Hey,
It’s Memorial Day already. I’m missing the Long Beach Swap Meet working on a Sunday Post, every Sunday, except when I’m riding an Indian to the Smoke Out, peeling to Sturgis, or Bonneville.
We had some progress on the Bonneville efforts this week. I ordered some dragster parts, the front end, axles, tie-rods, you name it, then ran into an issue with one of the web sites. I’ll call them next week.
The internet is such a power house of service, but it’s just coming around to today’s potential. I’m constantly surprised at the bullshit obstacles to sales including Amazon and Ebay.
To hell with this conversation, let’s celebrate Memorial day with pals, veterans, and girls. What could be better.
Let’s hit the news:
Very few things compliment expensive toy taste as well as beautiful eye candy.
Boys always enjoy candy with their toys. Be it jewel or toy, not the prize gives the joy but the pleasure of playing with it.
Filthy Gorgeous is an ever-evolving testament to the legacy of Bob Guccione, and the period of American culture he contributed to. Guccione was a visionary, advancing the fields of publishing, journalism, First Amendment rights, futurism, fine arts, photography and more. Filthy Gorgeous is devoted to illuminating all the varied corners of Bob’s legacy, and their impact on the past, present and future.
–Filthy Gorgeous
202 S Dean St. Englewood NJ, 07631
Tel: 201.381.1777
Fax: 201.569.8073
www.filthygorgeousmedia.com
BREAKING NEWS FROM THE MRF-– IRS to scrap a proposed rule on 501(c) 4 groups
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has said it will abandon the current proposed rule that would impact the non-profit, social welfare groups, like the MRF.
The tax agency had proposed limiting ?political activity? of the nonprofits 60 days before any election. The IRS never described exactly what ?political activity? would entail. Some fears were that even simple meetings with Members of Congress and their staffs would be banned under the rule. The rule could have crippled what the MRF does on a daily basis.
The MRF opposed the rule and submitted comments to the agency. The IRS mentioned that they had received an enormous amount of public comment from both conservative and liberal organizations, all against the proposed rule.
The IRS is going to be writing a new set of proposals that will start over at square one.
BRASS BALLS BOBBERS RETURNS TO BIKERNET—Dar Holdsworth recently returned to be a Sponsor on Bikernet. He represents one of the last remaining American custom bike manufacturers, and here’s one of his latest.
“We just built & shipped this Navy tribute bike to the Rolling Thunder Washington D.C. rally,” Dar said, “In support and honor of our Troops. Thought you’d like to see.”
Keep an eye on Bikernet for weekly reports, and if you want to have a custom FXR or bobber built, make sure to consider Brass Balls Cycles.
–Bandit
BIKERNET PHOTOGRAPHER SENT TO TEXAS TO SHOOT RARE MOTORCYCLES–Sneak peek, 1911 Excelsior Single, from SK collection.
Here’s the photo prep crew at the Austin Bike shoot.
The parking area was ablaze, & the studio said “biggest thing ever here.”
And finally a Steve McQueen Indian key fob.
STOLEN WEAPON DISCOVERED at Tennessee jail–A 19-year-old Tennessee woman had a loaded handgun hidden in her vagina when she was brought into jail yesterday afternoon following a collar for driving with a suspended license, police report.
As Dallas Archer was being booked into the Kingsport jail, a female corrections officer alerted to an “unknown object” in the teenager’s crotch during a search.
The jailer and a female cop then accompanied Archer to a bathroom for further examination, a review that led to the recovery of a “North American Arms 22 LR revolver (loaded) which Ms. Dallas had concealed in her vagina,” according to a Kingsport Police Department report.
A subsequent check revealed that the five-shot mini-revolver–which is four inches in length–had been “stolen from an auto burglary in 2013.” The handgun, which police valued at $250, is owned by John Souther, a 70-year-old retired car salesman.
