I know you're not too proud to admit some shit starts in California (like emissions standards) and spreads east, . . .
Then again, some shit starts out here and spreads west.
I guess we meet in Mississippi . . .
Feel free to share the below with others . . .
here's an old news story I found . . .
http://warchild.blog-city.com/ma_bikers_strive_to_be_helmet_free.htm
and a year later . . .
Date: May 8, 2006
(Newburyport, MA) Tonight the Newburyport City Council unanimously approved a 'late filed' application by the Massachusetts Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund/Essex County, for a 'parade permit,' for Saturday's (5/13/06) "Friends of Joe Waters" funeral event.
MMSF Board Members Dennis Palazzo and Paul W. Cote appeared before the City Council, seeking its approval for 'late filing' for the permit, after the Newburyport Police advised 5/5/06 it did not issue 'parade permits' and doubted such a request could be approved with late notice.
The MMSF hosts events, such as "Nelson's Ride," to raise money to donate to families of motorcyclists killed and seriously injured in accidents. Since year 2000, it has donated over $50,000 to Essex County families of riders in need.
Cote first apologized to the Council for the MMSF's late filing, while advising Council Members the Towns of Amesbury and Salisbury Police had approved the 'parade permit' for the planned "Friend's of Joe Waters" fundraising Ride from a Newburyport funeral home to a Cemetery, and then to Salisbury's "Rumor's" Night Club, . . . while also advising the Council he had only received its Police Department's denial.
He then told the Council Members the three purposes of the application was to 1) minimize traffic congestion at expected blocked intersections; 2) to allow rider's CHOICE of helmet wear, as allowed by State Law; and 3), to allow him and other motorcyclists to 'parade with choice,' where he was denied last year during a Newburyport permitted parade after he refused to put on a helmet.
Dennis Palazzo testified, "Where just want to have an 'Event without any events,' . . . in reference to Cote being tossed out of the 2005 Yankee Homecoming Parade.
Councilor Greg Earls asked, "If the Application is approved, that the Clerk be directed to inform the Police Marshall and his Department, that the Parade Permit requested had been approved," to ensure there was no confusion.
The Parade Permit request was then APPROVED.
Joe Waters died in his sleep on March 23rd. He was a local motorcyclist who donated his time and cooking talent to non-profit fundraising events and allowed the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association to use his experience a 400% increase in his insurance rates after moving from New Hampshire to Massachusetts, which lead to substantial reductions in rates riders pay now
For more information on Saturday's rain or shine event, . . . and to help his family offset costs of his burial, see www.MassMSF.org.
