Post by Wyldcomfort on Dec 18, 2007 13:05:14 GMT -5
It has been almost a year since we were thrust into the world of politics with SB49. It was an incredibly wild ride and without the efforts of each and every one of us we would be looking at dumping our most precious form of family recreation because of a nonsensical law brought to our state by the very people who failed to take common sense precautions to insure their own children's safety. I applaud our group because when we could have just defeated this nasty bill, we instead fought hard to take responsibility for our beloved sport in the form of SB101. We knew we would be under constant attack until we held ourselves accountable with good laws. We will continue to be proud of the work we have accomplished. We will save lives - blessed children who will have no other voice than our own....I am so proud to have been part of this with you.
As the year comes to an end and we see our future a bit more clearly we must face the hard truth that our fight is far from over. Do we care enough to fight back for ourselves - for our children? I often wonder if we will be silent until we find ourselves with no voice. Please, we have had so much taken away by extremist groups. We have suffered at the hands of people willing to take the time to position politically, use the legal system to shut us out, and portray us unfairly. We could rollover or we can pull together and say one big "Hell no". We pay taxes and should receive equal opportunities to enjoy our public lands without the constant barrage of special interest. We must convince the powers that be we are decent family loving people who contribute immensely to our communities and deserve the same protections to our children as we grant to flora and fauna. This isn't a selfish want or desire from a bunch of bubbas tearing up the pristine forests of Oregon with our fuel guzzling noisy monsters. We are wage earning educated salt of the earth families who dig waterways, restore habitat, have a love for environment and exploration, and most importantly a desire to foster love in our children. We must get it together now for each day our opponents continue to grow stronger. Maybe we will lose but we don't have to hand it over to them. I really don't think this fight would be all that hard if we could step up once more as we did with SB49. Or we can do what we are doing and sit back and hope someone else does our fighting for us. Everyone who isn't burned out seems to be waiting on someone else and it isn't working.
The letters and articles are beginning to come in - the realization we have a really serious issue is starting to hit home. In Southern Oregon they are looking at huge closures - Mt. Hood and Eastern Oregon has already faced the hatchet and what is left is pathetic. The sad thing is we aren't doing much to stop it. I am not crying wolf - this is the real deal. Anyone who goes into the woods on hoof, tire, foot, etc. will be severely impacted. There is a small group of people who have a very loud voice and strong political ties and position who will take away so much from so many of us. So today I will ask you to step up. Give your family a legacy of access to this sport by fighting for it. The question then becomes how?? What isn't working is splintered groups and apathy.
I will try really hard over the next few days to outline a plan, contact some key folks, etc. I will also send in a political donation to Senator Rick Metsger as he is running for Secretary of State against Senator Brown. Senator Metsger listened and responded to all of us. He listened to both sides and was the single Senator who brought both sides together to hammer out SB101. Then he graciously gave the credit to another. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and will do all that I can to help him. Many of the Senators we contacted wouldn't give us the time of day - Senator Brown not only ignored us - BUT she then referred to us in an Oregonian article as "email wackos". I don't know about you but the folks I know who wrote those emails included ages two to 80 and are among the most decent people I have had the pleasure to know. The Secretary of State is one of the three voting members for public lands so this is a key position for us who hope to use public lands. We have to become more politically involved and support those that support us. In this whole process I have never asked anyone for a dime - even rejected offers from several groups. But I will ask you all now to consider donating to Rick's campaign. Oregon allows $50 per person and $100 per couple that is actually returned dollar for dollar with your taxes. (see "Use it or loose it" below) The Oregon Political Tax Credit is not a refundable credit. So, if your taxes are already zero, then you won't get your $50 or $100 back. So my husband and I will donate $100 and get the full $100 back when we file. It is meant to encourage people like us to participate without causing a financial burden. If you donate in 2008 you have to wait until you file in 2009 but if you hurry it would only be a few months before getting it back. This is such a great opportunity for all of us and if I didn't have 100% faith in Rick Metsger I would never dream of asking you to do this.
The other thing I need to do is put together a new and improved list of clubs and individuals. Maybe if all goes well and my family doesn't balk too much I will attempt (with your help) to establish a more central and organized contact list. I need to start over as I was overly optimistic after SB49 and let the list go far too long without attention. Sorry all, I ran out of steam. I will also try to put an information packet together so we all know what issues are going on throughout the state. No - I won't barrage you with tons of daily email - plan on keeping it every other week or so. Due to my email server I am only able to send out to about 100 people. It is so important we get updates to the groups and other riders so I will once again count on you. I need the email listings and contact information of all clubs in Oregon so we have connectivity. I also need to know you have my back before I jump back into the boiling pot. My family missed me last go around and you have absolutely no idea how tempting it is to go back to my life...... With you I will fight and fight hard but I am not going to beat my head against the wall for naught. Do we fight?? Are you in??
