Spring is nearly here... Bikers make your plans now to attend the bash at GRCMMCC over Memorial Weekend. Free lodging available for biker rights activists. Come enjoy the mountains of WNC. Reply for more info or to reserve your space. ~FF
1) BEAST OF THE EAST EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE DRAWING NEAR
2) Is Salvia the Next Marijuana?
3) SC Statehouse Today
4) Attention ALL SC Motorcyclists, Bikers, Bicyclists, and Moped Operators
5) ABATE of WI gets the job done; Lobby Day brings over 500 to the Capitol
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1) BEAST OF THE EAST EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE DRAWING NEAR
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BEAST OF THE EAST EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE DRAWING NEAR
Washington, DC, March 10, 2008 — Each year the Motorcycle Riders Foundation holds two regional and one national conference to provide motorcyclists with the necessary tools to assist them with the fundamentals of motorcycle rights, education and awareness. This year the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association is hosting The BEAST of the East at the Marriott Boston Peabody in Peabody, Massachussets from April 18-20.
Attendance to the Beast of East is open to both MRF members and the general public with members receiving a discounted registration price. Individuals wishing to attend this conference will receive $10 off the regular registration fee if you register for this event before March 26, 2008. Registrations received before the deadline will be $60 for MRF Members and $70 for non-members. After March 26, the fee will increase to $70 and $80 respectively. The seminar cost will cover all the seminars for the weekend as well as a dinner banquet on Saturday night.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation does extend a chapter/district group rate for every conference, which must be received prior to the early registration deadline. This group rate of $100 will cover the cost of seminars for an unlimited number of attendees from that chapter or district but unfortunately does not cover the cost of the banquet on Saturday night. Any individuals wishing to attend the banquet can pay a separate $35 fee before or at registration for Beast of the East.
The Marriott Boston Peabody is located on 8A Centennial Drive, Peabody, MA 01960. The room rate with standard amenities is $99.00 per night plus tax. Accommodations for this event must be made by March 26, 2008 and can be made by calling the Marriott Boston Peabody at (978) 977-9700. Rooms may no longer be available after this date.
In order to register for this event, you can visit our website at www.mrf.org or contact the office at (202) 546-0983. Applications can be printed and mail to the MRF office at 236 Massachusetts Ave N.E., Suite 510, Washington, D.C. 20002. For more information about this conference, contact the Conference Director, Carol Downs, at (303) 204-6939 or at downs@mrf.org.
The MMA will be sponsoring an Accident Scene Management class at the conclusion of the Beast of the East. The course will be presented by Gail and David Riley, ASMI Instructors on Sunday, April 20 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Marriott Boston Peabody. The course instruction covers the necessary knowledge and skills for individuals to provide assistance on the scene of a motorcycle crash until medical professionals arrive. Course fees are $55.00, but MRF and MMA members will receive a $10 discount when they present their membership cards. For more information on this course, contact the course instructor Gail Riley at (978) 346- 9760 or gsriley1@hotmail.com.
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2) Is Salvia the Next Marijuana?
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http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iL07qPrDwTnT98gXva3EWcl0sxXAD8VBHBHG0
Is Salvia the Next Marijuana?
By JESSICA GRESKO – 1 day ago
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — On Web sites touting the mind-blowing powers of Salvia divinorum, come-ons to buy the hallucinogenic herb are accompanied by warnings: "Time is running out!" and "stock up while you still can."
That's because salvia is being targeted by lawmakers concerned that the inexpensive and easy-to-obtain plant could become the next marijuana. Eight states have already placed restrictions on salvia, and 16 others, including Florida, are considering a ban or have previously.
"As soon as we make one drug illegal, kids start looking around for other drugs they can buy legally. This is just the next one," said Florida state Rep. Mary Brandenburg, who has introduced a bill to make possession of salvia a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Some say legislators are overreacting to a minor problem, but no one disputes that the plant impairs judgment and the ability to drive.
Native to Mexico and still grown there, Salvia divinorum is generally smoked but can also be chewed or made into a tea and drunk.
