Bicyclists Without License

Treating cyclists as a protected specie seems to be the unwritten rule here in Havana-on-the-Willamette.  How else does one explain this recent incident?

I am referring to the cyclist/pedestrian collision which gravely injured 68-year-old pedestrian John Blunk.  Mr. Blunk was on a sidewalk near 31st and N.E. Sandy Blvd when he was struck by a "fast-moving" bicyclist (on said sidewalk) and was knocked unconscious when his head hit the pavement.  911 was called and a paramedic unit was dispatched,  but not the police as usual for an automotive or motorcycle incident.  The cyclist then pedaled off without a care nor concern in the world.  So much for "caring about the environment."  Apparently, at least for some people, "saving Mother Earth" means assaulting their fellow citizens with neither an iota of remorse nor compassion.
Mr. Blunk required an overnight stay in a local Intensive Care Unit lest he fall victim to the same type of brain injury which took the life of Liam Neeson's late wife, actress Natasha Richardson, in 2009.  Mr. Blunk's hospital bill alone exceeds $30,000.  Meanwhile, our sinless cyclist is doubtless quaffing a cold India Pale at the Blues Festival with nary a care in the world. That carbon-friendly bicyclist, apparently a member of a revered caste and therefore morally far superior the rest of Portland's proletarian citizens, couldn't be bothered to leave his name and contact information as required by law*.
Oregon state law** requires bicyclists involved in a collision to share their contact information with the other party involved.  
So, Mr. Carbon-saver, where are you?  I challenge you:  Borrow your wife's cojones for a moment and take responsibility for your actions like a man.
**ORS 814.410 AND ORS 814.420. 
Hat tip:  Orbusmax

Eugene and the Pledge

On June 27th, The Eugene City Council voted to allow a voluntary recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance before formal Council meetings four times per year, and nearest to four National or Patriotic Holidays: Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day, and the Fourth of July. Thousands of "flame" e-mails were received as a result of this passage.  Personally, I believe that the majority of flamails were generated by the "No God in Public" crowd;  you know, the ones who buy into the "Wall of Separation" Kool-aid.

I would offer this:  what message appears, in all capital lettering, on every coin and bill printed in America?
A clue: it does NOT say:  "In Government We Trust."  Incidentally,  a cursory reading of 1 Kings 18:17-40 may be needed here.

If you believe that the Council's decision was the right one, or even if you believe otherwise, for that's what "Freedom" means, I encourage you to tell the City Council at the City's website:

http://www.eugene-or.gov  will lead you to the "contact" form, and a popup email form.

BHO, Axelrod, and "Willie Lynch"

The "Willie Lynch speech"  is a psuedo-historic speech promulgated by Louis Farrakhan.  It has long been used as a motivator for civil uprisings against, and a general distrust of, "The Man."  Surely Barack Obama has read it, as most of his orations follow the definite pattern of that original.  As you read this excerpt, recall any of Mr. O's references to "greedy doctors," "careless oil companies," and "moat-builders:"

" I have a fool-proof method for controlling your( black) slaves. I guarantee everyone of you that if installed correctly it will control the slaves for at least 300 years. My method is simple, any member of your family or any overseer can use it.

I have outlined a number of differences among the slaves, and I take these differences and make them bigger. I use fear, distrust, and envy for control purposes. These methods have worked on my modest plantation in the West Indies, and it will work throughout the South. Take this simple little test of differences and think about them. On the top of my list is "Age", but it is there because it only starts with an "A"; the second is "Color" or shade; there is intelligence, size, sex, size of plantations, attitude of owners, whether the slaves live in the valley, on a hill, East, West, North, South, have fine or coarse hair, or is tall or short. Now that you have a list of differences, I shall give you an outline of action--but before that, I shall assure you that distrust is stronger than trust, and envy is stronger than adulation, respect, or admiration.

The (Black) Slave, after receiving this indoctrination, shall carry on and will become self refueling and self generating for hundreds of years, maybe thousands.

Don't forget, you must pitch the old Black vs. the young Black male, and the young Black male against the old Black male. You must use the dark skinned slaves vs the light skinned slaves, and the light skinned slaves vs. the dark skinned slaves. You must use the female vs. the male, and the male vs. the female. You must also have your servants and overseers distrust all Blacks, but it is necessary that your slaves trust and depend on us. They must love, respect, and trust only us.

Gentlemen, these kits are your keys to control, use them. Have your wives and children use them. Never miss opportunity. My plan is guaranteed, and the good thing about this plan is that if used intensely for one year, the slaves themselves will remain perpetually distrustful."