Avoid Janklowland (South Dakota)?

[IndyGT]

I noticed a letter to the editor in a recent issue of Rider calling for a motorcylist boycott of South Dakota, including the Sturgis event, as a way to send a signal of our displeasure over the slap on the wrist former Rep. Bill Janklow got for second-degree manslaughter in the death of a motorcyclist.
If you're not up to speed on the Janklow affair, you can find all of the pertinent facts at http://www.ama-cycle.org/news/2004/Janklow_civil.asp
The latest development is that a judge has granted Janklow virtual immunity from any civil suits arising from the death of Randolph Scott, 55, who Janklow nailed at 70 mph after blowing through a stop sign at a rural crossroads.
One possible route from my Indiana home to Spokane would take me through South Dakota. While I don't care to spend a lot of time on a soapbox about this matter, I can tell you South Dakota won't be in my travel plans this summer.

[jdiaz]

FWIW, if you are traveling directly between Spokane and Chicago, taking I-94 thru North Dakota is actually 30 miles shorter according to Mapquest.

[widebmw]

I am going to South Dakota this summer.
The people (jury) of South Dakota did convict Janklow.
There is not much they can do about the "good ole boy" judges.

Anyway, with gas prices high hopefully reducing motorhome traffic and no other motorcycles going there it may be nice.

[BradfordBenn]

Here is my $0.02

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/MainSite/SouthDakota.cfm

'Nuf said.

The fact I still do not have a response says an awful lot to me.

[eljeffe]

Why would you want to punish the PEOPLE of South Dakota?

It was the PEOPLE who convicted that scumbag.

It was the JUDGES who gave him a slap on the wrist.

So, again, why would you want to punish the people of South Dakota for something that wasn't their fault? They did the right thing by convicting Janklow.

[dlearl476]

Originally posted by widebmw
I am going to South Dakota this summer.
The people (jury) of South Dakota did convict Janklow.
There is not much they can do about the "good ole boy" judges.

Anyway, with gas prices high hopefully reducing motorhome traffic and no other motorcycles going there it may be nice.

Be careful at stop signs, Janklow will be out of jail by then.

[R100RS]

Originally posted by eljeffe
So, again, why would you want to punish the people of South Dakota for something that wasn't their fault? They did the right thing by convicting Janklow. Who appoints the judges? If not the people, who elects the person that appoints the judges? Like Bradford's letter states, who is responsible for minimum sentencing requirements? Legislators. Who elects legislators? Who can start ballot initiatives.

The people of South Dakota are being "punished" because they have consistently elected/appointed/supported persons in power who don't give a darn about justice and who are bound to the "good 'ol boy" system of watching out for each other even if it means giving a murderer a slap on the wrist.

I've heard quite an outcry about the sentence from the motorcycle community. I haven't heard squat from the people of South Dakota.

[MarkF]

You wanna punnish someone? Did you know that Sturgis is actually a fundraiser for the Hells Angels! You wanna send a message? Don't go to Sturgis but still visit the area some other time. Spend the same amount of money in the local economy you would have at the rally. You don't punish the merchants but your absence will be tabulated.

MarkF

[beemerred]

bradfordben, your attachment letter really hits the mark. you make a statement and give the gov a chance to "explain the reasoning" of the judge`s sentence. if he/she doesn`t place a value on the life of a motorcyclist then i surely will not be traveling to S.D. i value my life enough not to risk it where no one cares what happens to it. please post the response from "his honor" as all riders need that info to plan accordingly. GOOD JOB

[Rich]

Originally posted by MarkF
Did you know that Sturgis is actually a fundraiser for the Hells Angels!
MarkF

I've heard lots of tales, but do you have some valid proof of this one? I have a hard time believing it. The city of Sturgis has the dibs on this event, they sponsor it, and they reap a whole lot of profit from it. I'm just wondering how you came up with the hells angels bit. I haven't even seen them there the last couple of years. It is a busy place, so yeah, maybe they were around, but I didn't see them. As far as not going, I was leaning that way too, but I have since changed my mind. The hills are spectacular to ride in, and I haven't missed the rally but once in 27 years. Bill Janklow is the guilty one here, not the folks in SD. Just my opinion...

[IndyGT]

Originally posted by R100RS
Who appoints the judges? If not the people, who elects the person that appoints the judges? Like Bradford's letter states, who is responsible for minimum sentencing requirements? Legislators. Who elects legislators? Who can start ballot initiatives.

The people of South Dakota are being "punished" because they have consistently elected/appointed/supported persons in power who don't give a darn about justice and who are bound to the "good 'ol boy" system of watching out for each other even if it means giving a murderer a slap on the wrist.