In a TSG interview, Souther said that the gun was taken from his 1994 Mustang, which was “ransacked” last year while parked in his Kingsport carport. Souther said that police told him that the revolver had been recovered, but offered no further details.
When told where the gun had been stashed, Souther said, “Oh, gosh.” He noted that he would eventually like “the little fellow” returned, but added that the weapon would require “a bath in bleach.”
News of the weapon in Archer’s vagina was first reported by the Kingsport Times-News.
Archer, seen in the above mug shot, was charged with gun possession and introducing contraband into a penal facility.
According to a jail official, Archer was released from custody after posting $6000 bond
Posted one-liners.
1. I thought it was her gun. Turns out it was snatched!
2. Gives new meaning to a gun having a “hair trigger”
3. Happiness is a warm gun?
4. At four inches in length it comes off as half cocked…
5. “For sale AA22LR never used; still in the box.”
6. Report reads, “…Introducing contraband into a penal facility.” Shouldn’t that be ‘penile’ facility?
7. If it went off, could you call it her ‘boom box’?
8. Remember : Every vagina is to be treated as if it is loaded. Always keep it pointed in a safe direction.
9. They say it was a gun, but something smells fishy.
10.You can have my gun when you can pry it from my cold, stinking…
11. Oh my… accident waiting to happen. Could ‘shoot the beaver’.
12.I have heard of shooting your mouth off, but this takes on a “hole” new meaning…
13.Complete reversal on the classic, “Is that a pistol in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?”
14.I wonder if she had ‘gun-areah’?
15.Gives a whole new meaning to “Vaginal Discharge”…
16.Do you suppose she had a ‘rectal reloader’?
17.A gun in hand is worth 2 in the bush?
18.Figures… it uses ‘rim shot’ ammo.
–Buckshot
S&S STREET LEGAL ENGINE For Replacement and New Builds–Don’t let increasingly stringent emissions laws and stronger enforcement stop you from installing a bigger engine in your Harley-Davidson® big twin or from building custom bikes. S&S has emissions compliant engines for both applications. Replace your stock engine or build custom bikes without licensing hassles or costly emissions compliance testing. S&S has already done the testing so you don’t have to!
S&S Cycle’s offering of emissions compliant engines varies depending on the regulatory agency that has jurisdiction over where the engine is to be sold and used. For example, in North America, S&S offers 50-state legal engines for replacement of stock engines in 1984-’98 chassis and both 49-State and 50-State legal packages for custom-built vehicles with 1984-’99 style chassis. S&S’ TÜV approved offering for the European Union covers 1984-’06 style chassis. Custom builders should also not overlook the proprietary S&S X-Wedge® engine offered in 49-State and 50-State packages.
S&S emissions compliant engines are available to S&S dealers, but are also perfect for custom vehicle manufacturers. S&S also offers complete vehicle emissions testing at the S&S emissions lab at the S&S facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Don’t let emissions regulations become a problem when S&S Cycle has the solution!
For more information, contact your S&S Customer Service representative.
BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL EDITOR TOURS EAST ASIA–A few pics from Vungtau. This leg of the trip is over tonight. One day back at Saigon to be ready for flight to Phnom Penh.
A few days sightseeing around PP as it was a killing fields in the ’70s. Pol Pot took control of the government and killed off all upper class people. Anybody that could pose a threat was executed to the tune of 2 million. Educated, teachers, doctors, ranking politicians, etc – all removed.
Then on to the motorcycle show in Sihanookville, Cambodia on May 29 – Jun 1
Again = not in ‘Bkk for the military takeover – no problem except for curfew.
Returning there on June 2 for the return flight to LAX on Jun 6.
Airport operating as usual.
– – Art Hall
Bikernet Supreme Foreign Correspondent
JESSE JAMES GOT FIRED FROM AUSTIN SPEED SHOP—A few years back I was a guest judge on the Build-off Competition between Jesse and the OCC guys. I’m always honest when judging bikes for shows or television. His bike didn’t cut it, compared to Paul Jr.’s masterpiece. Sure I like choppers any day, but Paul knocked it out of the part.
