DOM POST says - bikers should pay

[MSTRS:Me]

Objectively it's a fair editorial - if you aren't a biker. So the way to deal with this is to throw facts back. Angry emotional letters to the editor might get printed but they won't make a lot of difference.

Journalists like stories. That's what they need to fill the news each day. They also love conflict with politicians. Calling Nick Smith an arse might feel good but there ain't any story to go with that.

So the strategy we need to adopt is to feed journalists with contrasting facts. Facts taken from ACC's own data and other sources which undermine the ACC position. We will get a lot more coverage and sympathy if we put forward embarrassing points which the journalists can put to the Minister.

The media can be brought on-side but to do that, someone needs to write press releases. I guess that's BRONZ but anyone here with the patience could add to the pile.

Sorry mate, but don't you think a lot of us have been doing just that? Not a single word have I seen printed as a result. But still the media trot out the old lies from Nick the Dick and ACC.

[Dave Lobster]

I'm not sure about this. It could look like bullyboy tactics from us

Perfectly legal to do, if you're a maori.

[modboy]

Perfectly legal to do, if you're a maori.

...and, I would imagine completely socially acceptable if you're a "white motha-fucker" too.

[Dave Lobster]

...and, I would imagine completely socially acceptable if you're a "white motha-fucker" too.

No no.. you're thinking of land raping there.

[Indiana_Jones]

It is not reasonable to expect those who use vehicles as a means of getting from one place to another to underwrite the expenses of those who use powerful motorbikes as recreational toys.

Oh yea, my recreational toy....

That being my only transport in the world.

Cunt.

-Indy

[riffer]

No no.. you're thinking of land raping there.

No, no that's only the traillies do that.

[StoneY]

well written? that is horrendous. sports players shouldnt pay because their activities are inherently healthy? thats almost as laughable as bikes getting let off this ACC hike business because of a smaller carbon footprint or other nonsense.

NO FAULT BITCHES

how hard is it to understand? im honestly shocked by the number of people i've spoken to who dont realise what this means

Anyway as far as that goes I have lost KILOS riding my bike, its a solid all body workout!!!!

[FastBikeGear]

Objectively it's a fair editorial - if you aren't a biker. So the way to deal with this is to throw facts back. Angry emotional letters to the editor might get printed but they won't make a lot of difference.

Journalists like stories. That's what they need to fill the news each day. They also love conflict with politicians. Calling Nick Smith an arse might feel good but there ain't any story to go with that.

So the strategy we need to adopt is to feed journalists with contrasting facts. Facts taken from ACC's own data and other sources which undermine the ACC position. We will get a lot more coverage and sympathy if we put forward embarrassing points which the journalists can put to the Minister.

The media can be brought on-side but to do that, someone needs to write press releases. I guess that's BRONZ but anyone here with the patience could add to the pile.

What he said!

If you are writing a letter to the editor for the Dominion Post please note the following rules that I was directed to after I sent mine in http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post...-Dominion-Post

Rules for Letters to the Editor of the Dominion Post.-

* Our e-mail address is letters@dompost.co.nz. Please do not send attachments.

* Our fax number is (04) 474-0350.

* Or send your letter to: Letters to the Editor, PO Box 1297, Wellington. Please write or type on one side of the paper only.

* Letters must include the writer's full name, verifiable home address, and daytime phone number. PO Box numbers are not acceptable.

* Letters should not exceed 200 words and should be exclusive.

* Letters will be edited for clarity and length.

[GOONR]

What he said!

If you are writing a letter to the editor for teh dominion post please note the following that I was directed to after I sent mine in http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post...-Dominion-Post

Rules for Letters to the Editor of the Dominion Post.-

* Our e-mail address is letters@dompost.co.nz. Please do not send attachments.

* Our fax number is (04) 474-0350.

* Or send your letter to: Letters to the Editor, PO Box 1297, Wellington. Please write or type on one side of the paper only.

* Letters must include the writer's full name, verifiable home address, and daytime phone number. PO Box numbers are not acceptable.

* Letters should not exceed 200 words and should be exclusive.

* Letters will be edited for clarity and length.

Now you tell me... I'm off to shorten my email now

[Winston001]

Sorry mate, but don't you think a lot of us have been doing just that? Not a single word have I seen printed as a result. But still the media trot out the old lies from Nick the Dick and ACC.

Fair comment. I do realise battling for media attention is frustrating.

Now you tell me... I'm off to shorten my email now

Yep, short and sweet is always best. Think about how you respond to long posts on KB. If they aren't broken up into logical paragraphs they often don't get read.