I've heard quite an outcry about the sentence from the motorcycle community. I haven't heard squat from the people of South Dakota.

Thanks for the reminder about how democracy works and how, in a very real sense, people get the government they deserve.
The ultimate power to change government does rest with the people.
If no out-of-state motorcyclist rolls a tire into South Dakota this year, there will be a definite economic impact. It is not unreasonable for those who feel the impact the most - folks involved in the SD tourism and travel industry - to get the message and support the campaigns of candidates for the bench and the legislature who understand that no one, not even a Congressman and former governor, is above the law.
Do I believe that will happen? I'm not wildly optimistic, but I'm willing to add my drop to the ocean of motorcycling indignation over this injustice by choosing another route to Spokane.

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by beemer-red
bradfordben, your attachment letter really hits the mark. you make a statement and give the gov a chance to "explain the reasoning" of the judge`s sentence. if he/she doesn`t place a value on the life of a motorcyclist then i surely will not be traveling to S.D. i value my life enough not to risk it where no one cares what happens to it. please post the response from "his honor" as all riders need that info to plan accordingly. GOOD JOB

Thank you. Still no response yet.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by Rich
I've heard lots of tales, but do you have some valid proof of this one? I have a hard time believing it.

Only Police training by a certified gang violence instructor. He also said Daytona was a fundraiser for the Outlaws. Hard to believe, yes. Can't be true, I don't know.

MArkF

[edge51]

Got to laugh - at meetings of the Minnesota Motorcyle Clubs Coalition we pass around outlines of police gang seminars for chuckles. Let's just say they are a bit inaccurate.

The HA's do make money at Sturgis - they own a bar downtown. name escapes me bout is on the corner of the main intersection, I wanna say Gunner's but my old brain is just not sure. They have a shop next to the bar and sell lots of T Shirts and other crap. They also own land and make some money from parties and camping there.

I don't know any Outlaws but would guess they make their Daytona money the same way - own and sell stuff.

[gambrinus]

Haven't you all figured out that if you have enough $$$$ you can get away with just about anything.... It isn't fair, it isn't right, but it is what it is.

RW

[cgarr]

That pretty much sums it all up...... America the best justice money can buy.

Unfortunately it seems to be true that money and power will prevail over justice in the modern American court room. For my $.02, Janklow probably got exactly what he paid to get, favorable justice.

Much as that bugs me, what bothers me more is how do we go about creating an equitable system where everyone has a fair chance........

:dunno

[1flyer]

Who ever said life was going to be fair?

[schaeftl]

I hate to be the only rider in SD this year. I have aready been there once. I did not feel that my life was in danger. Here in New Mexico DUI walks are on the increase. The way I see it when you get hit by a car your as good as dead. At that point it doesn't really matter who hit you.

With all the DUI drivers around here. I would rather take my chances with some those South Dakota drivers.
Tim

[Gnome]

Screw South Dakota

Screw the judges of South Dakota

Screw the people of South Dakota

Screw South Dakota!

let 'em feel it where it hurts! In their wallets!!!

Be good motorbike patriots and send South Dakota a message that will eventually reach all over the United States that we the Motorcycle riders vote with our dollars.

:nra

[username]

youve got mount rushmore and youve got that sturgis trailer rally. neither of which is remotely interesting to me. we also have a spare dakota, so we dont really need the southern one.

i cant boycott what im already totally uninterested in.

and, if i boycotted every state for having corrupt, idiotic politicians, i'd have no place to go. :D

[Gnome]

that was very good. I'll have to agree.

[GeoffMiller]

So let me see if I've got this right! If I am upset with the behavior of our national govt. regarding a whole bunch of young people getting killed over phantom weapons of mass destruction, I should do all of my riding in Canada this year?? hmmmm:D tongue firmly in cheek, geoff!

[username]

i got an AMA magazine in the mail this week. it talks about 'sending a message' at the sturgis rally. they recommend going, and then everytime you spend money, you hand out a little card to the merchant that says something to the effect of 'motorcyclists are people too and i might not spend this money here again, so dont be mean to us.' thats the gist of it anyway.

the theory is that at the end of the week, these merchants have stacks of these cards (like theyre not just going to put them in the garbage.) and there will be some sort of eye opening event iin south dakota regarding sentencing of homocides.

seems pretty dopey to me.

