Congress

Censorship: Michael Shellenberger testifies before Congress

EXPOSED: America’s Secret Censorship-Industrial Complex U.S. government officials, agencies, and contractors are violating the First Amendment Friends — Over the last three months, a small group of independent journalists, including Leighton and I, have, thanks to the Twitter Files, exposed the ways in which social media platforms have, under pressure from U.S. government agencies, censored ordinary Americans and spread disinformation. Today, at 10 am ET, journalist Matt Taibbi and I will testify before Congress and reveal the existence of a secret censorship-industrial complex in the United States. Our findings are shocking. A highly-organized network of U.S. government agencies and government contractors has been creating blacklists and pressuring social media companies to censor Americans, often without them knowing it. We and others have already reported on some of the actions of this complex, including its disinformation campaigns. But the extent of its censorship was unknown to us until very recently. And, as importantly, we now understand the ways in which this complex simultaneously spreads disinformation and demands censorship. What my 68-page testimony to Congress shows is an effort by U.S. government intelligence and security agencies to wage “information warfare” against the American people. I do not doubt that some people will try to justify the behaviors we have documented. They will say such censorship is necessary for “fighting disinformation.” But there is no moral or legal justification for the acts of state-sponsored censorship we document, much less for the fundamentally unAmerican censorship-industrial complex. I believe that any reasonable person reading our report, no matter their politics, will be horrified by what is taking place and demand an end to it. With our testimony, we are calling on Congress to defund and dismantle the censorship-industrial complex immediately. Democracy depends on freedom of speech. Both are under attack. Michael PS: A written transcript […]

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MRF: Continuing to Bridge the Gap

Almost a decade ago, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) began outreach to motorcycle clubs to find common ground on key legislative items. An MRF board seat, titled Director of Sustaining Member Motorcycle Clubs, was created and that seat is held by Russell Radke. Part of Russell’s mission is to educate the motorcycle club community on what the MRF is working on in D.C. and how our efforts impact all riders. The National Council of Clubs (NCOC) has, for the past several years, invited the MRF to participate in its meetings to foster that dialogue. Last weekend, leaders of the MRF attended the February NCOC meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. The MRF was represented by Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (MRF President), Fred Harrell (Director of Conference & Events), Russell Radke (Director of Sustaining Member Motorcycle Clubs), Seven Cassel (Membership Director) and Rocky Fox (Government Relations). Also in attendance was ABATE of Wisconsin Legislative Director, Steve Panten. Four different presentations involved an MRF or ABATE member sharing their views on motorcycling and legislative action. Hardtail gave a presentation on the “The Future of Motorcycling in America.” Rocky spoke on the MRF’s recent victories on profiling in D.C. Seven discussed how best to unite independents and MCs. Steve gave a case study on a recent summit held in Wisconsin between ABATE and motorcycle clubs in the state. The weekend was filled with lively debate and great questions. The MRF thanks the NCOC and the club community for their hospitality and willingness to work together on issues we all care about. About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Visit website at http://mrf.org * * * * * * * * * * * *

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NCOM Biker Newsbytes for February 2023

Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish Click Here to read the February 2023 NCOM News on Bikernet.com YAMAHA PLEDGES 10 MILLION YEN TO TURKEY-SYRIA EARTHQUAKE RELIEF HONDA SHOOTS FOR THE MOON EUROPEAN UNION PROPOSES DIGITAL DRIVING LICENSES SKILLS CRISIS OVER LACK OF YOUNG PEOPLE WORKING IN MOTORCYCLING MOTORCYCLE HELMET MARKET EXPECTED TO GROW SUBSTANTIALLY CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION COULD INVOKE DONOR-CYCLISTS RIDER SAVED BY SMARTWATCH AFTER FALL FROM CLIFF ON HIS MOTORCYCLE JAY LENO SUFFERS SERIOUS MOTORCYCLE CRASH SAFETY INSTITUTE BACKS CAT-ASTROPHIC ROAD RULES NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE SAVE THE DATE – 38TH ANNUAL NCOM CONVENTION IN ARIZONA National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) News provides updates on motorcycle industry, market, legislation, rights of bikers, motorcyclists in USA, and motorcycle news from around the world. CLICK Here to view options to subscribe to Bikernet.com Free Weekly Newsletter

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NCOM Biker Newsbytes for December 2022