Called nicknames like Sally-D, Magic Mint and Diviner's Sage, salvia is a hallucinogen that gives users an out-of-body sense of traveling through time and space or merging with inanimate objects. Unlike hallucinogens like LSD or PCP, however, salvia's effects last for a shorter time, generally up to an hour.
Salvia divinorum is not one of the several varieties of common ornamental garden plants known as Salvia.
No known deaths have been attributed to salvia's use, but it was listed as a factor in one Delaware teen's suicide two years ago.
"Parents, I would say, are pretty clueless," said Jonathan Appel, an assistant professor of psychology and criminal justice at Tiffin University in Ohio who has studied the emergence of the substance. "It's much more powerful than marijuana."
Salvia's short-lasting effects and the fact that it is currently legal may make it seem more appealing to teens, lawmakers say. In the Delaware suicide, the boy's mother told reporters that salvia made his mood darker but he justified its use by citing its legality. According to reports, the autopsy found no traces of the drug in his system, but the medical examiner listed it as a contributing cause.
Mike Strain, Louisiana's Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner and former legislator, helped his state in 2005 become the first to make salvia illegal, along with a number of other plants. He said the response has been largely positive.
"I got some hostile e-mails from people who sold these products," Strain said. "You don't make everybody happy when you outlaw drugs. You save one child and it's worth it."
An ounce of salvia leaves sells for around $30 on the Internet. A liquid extract from the plant, salvinorin A, is also sold in various strengths labeled "5x" through "60x." A gram of the 5x strength, about the weight of a plastic pen cap, is about $12 while 60x strength is around $65. And in some cases the extract comes in flavors including apple, strawberry and spearmint.
Web sites such as Salviadragon.com tout the product with images like a waterfall and rainbow and include testimonials like "It might sound far fetched, but I experience immortality."
Among those who believe the commotion over the drug is overblown is Rick Doblin of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, a nonprofit group that does research on psychedelic drugs and whose goal is to develop psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medication.
"I think the move to criminalize is a misguided response to a very minimal problem," Doblin said.
Doblin said salvia isn't "a party drug," "tastes terrible" and is "not going to be extremely popular." He disputes the fact teens are its main users and says older users are more likely.
"It's a minor drug in the world of psychedelics," he said.
It's hard to say how widespread the use of salvia is. Because it is legal in most states, law enforcement officials don't compile statistics.
A study of released last month by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services found just under 2 percent of people age 18 to 25 surveyed in 2006 reported using salvia in the past year. A 2007 survey of more than 1,500 San Diego State University students found that 4 percent of participants reported using salvia in the past year.
Brandenburg's bill would make salvia and its extract controlled substances in the same class as marijuana and LSD.
Florida state Sen. Evelyn Lynn, whose committee unanimously passed the salvia bill on Tuesday, said the drug should be criminalized.
"I'd rather be at the front edge of preventing the dangers of the drug than waiting until we are the 40th or more," she said.
FF Note: If you have tried salvia and care to write a reader review please reply.
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3) SC Statehouse Today
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Ralph Bell & Reb Richardson attended the STC (Senate Transportation Committee) meeting on March 12, 2008. They were happy to report that ALL Bills (on the agenda) concerning motorcyclist were passed by the STC full committee. So start calling your Senator so he/she will be prepared when these bills hit the Senate Floor for a vote. S-971 (Veterans License Plate), S-1117 (U.S. Armed Forces Veterans License Plate), and S-605 (Vertical Mounted Licensed Plate) went through lightly unchallenged. DMV spokes person stated that the vertical mounted plate will only be issued on as a demand bases. After talking with her, this means that if you purchase a mc that requires a vertical plate, DMV will print a plate (vertical readable) for you after you submit an application for such. (NOTE: DMV will be printing license plates by digital in the future for all vehicles).
After the meeting Ralph & Reb went red lighting-- seeking support for S-111 & H-4669. They were told by Senator Grooms (STC Chairman) that it'll be in sub committee within two weeks. Some members in the House promised their support. However, as Reb has previously stated, we are talking with politicians. Take it for what it is; DO NOT let our guard down and keep on hammering (calling) our legislators keeping them informed on our wishes as tax paying citizens, even if we are motorcyclists.