Jesse sniveled about the OCC build teams, then couldn’t finish his bike without the Austin Speed Shop guys. Jesse got pissed off at me and threatened the publisher of Australian Heavy Duty Magazine, “If you want me to write for you,” Jesse said, “then get rid of him (Bandit).”
But the other day I received a report from the Austin Speed Shop. Jesse was asked unceremoniously to leave the premises a year ago. Maybe that’s why he’s trying his hand in the gun industry. Hope he doesn’t get shot.
THE DAVE ZEIN FLAG CONTROVERSY–Thanks for everyone’s guidance and feedback . you got to know that my 2014 trike is exceptional with its superior sound system , ABS brakes , liquid cooled &additional power . It’s a great machine!
(2) Ask for a response in writing!
(3) insist upon a blanket statement policy about size ,location , other parameters & wind resistance of the flags.
(4) Request engineering studies (R& D) of wind resistance, Performance of motorcycle, engine transmission, power-train. What about flags 300 pound Riders ,200 pound passengers windshield ,trailer hitch ,sidecars 200 pounds of luggage camping equipment and hundred of pounds of accessories. How does this all compare to the wind resistance of flags?
(5) Phone number for Howard Wurgler midwest fence and steel, flag mount construction expert is 414-483-2890 (office)
(6) Encourage H-D to make flag mounts a company product.
(7) Share pictures and testimonials from people Flying flags on motorcycles. Especially the 110th parade of all types of people flying flags on motorcycle.
(9) Please use righteous rhetoric and not be reprehensible in criticizing anyone. We can help rectify .remedy and reinvent this whole issue for Harley-Davidson. This whole matter can indeed be a blessing in disguise !
On my way now to Harshaw parade of motorcycles and memorial day. I’m the main speaker. I will also be keynote at Ashland on Monday. If anyone wants to help hold flags – please help!
My bike is been broke down for almost 2 weeks, still in the shop. Fortunately I have my 2011 Trike approaching 119,000 miles on it . Please be Mindful / Prayerful! God bless you.
–Dave Zein
BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL EDITOR RESEARCHES MOTORBIKES IN SAIGON– 36,000,000 registered. Man looks like Uncle Ho. Old city hall behind me. Opera house with vendor. Motorized bicycle called Royalette. Sitting in a nice restaurant with proper mood music makes me feel like foreign correspondent back in the ‘60s as the view is of the period buildings.
Heading to Phnom Penh tomorrow by air.
–Art Hall
QUICK, BIKERNET UNIVERSITY WORD OF THE WEEKEND–bel-esprit
1. a person of great wit or intellect.
She was the most hospitable and jovial of old vestals, and had been a beauty in her day, she said… She was a bel esprit , and a dreadful Radical for those days.
A man of genius will only write a history, or a romance; moral, or poetical essays; but his performances remain with the language, while the reputation of a bel esprit , like some artificial fires, become suddenly extinct.
— Isaac D’Israeli, An Essay on the Manners and Genius of the Literary Character , 1795
Bel-esprit entered English from French in the mid-1600s. Esprit can be traced back to the Latin spiritus meaning “spirit.”
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPEN ON THE HOLIDAY–Two little old ladies, Doris & Jackie were sitting on a park bench outside the local town hall where a flower show was in progress. The short one, Jackie leaned over and said, ‘Life is so boring. We never have any fun any more. For $10.00 I’d take my clothes off and streak through that stupid, boring flower show!’
‘You’re on!’ said Doris, holding up a $10.00 note.
So Jackie slowly fumbled her way out of her clothes and, completely naked, streaked (as fast as an old lady can) through the front door of the flower show. Waiting outside, her friend soon heard a huge commotion inside the hall, followed by loud applause and shrill whistling. Finally, the smiling Jackie came through the exit door surrounded by a cheering, clapping crowd.
