I thought Pat’s book was good and as a safety person I don’t think he could take any other stand. But the “safety mania” as you label is (I believe) undermining our basic humanity and pointing us towards a bubble. I don’t have a death wish but I also don’t want to live in a cocoon.

I thought happiness did lie just beyond the next purchase. You mean it doesn’t???

irondad,

I feel no disrespect from long posts. I am always happy to see them. You obviously have strong feelings in this area and need to express them. The life I lead certainly isn’t rebellious but it also doesn’t line up with a lot of other people.

I think you and Gary might be someone who would appear somewhere as “Most likely to write a personal manifesto…” *grin*

snark,

Mostly yes though as irondad points out with his ABS comments many can be oblivious to the dangers..

steve

Good post.

Government seems to have nothing to do but make more government. I believe it is a matter of control. What better way to start the process than by standing behind this big banner that claims they are doing it to make life “safer”. After all, one who disagrees can be made out to be desiring evil things for humanity. Having thus started under pseudo-humanitarian pretenses, it is easy to move ahead from there.

And so goes the road to government control. People have just grown apathetic to the point they accept it. Actually, it’s more like they’re distracted.

My cat seems to have one goal in life which is to get in the house. She will madly dash at any open door. This is a problem in the early mornings when I leave and Katie is still asleep. Don’t want the cat in the house but have to keep the door open more to haul my gear and stuff out. I put the cat’s food outside away from the door. Classic distraction while I accomplish my objective.

People’s apathy comes from distraction. After all, with a concerted effort by enough aware individuals massive changes to government can be done. Trouble is, the majority are distracted and pacified by consumerism and pleasure. The few rams among the sheep are then easily labelled as “radical troublemakers”. Their smaller numbers make them vulnerable to being squashed.

I’ve seen the way safety things make people feel bullet-proof. I see it with motorcyclists with ABS-equipped bikes all the time.

I don’t need no braking skills, I have ABS!

I don’t need to pull my head out and look for hazards, I can stop on a dime because I have ABS!

These things are only tools. Nothing should be considered as replacing the need for intelligence and skill.

Stay aware, stay alive, don’t succumb.

Sorry for the length of this reply. I guess Gary and I feel really deeply about some of this and we can pour it out. Gary must have more respect for you because he kept it short!
Or maybe I repect you more because I took time to share more. Better stop there. Last thing you need is Gary and I contesting on YOUR blog!

Pat Hahn is a friend of mine. He is also the communications director at the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center, at least, last time I checked. I’ll have to tell you sometime how we met. It’s a hilarious story.

So Pat’s business is all about safety. I happen to know he likes to ride fast, but only on a closed course, like at a track day.

But your opening up of the discussion into this American safety mania is a very fertile field for the critical mind.

I know so many people who go out and buy a new car, furniture, or lawn tractor to satisfy a nameless yearning that they don’t even understand.

Our society tries to train us to be good consumers. Happiness lies just beyond the purchase of the next widget or package tour vacation. Then we are baffled when we find little satisfaction in the purchase.

Oh, I could go on and on here… but out of respect, I won’t.

Just be glad people like us see past all the bullsh*t.

Ride well,
=gc=