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4) Attention ALL SC Motorcyclists, Bikers, Bicyclists, and Moped Operators
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ATTENTION.... URGENT CALL TO ACTION:
All motorcyclists, bikers, bicyclists, and moped operators are urgently needed to help support the two traffic control device (so called the red light) bills (S-111 and H-4669) presently residing within the walls of the SC Statehouse. Everyone, yes even you, need to call and get everyone that you can to call their State Senator and House of Representative encouraging their support of these bills. It is imperative that we do this NOW to get these passed before the crossover date of May 1, 2008. We have right now the best chance ever to accomplish this task, as these bills will be moving through the required processes to become law.
So go call NOW.
Following is a list of the Senate Transportation Committee Members and The House of Represenatives Education and Public Works Committee Members where the fate of these bills will be determined.
HOUSE
Representative Robert E. "Bob" Walker
District 38 - Spartanburg Co.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 367, 125 High Farms Rd., Landrum, 29356
Bus. (864) 457-3328 Home (864) 457-4669
(C) 429 Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-3053 Home
E-Mail Address: REW@schouse.org
Representative Edward H. "Ted" Pitts, Jr.
District 69 - Lexington Co.
Contact Address:
(H) 313 Lanham Springs Way, Lexington, 29072
Bus. (803) 255-8625 Home (803) 356-0023
(C) 323A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-2972 Home
E-Mail Address: PittsT@schouse.org
Representative Michael A. Anthony
District 42 - Spartanburg & Union Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 322 Mt. Vernon Rd., Union, 29379
Bus. (864) 429-1740 Home (864) 427-3023
(C) 432D Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-3060 Home
E-Mail Address: AnthonyM@schouse.org
Representative Don C. Bowen
District 8 - Anderson & Oconee Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 1176 Embassy Dr., Anderson, 29625
Bus. (864) 934-3272 Home (864) 287-2009
(C) 306C Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-3038 Home
E-Mail Address: BowenD@schouse.org
Representative Jerry N. Govan, Jr.
District 95 - Orangeburg Co.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 77, Orangeburg, 29116
Bus. (803) 533-6402 Home (803) 533-1960
(C) 404B Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-3012 Home
E-Mail Address: JNG@schouse.org
Representative Bessie A. Moody-Lawrence (Mrs. James Earl)
District 49 - York Co.
Contact Address:
(H) 219 Bowser St., Rock Hill, 29730
Bus. (803) 980-3733 Home (803) 327-5110
(C) 414C Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-3029 Home
E-Mail Address: bam@schouse.org
Representative B. R. Skelton
District 3 - Pickens Co.
Contact Address:
(H) 2962 Walhalla Hwy., Six Mile, 29682
Bus. Home (864) 868-3495
(C) 418C Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-3036 Home (864) 868-3495
E-Mail Address: SkeltonBR@schouse.org
Representative James M. "Jimmy" Neal
District 44 - Lancaster Co.
Contact Address:
(H) 5148 Sandy Lane, Kershaw, 29067
Bus. (803) 475-3533 Home (803) 475-2358
(C) 422C Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-2976 Home
E-Mail Address: jmn@schouse.org
Representative Nathan Ballentine
District 71 - Lexington & Richland Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 1108 Belfair Way, Irmo, 29063
Bus. (803) 343-3234 Home (803) 732-1861
(C) 320A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-2969 Home
E-Mail Address: BallentineN@schouse.org
Representative Lester P. Branham, Jr.
District 61 - Florence Co.
Contact Address:
(H) 118 Lockewood Dr., Lake City, 29560
Bus. (843) 374-8545 Home (843) 374-2405
(C) 314B Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-3002 Home
E-Mail Address: BranhamL@schouse.org
Representative Carl L. Gullick
District 48 - York Co.
Contact Address:
(H) 73 Ridgeport Rd., Lake Wylie, 29710
Bus. (803) 656-5000 Home (803) 517-9368
(C) 404D Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-3011 Home
E-Mail Address: GullickC@schouse.org
Representative Lewis E. "Gene" Pinson
District 13 - Greenwood Co.
Contact Address:
(H) 306 Plantation Dr., Greenwood, 29649
Bus. (864) 388-9433 Home (864) 229-3873
(C) 522A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-2821 Home
E-Mail Address: PinsonG@schouse.org
Representative James E. "Jim" Stewart, Jr.