[GeoffMiller]

Sturgis is a big deal, if not the biggest deal of the year to the merchants of South Dakota. I don't think that they will need cards to remind them of that. I'm certain that they were all cringing when they read the news of their fearless leader. Crazy folks are great entertainment until they do something to screw you up! The next election will tell if the residents of S.D. really go along with Janklow's antics or have grown up enough to elect someone who is a responsible citizen. Commencing ignition of soapbox NOW!!:D geoff

[Mag00]

Originally posted by Geoff Miller
So let me see if I've got this right! If I am upset with the behavior of our national govt. regarding a whole bunch of young people getting killed over phantom weapons of mass destruction, I should do all of my riding in Canada this year?? hmmmm:D tongue firmly in cheek, geoff!

You don't have it right. Not even a close comparison.

If the national govt. said it was ok to run over people on motorcycles then yes, Canada, Central/South America, Australia etc. here I come. This is a local comunity which got caught up in the furror of an accident. The fact that it was a motorcylist instead of a 3 year old child, brings it to the heart of cyclists. Had it been a child it would have been handled pretty much the same with the exception that parents nationally would band together and demand justice.

With the self centered, egotistical, independent motorcycle rider attitude, who can't band together for a common cause, we get what we get.

Sorry many of you don't feel it too important to stand up for justice for the motorcycle. Soon we will have rollbars on our bikes with airbags etc. Its for your own good you know. If that rider had airbags on his bike he may still be alive today. And guess what, the same butthead who killed the cyclist has the power to enact this kind of legislation, think about it.

[GeoffMiller]

Well, I probably should just get out of the discussion but I think a bit of name calling just happened. I don't think anyone is disinterested in the poor guy who got killed. With that, nowhere did the state of South Dakota condone what happened. You may dissagree with the sentencing but inequities occur all the time in our legal system. Why are kids going to prison over a baggie of cheap pot? How can people bankrupt a huge company (Enron) causing hundreds if not thousands of people their jobs and their savings and so far have pretty much escaped any justice. South Dakota is the home of many motorcyclists too. Why should they be punished? As far as causes go, pull your head out! Read the paper! There are a lot more serious causes to jump behind than motorcyclists rights. As a group, we are far from victims. Heck, just the fact that you are physically and mentally able to ride means that you have got a leg up on a whole bunch of people. We can ride anywhere we please. Try that in a lot of countries. We obviously have a great amount of disposable income or we wouldn't be sitting in front of computers talking about (usually) expensive motorcycles. In a way, we should almost be embarrased of ourselves, spending great sums of money on playthings when genocide, starvation and disease kills many thousands of our fellow human beings every year. Janklow didn't intentionally kill the guy. Even though you may wish he got more than 100 days time, his life as he knew it is over. Nobody does that to themself intentionally. (Nowhere did I say that he is anything BUT an idiot) Oh and by the way, the whole deal about airbags, seatbelts and such stuff has been bantered around for at least 30 years. It ain't gonna happen.

[Trinity]

OK, everybody out of the pool.

[kbasa]

Back by popular demand......

Carry on.

[aterveen_1487]

I would hope that something like this, even though very shady, wouldn't stop you from supporting fellow beemer riders and their rally. The Black Hills BMW Stampede is being held in the beautiful hills of South Dakota, home to Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood as seen on a recent HBo Series, and some of the best riding around. If you haven't checked us out, I encourage you to visit www.blackhillsbmw.com Hope to see you there!

[GeoffMiller]

ahem, harrrummph...okok, aaaallll better now!! Now then, where can a person purchase a monitor at a reasonable price? Mine seems to have a hole in the screen about size 11 D. geoff:stick and no cookies for trinity
:bliss

[gambrinus]

IF I could make it to the rally I think I'd be selling some Jankow T-Shirts... Not quite sure what they'd say, but I have a few ideas.. Anyone care to toss out some suggestions??

[aterveen_1487]

hey man your welcome to do as you please...just make it good alright!!! Little "Good Morning Vienam" ..lol anyway love to see you attend!

[Gnome]

ok ,ok my spears are turning into olive branches. Jankalow still sucks though! But hey,so does Ted Kennedy!:D

To the Good BMW Riders of South Dakota I apoligize for saying screw everything South Dakota. Peace.

I Brake the arrow.