I will close with a note from Senator Rick Metsger and again ask you to please consider posting his note on the clubs webpage and contributing to his campaign. He also sent info on how the tax credit works. For the most part I am really tight with a nickel and the queen of coupons and sales but in this particular situation I feel like I can't afford not to support him and put my money where my mouth is. He is a great investment. I also stuck the quote from Kate Brown referring to us as email wackos at the bottom - we can not let her win the Secretary of States office....!!!! Merry Christmas everyone - and bless your wonderful families!! Lindy
Hello. This is State Senator Rick Metsger from Mt. Hood. Many of you may
know me as we worked together to craft fair legislation for ATV ridership
at a time when many wanted to all but shut the sport down. As you know
this is a very emotional issue and it took thoughtful and respectful
leadership to reach consensus on this issue and treat everyone with the
respect they deserve. I hope you agree that I was the one leader who is
now running for Secretary of State that gave you that respect and worked
collaboratively with you to provide fairness to all ATV enthusiasts.
I am asking for your help. My chief opponent, Sen.Kate Brown of Portland
has been in the race for four months and has raised almost $200,000 in
that time. I just entered the race Nov 20, and need your help to catch-up.
But we are catching fire. As a senator from Mt. Hood and not Portland or
Eugene, I understand and live our rural values. The Secretary of State is
one of 3 members of the state land board that decides on use of state
public lands. This is an issue that ATV enthusiasts should be concerned
about.I would like to be the voice of rural Oregon on that board with the
Governor and State Treasurer.
My 16 years as a television sports anchorman and now 9 years in the state
senate have prepared me for this job. I know that together we can win this
race.By using the state political tax credit before the end of the year,
the first $100 that a couple donates is returned dollar for dollar by the
state when you file your taxes in April. If you can give $500 or $1000 it
is greatly appreciated but regardless of your means, any help means a lot.
You can send a check by mail to : Friends of Rick Metsger. PO Box 287
Welches, Oregon 97067 or donate securely on-line with a credit card at
www.rickmetsger.com and click on the donate button. Be sure to include
your name, address, occupation and employer for Oregon campaign finance
reporting rules. Thank you very much. I look forward to visiting you on the
campaign trail and appreciate anything you can do to make this campaign
successful.Lets show Oregon that outdoor enthusiasts can make a difference
in how Oregon is governed. Thank you.
Rick Metsger
Lindy,
First I will try and explain Oregon's political tax credit as simply as I
can. The credit is designed for small donors to involve them in the
political process. Hundreds of $100 donations by couples add up to real
impact in a campaign.
Oregon law allows for the first $100 that a couple, or $50 for an
individual)that is donated to an Oregon political campaign to be taken as
a dollar for dollar credit against your Oregon tax liability for the year.
So if a couple donates $100 before jan1st, when they file there Oregon
return next month(or by April 15th anyway) they can reduce their taxes by
that $100 they gave making the donation essentially free to the donor.
Each donor will receive a receipt from the campaign. All donations must
include the name, address and occupation and employer of the donor for
campaign finance records. If they don't work or are retired they just note
that they are "housewife" or "retired". If they are a checker at Fred
Meyers their occupation would be "retail clerk" and employer" "fred
meyer", etc.
If they give $500, the first $100 could be deducted meaning their $500
donation only costs the donor $400. and so on.>I would certainly ask for
folks who can or want to give more than the $100 to do so especially
business owners like ATV dealers etc. A donation of $1000 or $500 would be
really appreciated as are all donations. Also, corporate or business
donations are allowed under Oregon law and although they don't qualify for
the personal tax credit business owners like paying larger donations from
their business accounts and that is great.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Now a quote from Brown in the Oregonian who seems to take credit for helping to get the ATV legislation passed and refers to us as email wackos. Just a couple problems with that - SHE had nothing to do with it and if she did she would have known it was the "email wackos" who actually made it happen and supported the legislation. Had she been remotely involved she would have already known this. You can go online to the Oregonian archives for the full story!! Here is her quote!!
Legislature tries to close shop
Page 2 of 2
The all-terrain vehicle safety measure, Senate Bill 101, phases in new training requirements for four-wheel ATVs and off-road motorcycles. By 2009, children younger than 16 would be required to take state-approved training classes before they could drive ATVs. Those requirements would apply to all ATV users by 2014.