District 86 - Aiken Co.
Contact Address:
(H) 584 Beaver Dam Rd., Aiken, 29805
Bus. (803) 648-2635 Home (803) 649-5519
(C) 277 Chesterfield St., SW, Aiken, 29801
Bus. Home
E-Mail Address: jim@stewartbuilders.com
Representative Donald C. Smith
District 83 - Aiken & Edgefield Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 111 East Marion Ave., Box 225, N. Augusta, 29841
Bus. Home (803) 279-0794
(C) 416A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-3031 Home
E-Mail Address: DCS@schouse.org
Representative Eric M. Bedingfield
District 28 - Greenville Co.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 1073, Mauldin, 29662
Bus. (864) 230-7044 Home (864) 335-8937
(C) 312A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-2962 Home
E-Mail Address: BedingfieldE@schouse.org
Representative Michael W. "Mike" Gambrell
District 7 - Abbeville & Anderson Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 400 Filter Plant Rd., Honea Path, 29654
Bus. (864) 844-3614 Home (864) 369-0613
(C) 436A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-2947 Home
E-Mail Address: GambrellM@schouse.org
Representative Vida O. Miller (Mrs. James Dores)
District 108 - Charleston & Georgetown Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 3157, Pawleys Island, 29585
Bus. (843) 237-2578 Home (843) 237-8603
(C) 335D Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-2957 Home
E-Mail Address: VOM@schouse.org
Representative William R. "Bill" Whitmire
District 1 - Oconee Co.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 157, Walhalla, 29691
Bus. (864) 638-2970 Home (864) 638-2970
(C) 436D Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 29211
Bus. (803) 734-3068 Home
E-Mail Address: WhitmireW@schouse.org
SENATE
Senator Lawrence K. "Larry" Grooms
District 37 - Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton & Dorchester Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 131 Indian Field Dr., Bonneau, 29431
Bus. Home (843) 825-4671
(C) 203 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6400 Home
E-Mail Address: STR@scsenate.org
Senator W. Greg Ryberg
District 24 - Aiken Co.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 1077, Aiken, 29802
Bus. (803) 641-4125 Home (803) 648-9357
(C) 313 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6320 Home
E-Mail Address: SLC@scsenate.org
Senator John C. Land III
District 36 - Calhoun, Clarendon, Florence & Sumter Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 138, Manning, 29102
Bus. (803) 435-8894 Home (803) 435-2314
(C) 513 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6180 Home
E-Mail Address: JCL@scsenate.org
Senator Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr.
District 31 - Darlington & Florence Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 1817 Pineland Ave., Florence, 29501
Bus. (843) 662-0388 Home (843) 667-1152
(C) 111 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6640 Home
E-Mail Address: SFI@scsenate.org
Senator J. Yancey McGill
District 32 - Florence, Georgetown, Horry & Williamsburg Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 601 Longstreet St., Kingstree, 29556
Bus. (843) 355-7217 Home (843) 355-9157
(C) 508 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6132 Home (803) 779-7790
E-Mail Address: JYM@scsenate.org
Senator Dick Elliott
District 28 - Dillon, Horry, Marion & Marlboro Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 3626, North Myrtle Beach, 29582
Bus. (843) 249-1449 Home (843) 249-1520
(C) 601 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6116 Home (803) 771-8711
E-Mail Address: DE@scsenate.org
Senator Luke A. Rankin
District 33 - Horry Co.
