"Mike McCrea" wrote in message
om...
That said, I'm still opposed to mandates that infringe on my personal
freedom of choice.

Thanks for the statistics Mike. Part of me agrees with your last statement
but I think in the end I'll accept the regulation. I used to ride a
motorcycle. I was a kid and wore a helmet because NY had a helmet law.
It's too easy on a beautiful day, or when going on a short spin to pass on
the helmet (or pfd). The law makes us think twice. Especially the kids. I
gave up bikes when someone with good aim clocked me with a bottle from an
overpass on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at rush hour. The helmet did
double duty there. Without the laws too many kids will be 'cool' and avoid
the hassle. Too many adults will either be fools or lazy. In the end
everyone pays. I guess it's the clash of 'individual freedom' with 'no man
is an island'. I recognize the other side of the argument though, as in
'where does it end?' Mandatory helmets while skiing or bicycling?,
Mandatory kneepads when gardening? Mandatory lipitor for baby boomers?
But mandatory use of pfd's is ok with me.
Billy Sarokin