Please support our SC Bills S111 and S605. S111 appears to be on the fast track for passage but please do contact your representative urging support for quick passage. S605 needs help to pass before the session ends in less than a month. Do your part to help pass these historic motorcycle bills visit http://www.abatesc.com/issues.php for more information. Locate your elected representatives at http://www.abatesc.com/contactlegislators.php
Safety Sam missed our May Motorcycle Awareness rally Sunday. However it would seem (after reading item 1 below) that Sam was busy elsewhere trying to protect you from yourself.
ABATE's smallest member took an wild ride out west. See a slide show and learn more about "Pinky Goes to Jail" at http://www.abatesc.com/index.php
GRCMMCC Memorial Weekend Blow Out... make your plans to attend now. This year in addition to talking motorcycles and politics we will have a hike to Bradley Falls and float down the river. Some will just sit in the shade by the river and drink and eat. Plenty of camping space is still available. The cost of this event is just BYOB. Reply for more information and directions...
FF
1) NTSB Chariman Stresses Importance of DOT FMVSS218 Complaint Helmets
2) Work with Dems turns former ally into political foe
3) 2 Democrats set sights on taking senator's spot
4) S.C. Senate to vote on cigarette tax soon
5) Sanford: Immigration bill not tough enough
6) Land takes floor to filibuster immigration bill
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1) NTSB Chariman Stresses Importance of DOT FMVSS218 Complaint Helmets
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FF Note: Your tax dollars at work (Thanks a lot Safety Sam)... if you are impressed as I am please feel free to use the contact info below to shoe your "thanks."
NTSB CHAIRMAN STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF MOTORCYCLE SAFETY, DOT FMVSS 218-COMPLIANT HELMETS
Washington, DC -- As motorcyclists throughout the country observe May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Mark V. Rosenker stresses the need for motorcycle safety and reminds motorcyclists that Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218-compliant helmets reduce injuries and save lives.
(PressZoom) - Washington, DC -- As motorcyclists throughout the country observe May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Mark V. Rosenker stresses the need for motorcycle safety and reminds motorcyclists that Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard ( FMVSS ) 218-compliant helmets reduce injuries and save lives.
Since 1997, motorcycle fatalities have increased 127 percent. Annually, the number of motorcycle deaths is more than double the number of people killed in all aviation, rail, marine, and pipeline accidents combined.
4,810 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2006. Approximately 41 percent ( 1,957 ) of those killed were not wearing a helmet.
"The facts are very clear- head injuries are a leading cause of deaths in motorcycle crashes," said NTSB Chairman Mark V. Rosenker. "The most important step riders can take in terms of protecting themselves and staying alive is to wear a DOT- compliant helmet every time they ride." DOT-compliant helmets are designed with a hard outer shell, an impact-attenuating liner, and a retention system to protect the head, especially the brain, in a variety of impact scenarios.
Currently, 20 States and the District of Columbia have universal helmet laws. Twenty-seven States have partial laws, and 3 States ( Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire ) do not have any helmet law.
"Fatalities in all other modes of transportation have decreased. It is imperative that we reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities and injuries immediately," urged Rosenker
In 2006, the Safety Board held a public forum and gathered information on ongoing motorcycle research and initiatives, as well as countermeasures that may reduce the likelihood of motorcycle accidents and fatalities.
In September 2007, the Safety Board held a Board meeting on motorcycle safety and issued the following recommendations regarding motorcycle helmets:
To the three states with no motorcycle helmet laws:
Require that all persons shall wear a Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218-compliant motorcycle helmet while riding ( operating ) or as a passenger on any motorcycle.
To the 27 states and 1 territory with partial motorcycle helmet laws:
Amend current laws to require that all persons shall wear a Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 compliant motorcycle helmet while riding ( operating ) or as a passenger on any motorcycle.
To the 8 states, the District of Columbia, and the 4 territories with universal motorcycle helmet laws/regulations not specifically requiring FMVSS 218- compliant helmets:
Amend current laws to specify that all persons shall wear a Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 compliant motorcycle helmet while riding ( operating ) or as a passenger on any motorcycle.
"Just like seat belts for passenger vehicle occupants, helmets are the number one defense against injury and death in the event of a motorcycle crash. I urge all riders to use a DOT compliant helmet whenever traveling on their motorcycles." Rosenker said.