‘What happened?’ asked her waiting friend.
‘I won $1,000 as 1st prize for ‘Best Dried Arrangement’
–from Jerry and Rogue
MEMORIAL DAY MOMENT– I’ll bet no one goes over and shakes him to awaken him.
Picture of a soldier sleeping during an airport layover with his canine partner.
There is no measure of loyalty greater than that shown here. Sleep soundly soldier.
A worthy goal in life is to be as good a person as your dog thinks you are..
–from Buckshot
[page break]
NMA E-Newsletter #280: Can it really be Safer to Drive on the Wrong Side of the Road?–
They’re rebuilding the main intersection near our office, transforming a traditional signalized intersection into a roundabout. The roundabout is a relatively new fixture in this area, and drivers will need some time to get comfortable with it. All of which got us thinking about the prospects for other “alternative” traffic designs that are popping up around the country.
We’ve already discussed one up-and-coming interchange design known as the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). In 2010 only one had been constructed in the United States in Springfield, Missouri. Since then, 17 have been completed, and 45 are in the works.
The key difference between a DDI and a conventional diamond interchange is that the opposing lanes of the feeder road cross each other twice at traffic signals, so that for a short distance, vehicles are driving on the opposite side of the road. (See the diagram below.)
The primary safety advantage is that no left turns are required to clear opposing traffic. Traffic signals are two-phase with short cycles thereby reducing delays. Freeway ramps require less curvature leading to fewer accidents, and vehicle conflict points are reduced overall.
Two emerging intersection designs that also seek to reduce conflict points while enhancing traffic flow are the Displaced Left Turn Intersection and the U-Turn Intersection.
With the Displaced Left configuration, traffic turning left shifts to the left approximately 300 feet from the intersection and then travels on the opposite side of the road before turning left. Traffic signals at the intersection control through traffic while left turning traffic proceeds simultaneously. (See the diagram below.)
The primary safety advantage is that no left turns are required to clear opposing traffic. Traffic signals are two-phase with short cycles thereby reducing delays. Freeway ramps require less curvature leading to fewer accidents, and vehicle conflict points are reduced overall.
Two emerging intersection designs that also seek to reduce conflict points while enhancing traffic flow are the Displaced Left Turn Intersection and the U-Turn Intersection.
With the Displaced Left configuration, traffic turning left shifts to the left approximately 300 feet from the intersection and then travels on the opposite side of the road before turning left. Traffic signals at the intersection control through traffic while left turning traffic proceeds simultaneously. (See the diagram below.)
Again, the idea is to reduce the number of signal phases and conflict points with corresponding benefits in traffic flow and safety.
There are several variations on the U-Turn scheme. Let’s look at the Median U-Turn, also called a Michigan Left. Here, left-turning traffic proceeds through the main intersection to a U turn location downstream. (Follow the red arrow on the diagram below.) It then heads back toward the main intersection and turns right. This eliminates direct left turns and reduces conflict points. The green arrow shows a variation known as a Restricted Crossing U-Turn or RCUT.
Data from the FHWA and others suggest these nonconventional designs can reduce crashes by 50 percent or more. Supporters also contend they can be constructed more cheaply than traditional designs.
Traffic engineers seem to be paying attention. So far, 19 Displaced Left intersections have been constructed nationwide with nine more coming soon. For RCUT Intersections, 66 have been completed and 61 more are planned.
You’ve already given us ample feedback on roundabouts, so how about these new designs? Have you navigated any of them? How would you feel driving on the “wrong side” of the road? Are the initial driver discomfort and confusion worth the potential benefits? Let us know what you think.
CHFC BANQUET & AUCTION
6/7/2014 3:00 PM
CHFC Club House
1125 Sportsman Dr.
Compton, CA 90723
BIKERNET MURAL PROJECT WITH THE COMMUNITY–We just wanted to inform you that the Wilmington Waterfront Mural Project we discussed has been moving forward. We appreciate your willingness to participate in this project and hope you still have interest in assisting us.