The bill also requires anyone younger than 18 to fasten the chin strap on their helmets if they use ATVs.
Brown called opponents of ATV regulation "e-mail wackos" who flooded legislators with comments. She commended her colleagues for passing the bill. "The fact we were able to find middle ground and pass anything on ATV safety legislation is amazing."
As the year comes to an end and we see our future a bit more clearly we must face the hard truth that our fight is far from over. Do we care enough to fight back for ourselves - for our children? I often wonder if we will be silent until we find ourselves with no voice. Please, we have had so much taken away by extremist groups. We have suffered at the hands of people willing to take the time to position politically, use the legal system to shut us out, and portray us unfairly. We could rollover or we can pull together and say one big "Hell no". We pay taxes and should receive equal opportunities to enjoy our public lands without the constant barrage of special interest. We must convince the powers that be we are decent family loving people who contribute immensely to our communities and deserve the same protections to our children as we grant to flora and fauna. This isn't a selfish want or desire from a bunch of bubbas tearing up the pristine forests of Oregon with our fuel guzzling noisy monsters. We are wage earning educated salt of the earth families who dig waterways, restore habitat, have a love for environment and exploration, and most importantly a desire to foster love in our children. We must get it together now for each day our opponents continue to grow stronger. Maybe we will lose but we don't have to hand it over to them. I really don't think this fight would be all that hard if we could step up once more as we did with SB49. Or we can do what we are doing and sit back and hope someone else does our fighting for us. Everyone who isn't burned out seems to be waiting on someone else and it isn't working.
The letters and articles are beginning to come in - the realization we have a really serious issue is starting to hit home. In Southern Oregon they are looking at huge closures - Mt. Hood and Eastern Oregon has already faced the hatchet and what is left is pathetic. The sad thing is we aren't doing much to stop it. I am not crying wolf - this is the real deal. Anyone who goes into the woods on hoof, tire, foot, etc. will be severely impacted. There is a small group of people who have a very loud voice and strong political ties and position who will take away so much from so many of us. So today I will ask you to step up. Give your family a legacy of access to this sport by fighting for it. The question then becomes how?? What isn't working is splintered groups and apathy.
I will try really hard over the next few days to outline a plan, contact some key folks, etc. I will also send in a political donation to Senator Rick Metsger as he is running for Secretary of State against Senator Brown. Senator Metsger listened and responded to all of us. He listened to both sides and was the single Senator who brought both sides together to hammer out SB101. Then he graciously gave the credit to another. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and will do all that I can to help him. Many of the Senators we contacted wouldn't give us the time of day - Senator Brown not only ignored us - BUT she then referred to us in an Oregonian article as "email wackos". I don't know about you but the folks I know who wrote those emails included ages two to 80 and are among the most decent people I have had the pleasure to know. The Secretary of State is one of the three voting members for public lands so this is a key position for us who hope to use public lands. We have to become more politically involved and support those that support us. In this whole process I have never asked anyone for a dime - even rejected offers from several groups. But I will ask you all now to consider donating to Rick's campaign. Oregon allows $50 per person and $100 per couple that is actually returned dollar for dollar with your taxes. (see "Use it or loose it" below) The Oregon Political Tax Credit is not a refundable credit. So, if your taxes are already zero, then you won't get your $50 or $100 back. So my husband and I will donate $100 and get the full $100 back when we file. It is meant to encourage people like us to participate without causing a financial burden. If you donate in 2008 you have to wait until you file in 2009 but if you hurry it would only be a few months before getting it back. This is such a great opportunity for all of us and if I didn't have 100% faith in Rick Metsger I would never dream of asking you to do this.
The other thing I need to do is put together a new and improved list of clubs and individuals. Maybe if all goes well and my family doesn't balk too much I will attempt (with your help) to establish a more central and organized contact list. I need to start over as I was overly optimistic after SB49 and let the list go far too long without attention. Sorry all, I ran out of steam. I will also try to put an information packet together so we all know what issues are going on throughout the state. No - I won't barrage you with tons of daily email - plan on keeping it every other week or so. Due to my email server I am only able to send out to about 100 people. It is so important we get updates to the groups and other riders so I will once again count on you. I need the email listings and contact information of all clubs in Oregon so we have connectivity. I also need to know you have my back before I jump back into the boiling pot. My family missed me last go around and you have absolutely no idea how tempting it is to go back to my life...... With you I will fight and fight hard but I am not going to beat my head against the wall for naught. Do we fight?? Are you in??