The Safety Board also issued recommendations to address other motorcycle safety countermeasures and to improve data collection on motorcycle accident statistics.
To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
Reprioritize the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety recommendations based on objective criteria, including known safety outcomes.
Following completion of the reprioritization of the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, implement an action plan for states and others, such as federal agencies, manufacturers, insurance organizations, and advocacy groups, to carry out those recommendations that are determined to be of high priority.
To the Federal Highway Administration:
Following the 2007 Motorcycle Travel Symposium, develop guidelines for the states to use to gather accurate motorcycle registrations and motorcycle vehicle miles traveled data. The guidelines should include information on the various methods to collect registrations and vehicle miles traveled data and how these methods can be put into practice.
NTSB Media Contact: Terry Williams, 202-314-6100
williat@ntsb.gov
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2) Work with Dems turns former ally into political foe
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http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/may/06/work_dems_turns_former_ally_into_politic39761/
Work with Dems turns former ally into political foe
By Robert Behre
The Post and Courier
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
In 2002, Lexington orthodontist and high-ranking GOP official Buddy Witherspoon followed the party line and backed Lindsey Graham for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Strom Thurmond's retirement.
Today, Witherspoon hopes to limit Graham to one term.
Sen. Lindsey Graham
Graham says he is proud of his record, particularly his joining with fellow senator and Republican presidential candidate John McCain to urge changes in President Bush's Iraq policy, which resulted in a troop surge the administration says has lessened the violence there. He also is proud of being one of the most sought-after senators for Sunday talk shows and for his record of reaching across the aisle to try to make progress on veterans' health care and spending issues.
But for Witherspoon — a Republican National Committeeman for more than
11 years —that last part is the rub: the reaching across the aisle.
"He's shifted somewhat off center," Witherspoon said, explaining why he chose to run against Graham in the June 10 GOP primary. "Some people tell me, 'I didn't know we elected the third senator from New York or Massachusetts.' "
Witherspoon also cited Graham's participation as one of the "Gang of 14" that reached a bipartisan compromise over handling judicial nominations. Then, there was Graham's support of Bush's immigration bill — a bill also backed by Democratic senators.
"It sounded like amnesty (for those who have entered the country illegally). It walked like amnesty. We thought it was amnesty," Witherspoon said. "That was another nail in the coffin as far as I'm concerned."
Graham said he is running on his record. "Following Senator Thurmond is a tough act, and I think I've tried to be the best senator I can be as Lindsey Graham. I think I've earned a reputation in Washington as someone you can work with, a valued ally and a worthy opponent."
"The longer you do something, generally speaking, the better you are at it. In year five, I'm a better senator than in year one because I understand the body better. I know where the pressure points are," he added.
Graham said he wants to be re-elected to continue his support for the global war on terror and to work on the most challenging issues of the day, such as entitlement reform and immigration reform.
Buddy Witherspoon
Witherspoon said he would work on ending frivolous lawsuits, ensuring that trade agreements don't cost American jobs and working on energy, including drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. "We've got to get our house in order. We can't wait forever," he said.
Graham said he also is proud of the work he has done to bolster the Savannah River Site's role in pursuing alternative fuels. While he was disappointed that the nation couldn't find bipartisan ground on Social Security reform or immigration reform, he said he hopes to work on that during the next six years. "We can't expect perfect Republican or Democratic bill to be passed. I'm a realist when it comes to that."
While Witherspoon didn't back a GOP candidate during the state's January presidential primary, Graham was one of McCain's most visible supporters here. "I would work well, as best I can, with whoever becomes president, but I don't have a closer friend in the world than John McCain," Graham said.
Few observers give Witherspoon much of a chance — and not only because Graham has raised more than 10 times as much money and has endorsements from most of the state's most-prominent Republicans.
Clemson political science professor Dave Woodard, who worked on Graham's U.S. House campaigns in the 1990s, said Graham appears to be in the catbird's seat.
"There are some who really don't like him, but by and large, I don't think the majority of GOP primary voters are going to reject a senator who has been as visible and generally successful as he's been," he said.
Witherspoon, who has donated $220,500 to his own bid, said he considers himself an optimistic underdog.
"You would have to call it a David-and-Goliath race, but I've been there and done that before," he said. "I'm very encouraged."
While they might talk about different issues, the paramount choice before state Republicans is whether they want a senator who follows a harder party line.