Below you will see a brief summary of what we are proposing. We are working with local schools and artists.
Project Purpose & Goals: Create an amazing beautification project for the Port of LA and the people of Wilmington that will enhance the Waterfront Project and the illustrate the history of the Port.
– Create a montage of historic, inspiring, and educational images for the community and port employees.
– Promote and embrace international trade and the history of international trade in the Port of LA.
– Promote the variety of jobs building the port and supporting the operations, while educating students to the variety of port jobs available.
– Promote and educate all aspects of maritime history and tradition within the Port.
– Promote the cleanliness of the port through gorgeous illustrations, and motivate members of the region to take pride in this area through outstanding art.
Many Thanks,
Neighbors for Creative Progress
Adrian Veliz, Wilmington Resident
Keith Ball, Wilmington Resident
Donna Effington, Wilmington Resident
RIVERA-PRIMO AMAZING HEADLIGHT PROJECT–When we unveiled our new 7″ all LED Headlamp with built-in marker lights, the motorcycle aftermarket responded with an incredibly loud “Hell Yea”! Why? Because we hit the market with a economically priced all LED high quality headlamp that was as bright or brighter then the competition, and because it included our signature built-in marker lights.
What more could you possibly ask for, right? But from the start, one of the most asked questions was “Do you guys make a 5 3/4” Lamp for us guys who don’t ride baggers? Well do ya??? Sometimes you just can’t win….
HedLED’s next NEW product is born…
But, little did our customers know, we were already underway with a 5 3/4″ all LED headlamp that guess what? Includes our signature built-in marker lights! YES!!
For the last few months of banging our collective heads against a cement wall, we are almost ready to release our newest member of our HedLED line of ultimate lighting products, the Phase 3 all LED 5 3/4″ Headlamp with built-in marker lights!
We wanted the Phase 3 headlamp to outshine all others in its class, both in quality, design and actual light pointed down the road. A headlamp that would draw less current then a incandescant lamp so it would work great both on an older charging system or a new high output sytem. A headlamp that would incorporate our signature LED turn signals with a ultra bright LED high & low beam and all under glass..not plastic. And we wanted it to be AFFORDABLE!!!
PHASE 3™ HedLED™ 5 3/4″ Headlamp (1116-0201)
DOT & EU COMPLIANT
Retail: $235.47
Application: Basically, anything that uses a 5 3/4″ headlamp
WORLD CHAMPS entry forms available online– The official entry form, rules and class definitions for the 2014 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building are now available online.
Being staged at INTERMOT for the first time, in Cologne, Germany, on September 30th to October 5th 2014, ‘Early Bird’ competitors can scoop a €100,00 entry-fee discount – bikes entered prior to June 30th will be able to enter for €100,00 (fee exemptions apply to 2013-14 Affiliate show winners and previous World Championship prize winners).
All competitors also receive the AMD World Championship 2014 special edition ‘Competitor Logo’ for use in all their own advertising, marketing, print, website, and social media activity, in addition to a free of charge studio-grade photo-shoot set of pictures of their bike.
There will be five classes at the AMD World Championship in 2014 – the now traditional and highly acclaimed FreeStyle Class from which the 11th annual AMD World Champion Custom Bike Builder will be chosen, plus four further classes to recognise specific sectors of the custom motorcycle market.
The Retro/Modified Class will showcase customs based on engines manufactured before 1984;
The Modified Harley-Davidson Class will feature stock frame geometry customs with engines (minimum stock cases) from 1984 and up;
The Street Performance Class will showcase custom design and engineering work where the primary objective is to improve the performance and handling of streetable customs;
All new for 2014, the Cafe Racer Class for 50s/60s inspired road race bikes.