[XP@]

Response to the editorial

Having read your article with interest, There are some parts which are mis-leading to the general i.e. non-motorcycling population:

"However, there is no disputing the fact that a motorcyclist who hits a lamp-post with only clothing for protection is likely to do a great deal more damage to him or herself than the driver of a modern car equipped with crumple zones and airbags."
The dispute here is that motorcyclists do not wear "only clothing". Many of us spend thousands of dollars on state of the art protective apparail helmets being compulsory are not just a hat. We also choose to wear state of the art protective suits covering 100% of our body. These often cost thousands of dollars, even for the cheapest entry level kit you would not get much change out of $1000. It is even possible to buy jackets with airbags but they are have not had the push & development that car airbags have had.
Granted some riders decide not to wear the full gear, these are frowned upon by the AGATT (all the gear all the time) crowd that make up a big majority. It is also no worse than a car occupant who decided not to put on their seat belt, hit a lamp post without your seat belt in the average NZ car and you are also in a bad shape.


"Riding a motorbike is not an inherently healthy activity"
It is healthy: mental and physical exercise, falling off a motorcycle is sometimes not healthy, personally I have not experienced this side in my 20 years and 500,000+ kms of riding. Many bikers also partake in other sports to keep themselves healthier - for me yoga and tai-chi have been favourites, these are probably some of the safer pastimes.
The sports you mention are probably healthier until you get too rough or fall over, in which case the same applies you still stand a good chance of getting hurt.

"Motorcycle premiums should be increased; however, the increases should be fair. Surely it is not beyond the wit of ACC and biker organisations to establish the true cost of motorcycle accidents and to devise a formula that apportions cost according to responsibility?"
For the sake of the country, not just bikers we want to keep the original aims of ACC alive. $500 or $5 increase is irrelevant it is the slippery slope we will head down if the principles get changed.

• Should V8 owners pay more?
• Should Aucklanders pay more?
• Should Old people pay more?
• Should Parents of kids pay more?
• Should YOU pay more?

Yes, there is a cost and it needs to be recovered I do not paying my share, as long as it is fair. There are too many risky pursuits which are not paying for it to be fair to pick on one. ACC and the Government are using Motorcyclists as a smoke screen for the rest of the increases in premiums and decreases in benefits. They knew we would shout loud enough to cover the rest of the noise.

[JohnR]

The editor is entitled to his opinion. But most of his opinion is shaped by the propaganda that abounds (not coming from us, is it?)
As far as 'healthy' is concerned, has it escaped this drongo's notice that mountain climbers do it for the thrill? Very little to do with 'healthy'. And what is healthy, anyway? Mental/physical are just as important. Besides there's different kinds of fitness, aren't there?
And what's this 'premiums' bit? ACC is not insurance. This crap fucks me off no end. Terminology can be an insidiously dangerous thing.
And why should my employee levies subsidise that mountain climber?

And no right of reply available. Prick.

You do have a right of reply...it's called "Letters to the Editor"

[JohnR]

You do have a right of reply...it's called "Letters to the Editor"

Should've read the whole thread...

[AD345]

Letter sent (my first ever to a paper):

To the editor,
The egalitarian “fair go” spirit of New Zealand has its embodiment in the founding principles of ACC. We all chip in to cover the cost of accidental injury to any of us. Pretty simple.
The home handyman who runs a nail through his palm, the schoolchild who falls from a piece of gym equipment, the grandmother who slips on the pavement – all are entitled to have their injuries treated without an inquiry as to blame or liability. A more caring and unique piece of legislation cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It is something we are all rightly proud of and it helps define who we are and how we view our world.

It is under threat. A particularly insidious method of attack has been chosen, namely to put the citizens of this country against each other whilst telling them “it’s for your own good”. ACC has 11 billion dollars in reserves and 2 weeks ago paid a 700 million dollar dividend to the Government. It has never been more flush with cash and its investment arm regularly out-performs that of merchant banks while taking care of our money.
So what is the reward for those who have achieved so much and us who fund it? The board was sacked and staffed with Government cronies and the funders (you and I) have been told to front up with more cash, a LOT more cash, “cos it’s broke”.
The refrain from the bikers at Parliament is easily understood in this light and two serious questions are now raised.

“Why are more people not protesting the rape of our identity?”

“After the motorcyclists, who’s next?”

Regards
AD345

[danielle]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post...t-lets-be-fair


Motorcyclists should not be required to foot the bill for injuries caused by other road users, but they should collectively meet the costs of accidents for which they are responsible. It is not reasonable to expect those who use vehicles as a means of getting from one place to another to underwrite the expenses of those who use powerful motorbikes as recreational toys.

Lets be honest, if we foot the bill for only, only
accidents that are completly our responsibilty we wont be paying very much..... i hate the assumption that we all just use our motorcycles as "toys".

Ignorance really....