Today, the left-leaning watchdog investigative website, Fairwarning.org, released a story to the media titled: "Despite Death Toll, Motorcycle Groups Strive to Muzzle U.S. Regulators". At first glance, I took offense at the title, then I thought. Yes, that's exactly what the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has always done and will always do.
The article used me as a source. I knew that this was going to be a negative story, so I did my best to temper the completely clueless (and I am being generous with that term) reporter and author Rick Schmitt.
The story is out and has already been picked up by several major newspapers and major online news sites like MSNBC. Its likely that your regional papers and reporters will reproduce at least some of the whole article.
Here is what I would like you to do. When you come across the story on your local papers' website or any news website, leave some comments in the feedback section on the story. Be polite and be thought-provoking. Many people will read this story and not ever hear our side of the argument. Use this as an opportunity to point out the flaws in their argument. Use the MRF Fact or Fiction pieces to provide clear, concise points.
Upon reading the story initially, I was outraged and my first notion was to give this reporter the one-finger salute, but that will only make motorcyclists look like the yokels that they want us to be.
The single biggest point to make with this story and all like it is this simple fact.
- In 1997, there were 2,116 fatalities for 3,826,000 motorcycles registered. Or 0.055% of the motorcyclists were killed.
- In 2010, there were 4,502 fatalities for 8,368,000 motorcycles registered. Or 0.053% of the motorcyclists were killed.
So we have more than doubled the motorcycle population. Fact. And we have actually reduced fatalities. Fact.
Read the whole story here: http://www.fairwarning.org/2012/06/despite-death-toll-motorcycle-groups-strive-to-muzzle-u-s-regulators/
If leaving some well thought out comments doesn’t make you feel better, I have Mr. Schmitts home phone number. In all seriousness, let's comment bomb this story like no other.
Jeff
