OFF THE WIRE
For those riders in whose states have received funds for safety checkpoints.... some handy information how to "deal" with them from Jan of BOLT of North Carolina:
Here are a few ideas to get started:>
> _After the Checkpoint_
> If you can get a team of two people, including a videographer if
> possible, after going through a checkpoint, go down the street to
> where there is a safe place for a few vehicles to pull over. Do it
> far enough away that it is not interfering with the cops, but
> within sight of the people before they get back up to highway
> speed. Have petitions to sign. Have pamphlets, including where to
> go online for more information. Hold up a sign that says, "Fight
> Back Against Checkpoints, Stop here for info." The ideal team
> would have a sign holder, at least one person to hand out
> pamphlets and get people to sign petitions, 2 videographers, a
> lawyer, and a reporter.>
> _At the Scene_
> There are many good videos on YouTube. Make a list of best
> practices and distribute them. Exercise 4th Amendment rights. Get
> their names, badge numbers, and what agency they are with. Ask why
> your travels are interrupted, and remind them that it is a
> violation of your right to travel. Make note of how many LEO are
> seen, what they are wearing, and how many vehicles are on the scene.>
> Note: When putting together a list of recommendations, if you give
> a fact for checkpoint laws in a state, state laws are different,
> so don't present something as fact unless it applies to all states.>
> _Provide tips on Videotaping_
> Send out two video teams. One to film the other one if they are
> harassed. Set up a safe distance away with a good zoom lens. When
> videotaping, if the audio is going to be important, the cameraman
> needs to shut up or narrate in whispers, because they are closer
> to the microphone.>
> _Legislatively:_
> Contact the legislative branch and remind them when the executive
> branch takes authority unto itself absent of legislation, not
> supported by a move from the legislature. Get the executive branch
> and the legislative branch divided against each other. State
> agencies come under the control of the executive branch. Some
> people do not realize there are three branches of government in
> the states, just like there is in federal government.>
> _Research_
> Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/boltusa and search for the
> word checkpoint. There is already a lot of info.>
> _Tell the public not to rely on the ACLU to fight this battle._
> I tried to get the ACLU involved since checkpoints were set up to
> target motorcyclists only. The ACLU is very picky about the fights
> they enter. They will go after checkpoints if the checkpoints are
> targeting a recognized cultural difference; religion, race,
> nationality. (By the way, rather than say motorcycle only
> checkpoints, say motorcyclist...that way the public is reminded
> these are people who have rights rather than objects that have none)>
> _Online checkpoint databases_
> Make a list of resources available online.>
> jan