In response to a recent request for further information regarding what CBA/ABATE of NC is doing regarding possible changes for North Carolina’s current helmet bill, I wrote (and sent) the following letter.  My good friend, Cindy “Fre” Hodges, suggested I post this letter to my blog.  It seems I am not the only one receiving nasty notes regarding the details of proposals up for discussion.  I feel certain some of the folks who are determined to find wrongdoing in everything I or CBA/ABATE of NC does will find fault with something herein, but that is to be expected.  I hope this note helps clarify things as they stand at this moment.”

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Thank you for your request for information regarding CBA/ABATE's activities regarding a "Freedom of Choice" bill.  As is evidenced by your request, several others did not bother to seek additional information, rather they elected to disseminate incorrect information.   I cannot speak to their motive.

Contrary to what you may have heard from other sources, neither of these proposals is "MY" favorite idea.  Nor have these proposals been submitted as a facade to funding "MY" favorite project.  On this personal note, "I" prefer a "clean" helmet-repeal with no restrictions, however, for the past five years we have been unable to find a legislator willing to sponsor such a bill.  These proposals include fresh ideas that touch on possible compromises that could be considered if we need to convince a legislator to introduce a helmet-repeal bill for us.  None of these ideas are written in stone.  That's why we are asking for constructive comments and feedback. 

CBA/ABATE is a democratic member-driven organization.  As such, it is also process driven.  Individual members meet in committee to develop ideas and consider possible activities.  This process allows all ideas to be considered equally (regardless of their merit).  The committee considers all ideas, then votes on the steps and/or direction that CBA/ABATE will take regarding topics of interest to bikers in North Carolina.  Once the committee makes a decision, these ideas are then taken to the Executive Council (member reps from all the chapters) in the form of a motion.  The Executive Council then makes the final decision on the directions/actions CBA/ABATE will pursue.   After the Executive Council makes a decision, the committee then develops and pursues a plan of action. 

As you can see, decisions can take a great deal of time and go through several "checks and balance" steps before they are finalized or acted upon.  The proposals you have asked about are in the initial "idea-generation" phase of the committee process.  CBA's checks and balance procedures are in place to prevent unpopular ideas from becoming supported legislative proposals.  At this time, CBA/ABATE is not supporting or suggesting the introduction of any of the details identified in the proposals. 

Typically the committee accepts or rejects ideas on their merit, then presents the selected ideas to the Executive Council for decision making.  Because "freedom of choice" is a hot-topic issue, the committee decided to seek comments from the general membership of CBA/ABATE, and from the NC biker population in general, prior to making a decision about any proposals/motions to the Executive Council.  Your response is exactly what CBA/ABATE was seeking.

Because it was felt that the widest dissemination of these ideas was necessary.  A message, requesting feedback and comments, was sent out to all CBA/ABATE chapters requesting that they discuss these issues at their next chapter meeting.  To get feedback from the general biker population, the notice was posted to the CBA/ABATE legislative Blog.   Please feel free to read this communication at:  http://docskivnv.bravejournal.com/.  Unfortunately, several reactionary individuals misread the intent of CBA and began spreading misinformed untruths.    

Possibly due to a lack of understanding of CBA processes, misinformation has been disseminated and groundless responses have been generated.  Several of these misguided responses have been vulgar and not suitable for public consumption.  Thus, all comments were directed to be sent directly to me at my e-mail address:  docskivnv@earthlink.net .  All comments and responses are being recorded and catalogued, and will be discussed by committee.

 I hope this answers your questions regarding the proposals.  Please feel free to contact me at docskivnv@earthlink.net  for any further clarification or additional concerns you may have.

Keep the Faith!

doc ski