"As a South Carolina senator, I would reach across the aisle, but I wouldn't give up on my principles," Witherspoon said. "I'm not going to move across the aisle to join with the other side."
Graham said his counsel for Witherspoon is this: "There are 51 Democrats up here, and they're not going to go away."
The Candidates:
LINDSEY GRAHAM
WEB: lgraham.senate.gov/public/
WEB: lindseygraham.com/proven/
RAISED: $3.52 million
SPENT: $1.28 million
CASH ON HAND: $4.78 million
DEBT: $0
BUDDY WITHERSPOON
WEB: buddywitherspoon.com/
RAISED: $351,163
SPENT: $93,612
CASH ON HAND: $257,911
DEBT: $10,158
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3) 2 Democrats set sights on taking senator's spot
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http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/may/06/democrats_set_sights_on_taking_senators_39762/
2 Democrats set sights on taking senator's spot
By Robert Behre
The Post and Courier
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
If Buddy Witherspoon is considered a long shot in his primary bid to unseat Sen. Lindsey Graham, then the two Democratic challengers can be considered really, really long shots.
But Mount Pleasant lawyer Michael Cone and North Myrtle Beach engineer, pilot and flight trainer Bob Conley also will square off June 10 to see who will be on the ballot this fall.
Michael Cone
They have little money and name recognition. Former South Carolina Party Chairman Joe Erwin said he doesn't know them. Last year, Erwin shed some light into why Democratic heavyweights shied away from the race when he said, "We already have our best Democrat up there in Lindsey."
Erwin said last week that he took heat for the remark. "I'd say that was a flip comment that looking back, you know, is probably not appropriate," Erwin said,
adding, "I respect Lindsey Graham. I think he's worked very hard. ... I guess don't have heartburn about his work in the Senate, but I don't agree with many of his positions."
Rob Godfrey, communications director for the state Republican Party, had his own flip remark about the Democratic field: "South Carolina Democrats had to look so far down the bench to find anyone willing to suit up for this race that the trainers were taping their own ankles."
Together, Cone and Conley have raised only about $22,000 —10 times less than what Witherspoon has given his own campaign and not much more than their filing fees, according to the most recent Federal Election Commission figures.
They have Web sites and have made appearances around the state at Democratic county meetings, including brief speeches at Saturday's state convention in Columbia.
The Democratic contenders do have different backgrounds and positions on the issues. Cone, a trial lawyer and Navy veteran, said he is inspired by his grandfather, the late state Sen. O.T. Wallace, particularly with his role in removing the toll from the original Cooper River bridge. "The Cooper River was a huge gap between Mount Pleasant and Charleston. My grandfather helped make Mount Pleasant more accessible."
Bob Conley
Cone said that if elected, he would work on jobs, health care and national security issues. He would work to change tax policy to discourage companies from taking jobs overseas. He also favors a single-payer health care system, adding, "I do not see a place for private insurers in the health care market."
He said he also favors getting U.S. troops out of Iraq because of the strain it's placing on the military. "Senators Graham and (John) McCain and President Bush did such a poor job thinking this through, they have emboldened those who would do us harm."
As far as illegal immigration goes, Cone said, "Building a fence is not going to stop them. What's going to stop them is if they have no job to look forward to."
Conley said he believes "in the great Jeffersonian principle of government of and by the people, not of and by the corporations."
"I've got a lean campaign. I spend a lot of time on the phone and on the road," he said.
He said Iraq, the economy and immigration reform are the defining issues of today and said the troops should be home by now and receiving better treatment.
He also said China was a major concern, partly because of problems with imported toys, food and medicine from there. "All U.S. trade dollars are paying for the buildup of their industry while sending good, better paying jobs to communist China," he said.
Both Conley and Cone said they know little about each other, and they're much more likely to take aim at Graham while on the campaign trail. "I'm out to take Lindsey Graham out in the fall," Conley said. "I think Michael and I have the same target here."
The Candidates:
MICHAEL CONE
WEB: mjcone.com
RAISED: $11,429
SPENT: $11,319
CASH ON HAND: $109
DEBT: $9,500
BOB CONLEY
WEB: bobconleyforsenate.com
RAISED: $10,200
SPENT: $10,158
CASH ON HAND: $42
DEBT: $2,400
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4) S.C. Senate to vote on cigarette tax soon
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http://www.thestate.com/politics/story/396550.html
S.C. Senate to vote on cigarette tax soon
They are expected to begin debate over hiking fee by 50 cents today
By JOHN O’CONNOR
joconnor@thestate.com
The S.C. Senate is ready to vote on a plan to raise the state’s lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax more than a year after the proposal first entered the chamber.
