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ABATE:
American Bikers Active Towards Education
Dedicated to freedom of the road for all motorcyclists!
June 1, 2008
The Honorable Bobby Jindal
Governor of the Great State of Louisiana
Office of the Governor Attn: Constituent Services
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-90004
RE: HB 1295
Dear Governor Jindal,
This letter is sent on behalf of Abate of Louisiana, Inc. (ABATE) and the overwhelming majority of the 140,000 registered motorcyclists of this great State. On May 19, 2007, you were present at a large motorcycle event called “Ride for Your Rights”. At this event many of your representatives passed out campaign material and you personally spoke to the crowd of motorcyclists of your belief in “First Freedoms”. You stated if elected, you would help and support the motorcycling community’s efforts to regain one of its most prized freedoms, that of enjoying our lifestyle without being burdened with a safety device that has done nothing to improve our safety. The motorcycling community campaigned and voted for you en masse due to these promises.
After several meetings with Representative M.J. “Mert” Smiley (Dist. 88), a bill was drafted based on ABATE’s recommendations (18 and older freedom of choice) and your recommendation (mandatory MSF training for first time riders); in essence OUR bill. This was a compromise that would have a greater impact on the safety of motorcyclists then simply putting a helmet on their head.
What occurred to HB 1295 on the House floor Thursday, May 22, 2008, was not only blatantly discriminatory, but an insult to everyone who rides a motorcycle. The amendments adopted send a message that the State of Louisiana does not value the motorcycling resident or tourist. If this bill passes in its current form, the State of Louisiana will be labeled as the most discriminatory state in the country in regard to motorcycling. Therefore, ABATE withdraws any support for this amended bill.
There is still one chance to make good on your campaign promises and send the proper message to the rest of the country: That is “Louisiana will uphold the basic principles of freedom as guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States, as 30 other State have done.”
The “Freedom of Choice” bill, SB 673, sponsored by Senator Eric LaFleur (District 28), could be amended to include your recommended mandatory requirement for motorcycle rider education. This can only be accomplished with your help; the help you promised in your May 2007 campaign. We implore you to act now and show support for SB 673.
Sincerely,
James L. Sisco Sr.
State Executive President
Abate of Louisiana, Inc.
Frankie's Run
Sunday July 27th
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Copyright 2007 A.B.A.T.E. Of Louisiana, Inc.
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