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world Click Here to read this month’s NCOM news coverage on Bikernet.com This month’s NCOM news covers topics as varied as: Congress requires NHTSA to force Automakers to monitor drivers Best and Worst Drivers in the USA presented State-wise Unvaccinated at higher risk of Traffic Accidents claims Canadian researchers studying encrypted government records The Road to Decarbonization European Motorcycle group calls to make Motorcycling affordable First Honda ‘Electric Motorcycle’ on Parade Yamaha goes green with Plant-based materials for future bike designs Romanian motorcyclists obligated to carry fire extinguishers THE AIM / NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Gear up & ride to your next Wild Biker Party in style – Click to checkout the all-new 5-Ball Racing Shop

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House Passes Motorcyclist Profiling Resolution

December 23, 2022 House Passes Motorcyclist Profiling Resolution! In one of the final actions before the 117th Congress dissolved the House of Representatives passed, H. Res 366, the motorcyclist profiling resolution. The resolution, which was first introduced in 2016, failed to receive a vote on the House floor until today. In the six years since it was introduced motorcyclists have spent countless hours educating lawmakers and raising awareness on the issue of motorcyclist profiling. The 2016 version of the resolution had just 18 cosponsors, but that number grew to 103 this month. These 103 cosponsors represented a diverse set of political beliefs and geographic interests, but all were committed to supporting bikers. It has been a long journey to this point and many parties are responsible for this victory. Former Representative Reid Ribble of Wisconsin originally introduced the resolution and after his departure from Congress Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan picked up the baton. The Motorcycle Profiling Project provided important data that helped inform lawmakers about the extent of motorcyclist profiling. Motorcycle clubs and independent riders all invested time and resources in the battle on Capitol Hill. State motorcyclist rights organizations leveraged their relationships with home state lawmakers and increased cosponsor numbers dramatically. Most importantly all these groups remained committed and focused despite setbacks and disappointments. With this action, the House joins the Senate, which passed a similar resolution in 2018 standing against motorcyclist profiling and asking for collaboration between law enforcement and bikers to prevent profiling. Additionally, five states, Washington, Maryland, Louisiana, Idaho, and New Hampshire all have state laws against the profiling of bikers. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation hopes that this demonstration of support from the United States Congress will provide other states a foundation to enact legislation. To see a full version of H. Res 366 click

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NHTSA: Your Action Matters!

This week, thousands of American bikers contacted their elected officials to express concern about recent crashes involving motorcycles and cars believed to be in self-driving mode. Specifically, three crashes this summer, which occurred in California, Florida and Utah have been a major topic of conversation for the nearly 10 million motorcyclists in this country. In response to outreach by constituents, Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan and 26 other members of Congress sent a bipartisan letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeking answers. The letter, delivered to Acting Administrator Ann Carlson, asked five basic questions regarding self-driving technology and motorcycles. It is the hope of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), our members and partners that answers to questions like, “Should motorcyclists take extra precautions when sharing the road with vehicles with self-driving technology?” will shed light on the capabilities of this new technology. American motorcyclists owe the following 27 Representatives, from 16 different states, our thanks. Their desire to seek answers and protect all roadway users makes all of us safer. Thank you for your leadership on this issue! Rep. Troy Balderson – Ohio Rep. Jack Bergman – Michigan Rep. Mike Bost – Illinois Rep. Cheri Busto – Illinois Rep. Angie Craig – Minnesota Rep. Rodney Davis – Illinois Rep. Val Demings – Florida Rep. Scott Fitzgerald – Wisconsin Rep. Lois Frankel – Florida Rep. Paul Gosar – Arizona Rep Glenn Grothman – Wisconsin Rep. Andy Harris – Maryland Rep. Clay Higgins – Louisiana Rep. Dusty Johnson – South Dakota Rep. Ron Kind – Wisconsin Rep. Ann Kuster – New Hampshire Rep. Darin LaHood – Illinois Rep. Doug Lamborn – Colorado Rep. Brian Mast – Florida Rep. Lisa McClain – Michigan Rep. Mark Pocan – Wisconsin Rep. Bill Posey – Florida Rep. Pete Stauber – Minnesota Rep. Glenn

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NCOM Biker Newsbytes for November 2022

