even some non-riding women who just love motorcycles and participating in charity functions. Originating in Tallahassee, Florida in 2002, Chrome Divas, a female motorcycle organization, was formed to provide a means of camaraderie, community participation, and a national link to all women who ride motorcycles and strive to be known as outstanding citizens in their communities with a preference to ride, have fun and share their talents and compassion in group effort. Chrome Divas are incorporated and has a trademark logo that identifies them as a female motorcycle organization. However, Chrome Divas do not wear colors and is not a "MC." Chrome Divas support many worthwhile causes; including breast cancer, Children’s Home Society, rape crisis center, Angel Flight, and juvenile diabetes to name a few. Diva fundraisers have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities, with more events on the horizon. Chrome Divas are indeed “on a roll” and rolling into Europe, Canada and parts unknown! Take a look at our site and if you think you might be Chrome Diva material ... make contact at http://www.chromedivas.com/ Check us out.

Chrome Divas---Aren't We Great?

This is a picture of our Ladies in the North Platte, Nebraska Chrome Divas Chapter on the day of the NebraskaLand Days Parade in 2007. This was our second year to ride in the parade. Our group has only been together since May 2006 and we were only four strong at the time, we have grown some in the last year.

the top picture of the two "old" ladies (One on the bide & one in the side car) are my step mom and me during the 2006 parade. We made the front page of the paper-the whole top half and on the same day Miss Nebraska was a 4X4 inch on the bottom half of the paper in a small article. Pretty cool-huh-that two old women got top billing in the news.

In the last Year we have raised a couple truck loads of food for a local food pantry, we raised $1,200 for the Rape and Domestic Abuse Center and have helped with other charities and fund raisers hosted by other groups.

This year for Christmas we are "adopting" a family of 10 and we plan to gather together everything they will need for a very nice Christmas for all of them.

In the next couple of days I will put our mission statement on here so you will know what we are out to accomplish. We owe it all to the ladies in Florida who started the Chrome Divas. They now have chapters like ours all over the United States and Canada. THANKS LADIES.

We are in the process now of planning our first Chrome Diva (No. Platte Chapter) hog roast and poker run. I'll keep you posted as to time and place. We are also looking for ideas for our next NebraskaLand Days Parade Float. Got any suggestions?

Our Oldest member is my step mom who is 80 years YOUNG and doesn't mind letting you know that she is young, although she doesn't "ride her own" because of hip problems. Our youngest "WANNA BE" member is only 7 years OLD and she doesn't mind letting you know that she is OLD. She rides on the back of grandmas bike, my daughter being the grandma.

I am just learning this Blog Stuff so bear with me. I may eventually work up a decent page. GOD BLESS you all --until next time-- I am the Honda Lady.