One change from previous years is that no run testing will take place at the event itself, so video evidence of each bike being ridden must be submitted prior to arrival at the Cologne Exhibition Centre (Koeln Messe) on Monday September 29th (set-up day) for the bike to be eligible to win a prize.
For further information or for any clarifications contact the World Championship programme Director Neil Blaber at neil@amdchampionship.com
To enter, follow this link – www.amdchampionship.com/worldchamps
LRS IS GIVING BACK TO OUR MILITARY AND FAMILIES:– LRS WILL BE GIVING HALF EARNINGS TO THE FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION THROUGHOUT THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. GET IN ON THE SUPPORT OF OUR INJURED TROOPS AND FAMILIES.
CLICK THE IMAGE TO LEARN MORE OF WHAT THEY ARE ABOUT. WE ARE ALSO OFFERING A 20% DISCOUNT ON YOUR ENTIRE ORDER THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND. NOT ONLY DO YOU SAVE BIG ON A PREMIUM RE-CURVE LRS SHIELD, BUT ALSO GET TO HELP AND GIVE BACK TO OUR ENLISTED.
BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPEN ON SUNDAYS– I was in the Texas Rose last night, at the bar waiting for a beer, when a butt-ugly, big old heifer (a girl) came up behind me, and slapped me on the butt. She said, “Hey sexy, how about giving me your number.”
I looked at her and said, ”Have you got a pen.”She said, “I sure do.”
I said, “ Well, you better get back into it before the farmer notices you’re missing.”
–from Jerry and Rogue
The Democracy Alliance Joins Fight for Gun Control–Fresh off the recent news that anti-gun billionaire Michael Bloomberg plans to spend $50 million to help elect gun control-supporting candidates in November’s national elections, a similar plan by the Democracy Alliance has been exposed by the Washington Free Beacon.
The Free Beacon reports, “A secretive dark money group backed by George Soros and other liberal mega-donors is looking to steer nearly $40 million to left-wing groups in 2014 to support high-profile political and policy efforts.” Soros, who in 2005 was convicted of insider trading in France, has previously donated millions of dollars to MediaMatters and MoveOn.org, both of which support gun control, the International Action Network on Small Arms, which promotes gun control at the United Nations, and Ready For Hillary, in support of gun control advocate Hillary Clinton’s possible campaign for the U.S. presidency in 2016.
Not all of the Democracy Alliance’s150-odd organizations openly support gun control; many are focused on other aspects of the “progressive agenda.” However, several anti-gun organizations are within its fold, including the Brennan Center, the Center for American Progress, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (formerly, the National Coalition to Ban Handguns), Everytown (a/k/a, Michael Bloomberg’s Mayors Against . . . Guns), MediaMatters, Organizing for Action (a/k/a, BarackObama.com), the Progressive Majority, and Third Way.
Between them, these anti-gun groups support requiring so-called “universal background checks” for gun sales and other transfers; banning general-purpose semi-automatic rifles that gun control supporters call “assault weapons;” banning ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds; oppose shall-issue Right-to-Carry and Stand Your Ground laws; support micro-stamping; oppose federal and state laws prohibiting frivolous lawsuits against the firearm industry; claim that the Second Amendment does not protect an individual right to keep and bear arms, especially outside the home; and further claim that the Supreme Court erred in recognizing an individual right under the Second Amendment in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008).
That so much money will be spent trying to elect anti-gun candidates this year shows that Second Amendment opponents think that their victory is within striking distance during President Obama’s last two years in office. Our victory over gun control in the Senate last year, and the public’s current resistance to more federal gun control notwithstanding, we are going to have to do everything we can to get as many gun owners and other Second Amendment supporters to the polls in November.
KLOCKWERKS MEMORIAL DAY, A DAY TO HONOR AND REMEMBER–
Memorial Day has come to signify the start of summer for many Americans, and is often celebrated with cookouts, family get-togethers, and in our industry, motorcycle rides. But don’t let the real meaning of Memorial Day get lost. This Memorial Day let’s honor those who have paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom.