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) News provides updates on motorcycle industry, market, legislation, rights of bikers, motorcyclists in USA, and motorcycle news from around the world. This Month’s Bytes -+- Click to read at Bikernet.com AVID MOTORCYCLIST ELECTED AGAIN TO NEW HAMPSHIRE HOUSE ARIZONA SENATOR CALLS FOR PASSAGE OF THE RPM ACT U.S. LAWMAKERS PURSUE “RIGHT TO REPAIR” CONSUMER PROTECTIONS HARLEY HIT WITH ANOTHER RIGHT-TO-REPAIR LAWSUIT EUROPE MOVES TO BAN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES INTERNATIONAL TREATY AGAINST FOSSIL FUELS FLOATED AT U.N. CLIMATE SUMMIT WORLD’S BIGGEST BIKE SHOW BREAKS NEW RECORDS SUZUKI-POWERED DRONE TAKES FLIGHT * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * All Things Motorcycling ? All About Big V-Twins ? Have a look at www.Bikernet.com * Get all the inside news, reports, updates on motorcycles – Join the Cantina – click to sign-up

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Elect to take a stand

Tomorrow’s Outcomes Hinge on Today’s Actions In contrast to the last century, ‘Roaring’ is not likely to be how the current ‘20s are remembered. The Jazz Age’s nostalgic “carefree” stereotype offers little similarity to the present. Amidst all the uncertainty, one thing is clear: politics are everywhere, like it or not. With all this in mind, big issues are on the table that are ripe with controversy. Decisions on electric vehicles (EVs), automotive fuel supply, and one’s own ‘right to modify’ will make a direct impact on our community and the final results are likely to be consequential. With so much at stake, enthusiast participation in the political process is crucial—but not difficult. Nearly 7,000 state and federal elected positions are up for grabs in November. Notably, 84% of all state lawmakers will be in the running—marking their first race since redistricting has shifted constituencies. Party control of the U.S. Congress and state legislatures will be determined in the upcoming elections. Use the voting tool at semaSAN.com/semavotes to register to vote and learn the deadlines for where you live. In advance, find out if your state and federal representatives are affiliated with the hobby-friendly, SEMA-supported caucuses at semaSAN.com/statecaucus and semaSAN.com/federalcaucus. You can locate your elected officials at semaSAN.com under the “Legislators” tab. Ready to influence our nation’s public policy roadmap going forward? Good news: the ballot box awaits! This year, head to your polling place with renewed purpose. Learn where your candidates are on issues important to you. Then ensure your voice is heard via your vote. No better way to weigh-in and make sure this important opportunity counts. Take care of fulfilling your civic duty just like your prized ride—with pride in ownership! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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Arizona Senator Rallies for Passage of the RPM Act

Since being elected to Congress in November 2020, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) has proven himself to be a strong ally and defender of motorsports. Sen. Kelly is an original cosponsor of S. 2736, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act), and he has championed the bill both publicly and behind the scenes. Sen. Kelly recently spoke at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing about the importance of the RPM Act and amateur racing, noting that his wife, former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, raced motorcycles on the track. “Racing is important to many Arizonans – and it’s a part of our state’s legacy,” he said. “The RPM Act will help provide certainty to Arizona’s amateur racers and auto mechanics from EPA regulations, which could harm their ability to enjoy the hobby of motorsport.” As a former astronaut (four missions into space) and naval aviator who flew 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, Sen. Kelly understands the passion of racers and the adrenaline associated with speed lovers. He is also amongst the 31 Senate co-sponsors of the RPM Act, fellow federal lawmakers and candidates running for re-election in 2022. The 2022 election season is now in high gear. For information on voting in November’s elections (including absentee and early voting), to find your polling place, identifying your lawmakers and the candidates running in 2022, use the link Click Here. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Click & Follow the Thursday’s Weekly News exclusively on Bikernet.com to stay updated with your freedoms & rights as a motorcyclist !!!

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NCOM Biker Newsbytes for October 2022

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish In the news this month: Arizona Lane Filtering Law Attack on Noise in California Federal Answer on Anti-Biker Profiling Cost of charging e-bike as much as refueling an ICE engine bike Linking Russian Attacks to Potholes in UK Plant-based Asphalt from France Now Watch Videos while you ‘Drive’ a Self-driving Car Gamers to explore Poke-universe on Motorcycles CLICK HERE To Read the Whole Article on Bikernet.com …. THE AIM / NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * All the Motorcycling News you need to use to stay on Two-Wheels – get updated with free Bikernet Blog Weekly Newsletter. Click & Start !!!

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