The Senate is expected to begin debating the bill today.
Senators have floated at least a half-dozen versions of the bill over the past year, but advocates believe they have settled on a compromise that would help some businesses buy health insurance and expand medical coverage for the poor.
That proposal would include a 50-cents-a-pack increase, raising the total per-pack state tax to 57 cents. In comparison, North Carolina’s tax is 35 cents a pack while Georgia’s is 37 cents a pack. The national average is $1.14 a pack.
“We’re gearing up,” said Kelly Davis, spokeswoman for the S.C. Tobacco Collaborative, a coalition of health care and public advocacy groups supporting a higher tax. “We’re excited that we’re finally getting around to something.”
Davis said advocates would like to raise the tax as high as possible, but are satisfied with one aspect of the plan: the first $5 million raised will pay for programs to help youth and adults quit smoking or avoid smoking in the first place.
Support is strong in the Senate for raising the cigarette tax, but much of the debate has focused on how to spend the approximately $159 million a 50-cents-per-pack tax would raise.
Democrats have pushed to spend the money to expand Medicaid coverage for low-income residents. Others have advocated using the revenue to offer businesses tax credits to buy employee health insurance.
Alexander said lawmakers seem ready to split the revenue among those two options.
“That’s very, very important,” said Sen. John Land, the Senate Democratic leader, of expanding Medicaid to about 75,000 people, “and that will have a huge impact.”
Sen. Thomas Alexander, R-Oconee, who chaired the committee that drafted the bill, said the plan would focus on opening Medicaid coverage to families earning up to twice the federal poverty rate, or $41,300 for a family of four.
Richland County Republican Sen. John Courson has already said he plans to push to use the roughly $150 million raised to cut income taxes, a position echoed by other members of the Senate and Gov. Mark Sanford. Sanford has pledged to veto any plan that does not include a tax cut equivalent to the per-pack increase.
The bill also faces an uncertain future in the House, where advocates and opponents wait to see what the Senate does. Last year the House plan raised the per-pack tax by 30 cents in exchange for cutting the sales tax on groceries. The grocery sales tax has since been eliminated.
With five weeks before the session ends, Davis said, advocates are worried time could run out on the bill this year. Those supporting and opposing raising the tax have sent mail to S.C. voters.
Alexander believes the Senate is ready to vote, having used the extra year to work through the issues.
“Most folks are ready to debate,” Alexander said. “I’m sure it won’t meet the criteria from everybody.”
Reach O’Connor at (803) 771-8358.
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5) Sanford: Immigration bill not tough enough
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http://thestatecom.typepad.com/ygatoday/2008/05/sanford-immigra.html
Sanford: Immigration bill not tough enough
Gov. Mark Sanford said again Thursday the immigration bill passed by the Senate falls short of his expectations. Sanford called on citizens to let lawmakers know of their displeasure with the bill.
The bill, which woud require employers to take additional steps to verify the employees they hire are in the United States legally, doesn't require employers to use an electronic verification system Sanford prefers. Instead, the so-called E-verify system is one of three options an employer would have. A valid S.C. drivers license and a state form to verify immigration status could also be used.
"By stripping out the e-verify requirement last night, the Senate has taken out the single most effective part of this immigration reform bill," Gov. Sanford said. "For anyone who cares about real immigration reform, the time is now for them to email or call their Senator or House member - or better yet show up in person at the State House on Tuesday to tell their elected leaders face-to-face how they feel."
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6) Land takes floor to filibuster immigration bill
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http://thestatecom.typepad.com/ygatoday/2008/04/land-takes-floo.html
Land takes floor to filibuster immigration bill
S.C. Senate is in recess after Sen. John Land began a filibuster to an immigration bill the Senate is attempting to pass.
Both the House and Senate have voted on immigration bills that require employers to take additional steps in verifying whether the workers they hire are in the United States legally.
But a conference committee appointed to ironing out the differences in the bill has not been able to agree on a final version.
The Senate has drafted a new bill and added it to a House bill that essentially gives the General Assembly a way out of its stalemate.
But Land, D-Clarendon, said the Senate's immigration bill would hurt farmers in his district.
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