Contact Address:
(H) 201 Beaty St., Conway, 29526
Bus. (843) 248-2405 Home (843) 626-6269
(C) 508 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6132 Home
E-Mail Address: LR@scsenate.org
President Pro Tempore Emeritus John W. Drummond
District 10 - Abbeville, Greenwood & Laurens Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 748, Greenwood, 29648
Bus. (864) 223-5525 Home (864) 543-2831
(C) 214 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6455 Home (803) 252-0845
E-Mail Address: PTE@scsenate.org
Senator Gerald Malloy
District 29 - Chesterfield, Darlington, Lee & Marlboro Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 1216 Salem Rd., Hartsville, 29550
Bus. (843) 339-3000 Home (843) 332-5533
(C) 512 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6148 Home
E-Mail Address: MALLOYG@scsenate.org
Senator Linda H. Short (Mrs. Paul)
District 17 - Chester, Fairfield, Union & York Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 120 West End St., Chester, 29706
Bus. Home (803) 377-3465
(C) 512 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6148 Home
E-Mail Address: LHS@scsenate.org
Senator Clementa C. Pinckney
District 45 - Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Hampton & Jasper Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 300, Ridgeland, 29936
Bus. (843) 726-6019 Home (843) 726-3849
(C) 613 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6056 Home
E-Mail Address: CCP@scsenate.org
Senator George E. "Chip" Campsen III
District 43 - Berkeley & Charleston Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 360 Concord St., Suite 201, Charleston, 29401
Bus. (843) 722-0123 Home (843) 886-8454
(C) 604 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6016 Home
E-Mail Address: CAMPSEN@scsenate.org
Senator Raymond E. Cleary III
District 34 - Charleston, Georgetown & Horry Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 3577 Marion Lane, Murrells Inlet, 29576
Bus. (843) 650-5100 Home (843) 357-2234
(C) 501 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6100 Home
E-Mail Address: CLEARYR@scsenate.org
Senator Randy Scott
District 38 - Charleston & Dorchester Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) 107 Cleveland St., Summerville, 29483
Bus. (843) 873-5544 Home (843) 871-2964
(C) 606 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6024 Home
E-Mail Address: SCOTTR@scsenate.org
Senator Catherine C. Ceips
District 46 - Beaufort Co.
Contact Address:
(H) 1207 Bay St., Beaufort, 29902
Bus. Home (843) 524-2020
(C) 608 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6032 Home
E-Mail Address: CEIPS@scsenate.org
Senator John D. Hawkins
District 12 - Spartanburg Co.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 5048, Spartanburg, 29304
Bus. (864) 574-8801 Home (864) 576-9932
(C) 602 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6008 Home
E-Mail Address: DH@scsenate.org
Senator Daniel B. "Danny" Verdin III
District 9 - Greenville & Laurens Cos.
Contact Address:
(H) P.O. Box 272, Laurens, 29360
Bus. (864) 984-4129 Home (864) 682-8914
(C) 404 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29202
Bus. (803) 212-6230 Home
E-Mail Address: SAG@scsenate.org
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5) ABATE of WI gets the job done; Lobby Day brings over 500 to the Capitol
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From Dave"Chubby"Charlebois
Public Relations Director
ABATE of WI Inc.
pubrel@abatewis.org 262-253-9898
For Immediate Release:
ABATE gets the job done; Lobby Day brings over 500 to the Capitol
Members and supporters of ABATE of WI Inc, got the job done March 4th in Madison with over 500 bikers in attendance looking for support for their 2008 legislative agenda. Bikers started to show up at the Capitol as early as 8am and didnt leave until the job was done. One hundred percent of our legislators offices were reached and everyone that attended should be congratulated on a job well done. Once again, ABATE of WI and its supporters showed that grassroots lobbying can get the job done in Wisconsin.
ABATE of WI Inc 2008 legislative agenda includes amending parts of recently passed legislation that was intended to enhance penalties for right of way violations and make motorcycle awareness such as ABATEs Share the Road program mandatory for all violators. Since this law has been in effect for more than a year and we havent seen any changes, this is one of our top priorities. Also promoted in Madison were our suggestions for a state fix to the federal Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) which currently allows insurance companies to discriminate against motorcyclists by denying health insurance coverage simply because they choose to ride a motorcycle. A great amount of interest was shown by our legislators on these issues.
ABATE members and supporters also took this opportunity to re-introduce themselves to our legislators and let them know our stance on recent helmet recommendations by the NTSB and the overwhelming need for crash avoidance solutions not safer crashing. Information on our Share the Road motorcycle awareness program and our new anti-impaired riding program was also given to legislators to give examples of the tireless efforts of our organization and its members.
Pictures of the event are available on our website www.abatewis.org and again thanks to all in attendance that made this a great event.
ABATE of Wisconsins goal is to give the motorcyclists of Wisconsin a strong, united voice, with regard to their future, their way of life, their safety and their legal rights as motorcyclists and citizens.
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