[Mag00]

Originally posted by Geoff Miller
Well, I probably should just get out of the discussion but I think a bit of name calling just happened. I don't think anyone is disinterested in the poor guy who got killed. With that, nowhere did the state of South Dakota condone what happened. You may dissagree with the sentencing but inequities occur all the time in our legal system. Why are kids going to prison over a baggie of cheap pot? How can people bankrupt a huge company (Enron) causing hundreds if not thousands of people their jobs and their savings and so far have pretty much escaped any justice. South Dakota is the home of many motorcyclists too. Why should they be punished? As far as causes go, pull your head out! Read the paper! There are a lot more serious causes to jump behind than motorcyclists rights. As a group, we are far from victims. Heck, just the fact that you are physically and mentally able to ride means that you have got a leg up on a whole bunch of people. We can ride anywhere we please. Try that in a lot of countries. We obviously have a great amount of disposable income or we wouldn't be sitting in front of computers talking about (usually) expensive motorcycles. In a way, we should almost be embarrased of ourselves, spending great sums of money on playthings when genocide, starvation and disease kills many thousands of our fellow human beings every year. Janklow didn't intentionally kill the guy. Even though you may wish he got more than 100 days time, his life as he knew it is over. Nobody does that to themself intentionally. (Nowhere did I say that he is anything BUT an idiot) Oh and by the way, the whole deal about airbags, seatbelts and such stuff has been bantered around for at least 30 years. It ain't gonna happen.

Geoff, let me make something perfectly clear to you. My brother was run over, and killed on the highway coming back from a ralley. I take this subject extremely personal.

First up let me compliment you on your running of paragraphs together. It is so nice that you are so well educated about world problems, but can't even get a grip on proper structure. Please put a little effort in you future posts. It is extremely difficult to address all your concerns when they are all rambled together.

Now that that little issue has been addressed, let me continue....
About name calling. Well, it was close, I was infirring, broad scope to the bulk of riders, but deffinately aiming it at you, as you fit the bill.

I really didn't think I would have to spell it out, as I figure most here are intelligent enough to get the message. You crossed the line when you made the sarcastic comparison with the young people and phantom weapons as a reason to not persue justice on a subject close to home, motorcylist killed. This self defeating attitude does not need to be perpetuated here or anywhere. Just because we can't fix all the world problems doesn't mean we can't make the cycling community better. To lump them together to justify your self righteous attitude to ride anywhere you please is disturbing to say the least.

Weather or not a boycott would be effective isn't the problem, I haven't even taken a position on the incident, just on your attitude toward fellow cyclists shooting for justice. Your Character is on trial. Everybody's loyalty and love of the sport is on trial.

I don't think anyone is disinterested in the poor guy who got killed This was just a nice little ditty, but sure has an off sound to me, in the context you use it.

As far as causes go, pull your head out! Read the paper! There are a lot more serious causes to jump behind than motorcyclists rights. As a group, we are far from victims. Heck, just the fact that you are physically and mentally able to ride means that you have got a leg up on a whole bunch of people. We can ride anywhere we please. Try that in a lot of countries. We obviously have a great amount of disposable income or we wouldn't be sitting in front of computers talking about (usually) expensive motorcycles. In a way, we should almost be embarrased of ourselves, spending great sums of money on playthings when genocide, starvation and disease kills many thousands of our fellow human beings every year

If you're hangin with Jane Fonda, I suppose this is all well and fine. What part of this is a BMW Motorcycle organization, slips your memory. As far as I remember this club is for the BMW OWNERS OF AMERICA, not Greenpeace. The only reason we still have these liberties is because fine upstanding people stood up and fought for them, if your not willing to do the same, and your defeatist attitude festers, we will soon join them. In fact maybe if you weren't so selfish you would sell your bike and computer etc. and donate it to those needy people. Again, these ideologies have no relevance to standing up for motorcycle rights.

Oh and by the way, the whole deal about airbags, seatbelts and such stuff has been bantered around for at least 30 years. It ain't gonna happen.
Yes, no thanks to you, it is the work of the dedicated cyclists who gets the credit. It's easy to see when it's glaringly obvious, but if someone didn't say it was rediculous, we would have cages on the bikes.

And to all the fine folks in SD, well if you're not outraged, why should I care if another nail goes in the coffin. Again I will state, if it was a child run down, things would sure look alot different.

The Motorcycle community is calling out for support, what to do? Do I support the cause for the greater good or thumb my nose at them because I don't agree. Think about it next time your riding in a group and trouble arises, who'll have your back?

That's a rhetorical question.

KBasa, Trinity, me thinks I needs to ban meself. woof woof

[lorazepam]

Dang, and I thought I could kill a thread.

[LICK MY BRICK]

:jawdrop

[Rich]

Originally posted by Mag00

First up let me compliment you on your running of paragraphs together. It is so nice that you are so well educated about world problems, but can't even get a grip on proper structure. Please put a little effort in you future posts. It is extremely difficult to address all your concerns when they are all rambled together.



I think he did just fine, and used a lot less space than you to say it. :stick

[GeoffMiller]

OK, I'm taking a deep breath here. First of all, I am truly sorry about your loss. There is nothing that I can do or say to make it better. I hope that with time things become better. geoff, sorry to bring up a bad time in your life.