Email to American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE)
Letter
Re: ABATE of Southern Nevada
Hi Mike,
Thanks for all you do through ABATE for motorcyclists everywhere.
I am a rider, and have been one since college (twenty years ago). I currently ride a BMW R1150GS (almost 30,000 miles on it since I bought it new in 2001). Before that I rode a Yamaha Virago 750 (even more miles), and I started with a Honda CB500 way back when.
I'm also a LIBERTARIAN which means I strongly favor much smaller government that reflects an increase in individual freedom and individual responsibility. With more freedom comes more responsibility. (They're two side of the same coin).
That means I strongly oppose helmet laws. I strongly encourage riders to wear helmets, but don't wish to see law and regulation controlling rider choice. It's your head, care for it how you wish. With that, I also oppose the government funding medical bills, etc for motorcyclists and anyone else who hurts themselves.
I am strongly in favor of lane sharing (as in California), and for sharing HOV lanes (which we currently have).
I am in favor of drivers being held responsible for accidents and injuries they cause, including right-of-way violations. The man who sold me my bike, a great guy named Jim Boone, died when some negligent driver did a U-turn with her SUV and blocked Jim's right-of-way.
I am strongly in favor of increased rider safety classes (like the excellent Motorcycle Safety Foundation course) but stop short of government financing them.
You will find that candidates for the Libertarian Party of Nevada are consistent in these positions. We won't lie just to tell you what you what to hear. It's easy for the Incumbent Party (the Democrats and Republicans) to mislead and lie. They don't have consistent principles to guide them, only a desire to rule.
Our general guiding principle is that its your life. You should be the master of it. You should have the right to decide what's best for you and your family.
Once again, thanks for your work on behalf of motorcyclists and I hope to earn your support.
Sincerely,
Joe Silvestri
Candidate for U.S. Congress District 3
Source