I will close with a note from Senator Rick Metsger and again ask you to please consider posting his note on the clubs webpage and contributing to his campaign. He also sent info on how the tax credit works. For the most part I am really tight with a nickel and the queen of coupons and sales but in this particular situation I feel like I can't afford not to support him and put my money where my mouth is. He is a great investment. I also stuck the quote from Kate Brown referring to us as email wackos at the bottom - we can not let her win the Secretary of States office....!!!! Merry Christmas everyone - and bless your wonderful families!! Lindy
Hello. This is State Senator Rick Metsger from Mt. Hood. Many of you may
know me as we worked together to craft fair legislation for ATV ridership
at a time when many wanted to all but shut the sport down. As you know
this is a very emotional issue and it took thoughtful and respectful
leadership to reach consensus on this issue and treat everyone with the
respect they deserve. I hope you agree that I was the one leader who is
now running for Secretary of State that gave you that respect and worked
collaboratively with you to provide fairness to all ATV enthusiasts.
I am asking for your help. My chief opponent, Sen.Kate Brown of Portland
has been in the race for four months and has raised almost $200,000 in
that time. I just entered the race Nov 20, and need your help to catch-up.
But we are catching fire. As a senator from Mt. Hood and not Portland or
Eugene, I understand and live our rural values. The Secretary of State is
one of 3 members of the state land board that decides on use of state
public lands. This is an issue that ATV enthusiasts should be concerned
about.I would like to be the voice of rural Oregon on that board with the
Governor and State Treasurer.
My 16 years as a television sports anchorman and now 9 years in the state
senate have prepared me for this job. I know that together we can win this
race.By using the state political tax credit before the end of the year,
the first $100 that a couple donates is returned dollar for dollar by the
state when you file your taxes in April. If you can give $500 or $1000 it
is greatly appreciated but regardless of your means, any help means a lot.
You can send a check by mail to : Friends of Rick Metsger. PO Box 287
Welches, Oregon 97067 or donate securely on-line with a credit card at
www.rickmetsger.com and click on the donate button. Be sure to include
your name, address, occupation and employer for Oregon campaign finance
reporting rules. Thank you very much. I look forward to visiting you on the
campaign trail and appreciate anything you can do to make this campaign
successful.Lets show Oregon that outdoor enthusiasts can make a difference
in how Oregon is governed. Thank you.
Rick Metsger
Lindy,
First I will try and explain Oregon's political tax credit as simply as I
can. The credit is designed for small donors to involve them in the
political process. Hundreds of $100 donations by couples add up to real
impact in a campaign.
Oregon law allows for the first $100 that a couple, or $50 for an
individual)that is donated to an Oregon political campaign to be taken as
a dollar for dollar credit against your Oregon tax liability for the year.
So if a couple donates $100 before jan1st, when they file there Oregon
return next month(or by April 15th anyway) they can reduce their taxes by
that $100 they gave making the donation essentially free to the donor.
Each donor will receive a receipt from the campaign. All donations must
include the name, address and occupation and employer of the donor for
campaign finance records. If they don't work or are retired they just note
that they are "housewife" or "retired". If they are a checker at Fred
Meyers their occupation would be "retail clerk" and employer" "fred
meyer", etc.
If they give $500, the first $100 could be deducted meaning their $500
donation only costs the donor $400. and so on.>I would certainly ask for
folks who can or want to give more than the $100 to do so especially
business owners like ATV dealers etc. A donation of $1000 or $500 would be
really appreciated as are all donations. Also, corporate or business
donations are allowed under Oregon law and although they don't qualify for
the personal tax credit business owners like paying larger donations from
their business accounts and that is great.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Now a quote from Brown in the Oregonian who seems to take credit for helping to get the ATV legislation passed and refers to us as email wackos. Just a couple problems with that - SHE had nothing to do with it and if she did she would have known it was the "email wackos" who actually made it happen and supported the legislation. Had she been remotely involved she would have already known this. You can go online to the Oregonian archives for the full story!! Here is her quote!!
Legislature tries to close shop
Page 2 of 2
The all-terrain vehicle safety measure, Senate Bill 101, phases in new training requirements for four-wheel ATVs and off-road motorcycles. By 2009, children younger than 16 would be required to take state-approved training classes before they could drive ATVs. Those requirements would apply to all ATV users by 2014.
The bill also requires anyone younger than 18 to fasten the chin strap on their helmets if they use ATVs.
Brown called opponents of ATV regulation "e-mail wackos" who flooded legislators with comments. She commended her colleagues for passing the bill. "The fact we were able to find middle ground and pass anything on ATV safety legislation is amazing."