It is our opportunity to stop and give thanks. Take the time this weekend to honor America’s Heroes.
In Honor of those who serve in the military, current or retired, give us a call between now and June 15th to receive an extra 15% off. Thank you for your sacrifice. Klock Werks Salutes You.
BIKERNET WEED WORLD REPORT–St. Paul, MN: Minnesota House and Senate lawmakers, along with Democrat Gov. Mark Dayton, agreed late last week to legislation that seeks to provide access to limited preparations of cannabis to qualified patients.
Under the plan, state regulators intend to license two producers of cannabis and up to eight distribution centers. To be eligible to participate in the state’s program, patients need to possess a physician’s recommendation (or the recommendation from a nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant) and be diagnosed with one of eight qualifying conditions (cancer/cachexia, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Tourette’s Syndrome, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, seizures – including those characteristic of epilepsy, severe and persistent muscle spasms — including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis, and/or Crohn’s Disease) and/or a terminal illness, and be registered with the state Department of Health.
However, unlike other state medical cannabis programs, the Minnesota plan does not permit qualified patients to possess or obtain whole-plant cannabis. Instead, the forthcoming law mandates that state-licensed distribution centers provide oils, pills, and/or extracts prepared from the plant. Such products would be subject to laboratory testing for purity and potency. Patients are permitted to ingest or vaporize, but not smoke, these medical cannabis preparations. Patients’ health care provider must compile ongoing reports in regards to their patients’ progress.
The law authorizes the state to license cannabis producers by no later than December 1, 2014. Cannabis-based preparations are expected to be available at state-licensed dispensaries by July 1, 2015.
South Carolina: Legislators Sign Off On Hemp Cultivation Measure
States moving quickly on hemp legislation; Feds get sued over seeds in Kentucky
Columbia, SC: State legislators last week approved legislation reclassifying varieties of cannabis possessing minute quantities of THC as an industrial crop rather than a controlled substance.
Senate Bill 839 states, “It is lawful for an individual to cultivate, produce, or otherwise grow industrial hemp in this State to be used for any lawful purpose, including, but not limited to, the manufacture of industrial hemp products, and scientific, agricultural, or other research related to other lawful applications for industrial hemp.” The proposal awaits action from Republican Gov. Nikki Haley.
In February, Congress approved language (Section 7606) in the omnibus federal Farm Bill authorizing states to sponsor hemp research absent federal reclassification of the plant. Since that time, lawmakers in five states – Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Utah – have enacted legislation allowing for state-sponsored hemp cultivation.
On Monday, the Illinois Senate unanimously approved similar legislation, House Bill 5085. House members had previously voted in favor of an earlier version of the bill. Once both chambers agree to concurrent language, the measure will go to the Governor’s desk.
More than a dozen states have now enacted legislation redefining hemp as an agricultural product and permitting state-sponsored research and/or cultivation of the crop.
Last week, Kentucky state officials sued the US Drug Enforcement Administration after the agency refused to turn over a shipment of hemp seeds that were intended to be used as part of a state-approved research program. State officials designed the program to be compliant with Section 7606 of the federal farm bill.
According to the U.S. Congressional Resource Service, the United States is the only developed nation that fails to cultivate industrial hemp as an economic crop.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, or Erik Altieri, NORML Communications Director, at (202) 483-5500.
[photo 5088]
INCREDIBLE—Life is nuts, but let’s go for a ride. So much has to do with timing. You can have best notion on the planet, but brought to market at the wrong time and it’s toast.
But don’t let that hinder your efforts. We only go around once. Need to go for it, since every minute counts. On the other hand, there’s something to be said for just enjoying life, kicking back and having a blast. Screw all the jobs, creative efforts, accomplishments, competition, WTF?
How about this recent score, a 1900 Orient motorcycle with copper fins on the cylinder. I’m so old now, my recent girl calls me her mentor. Hang on.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
