VIEWPOINTS

Motorcyclists enjoy the Wide Open Roads
Nicole Ford | Staff Reporter

Twelve years ago my dad sat me on the back of an old Honda motorcycle and we cruised on the quiet streets of our neighborhood through the heat of a Las Vegas afternoon.
Motorcycling has been a part of my life ever since that magical day, and not long ago I got my own bike.  My steel beast and I have tramped across Texas, and we went on a summer jaunt through seven states to attend a great motorcycle rally.
With more than 6,000 miles under my belt, I still look forward to a brisk morning ride on my way to class.  Rain or shine, hot or cold, the day just starts out better when I can ride to campus. 
While in class, my mind will turn a time or two to thoughts of the open road and the adventures that wait for me there.  I’m generally whistling by the time I reach my bike, and I eagerly mount up to head for the open roads.
Alas, there are various obstacles between me and my goal, and they are generally known as “cars.”  It’s not the steel cages themselves that are the problem, but rather those unlucky people who are stuck driving them.
In one day, I’ve had three different drivers pull out in front of me, barely leaving me enough time to brake before they found a motorcycle wedged into the side of their car.  In none of those cases did I even have time to curse before braking.  I had to save it all for afterward.
And, by the way, one of those unfortunate events happened on campus.  I’m barely 20 feet into my journey when a cage almost ended my quest for the open roads.
It wasn’t the first time it had happened, of course.  I’ve had minivans come within inches of my back tire.  Eighteen wheelers have tried to change lanes with me (and about ten other bikes) in their way.  Trucks have come perilously close to taking off my front end.
None of these made for a pleasant experience.
Now, I consider myself a very open-minded and rational person.  But some days are enough to make me think that there’s a large conspiracy of people, let’s say almost everyone on four wheels, out to get motorcyclist. 
Once I can get my heart rate back to normal, I can think through the situation.  It’s not that people are out to get me or any other biker.  There is no conspiracy, and there is no giant game of tag going on without my knowledge.  Drivers simply don’t see me.  And they don’t see me because they aren’t paying attention to what they’re doing.
I’m not as hard to see as people would like to believe.  I’m wearing a reflective silver vest and riding a purple (yes, purple) motorcycle with a big, bright headlight attached to the front.  I’m not invisible, and neither are most other bikes out there.  Let’s face it, if you miss a Goldwing, you either need glasses or need your license taken away.
“I didn’t see it” has become an all too common, and a far too acceptable excuse.  Why didn’t you see me?  Was I somehow imperceptible until I was three feet away from you and you suddenly realized you were about to run me over?
No, you didn’t see me because you weren’t paying attention to what you were doing.  You didn’t see me because you were distracted with thoughts of the big test you just failed, or the commercials on the radio, or the coffee that just spilled on your seat. 
Driving is a privilege, and a dangerous one at that.  When you’re sitting behind the wheel of a ton of steel and moving parts that can quite easily kill someone, drivers don’t have the luxury of not paying attention.  You don’t have the luxury of failing to notice what’s happening around you.
It’s plain, pure and simple.  If you don’t pay attention and you miss me, I could die.  You could kill me.  I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not deal with that.  “I didn’t see it” is not a good reason when someone could end up dead or hurt.   
So, here’s the plan.  I’m going to keep riding and answering the call of those open roads, and I’ll be looking for you.  Hopefully you’ll be looking for me, too.


Editorial

A fight broke out at a MSU fraternity party a week ago and it shouldn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that alcohol was involved.
Last month a Colorado University freshman was found dead at a fraternity house. He died of alcohol poisoning with a .42 blood alcohol content.
According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, binge drinking in college is on the rise.
Information from Mothers Against Drunk Driving said alcohol kills 6.5 times more young people each year than all of the other illicit drugs combined.
With statistics like these something should be done to decrease the amount of heavy drinking by college students.
According to the American Medical Association alcohol can lead to violence and is a major factor in domestic abuse.
We commend the university for taking action to prevent further alcohol-induced incidents at fraternity parties.
Fortunately, this time no one was arrested or killed, but next time they may not be so lucky.
If students can’t learn to drink responsibly, then they shouldn’t drink.


Letters to the Editor

I am writing this letter to state my reaction to what I witnessed on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2004.  I went to the MSU theatre to watch the showing of the play Broadway Bound.  During intermission, the theatre had asked a family with a child to leave due to the noise the child was making during the first act.  Personally, I did not hear a child during the first act at all.  Although, I did hear cell phones ringing.  As I recall, there were two signs outside the entrance of the theatre.  One sign stated, " No food or beverages in the Theatre."  The other sign stated, "No cameras, recorders, beepers or CELL PHONES allowed in theatre."  There is not a sign that says "No loud children allowed in theatre."  I strongly felt that the people with the cell phones should have been asked to leave as well of or instead of the family.  The theatre did refund the admission costs to the family.  But, the fact remains that it was not a equally polite gesture.

Deeply Offended and Disappointed,
Erin Davis

In your latest issue of The Wichitan, I was quoted as saying, "Kerry seems to be well educated about foreign policy which will benefit our country in a time of war." This could not be farther from the truth. I do not agree with Kerry's ideas about foreign policy, or anything else for that matter. I would never vote for John Kerry and I feel very strongly about my support of George W. Bush. I think we need a strong leader, especially in a time of war, and I do not think that John Kerry could be that. We need someone who is firm in his beliefs and does not change his views just to suit how the public feels at the time. This is not a popularity contest and that is how Kerry is treating it. I want to feel safe going to bed at night knowing that our precious country is not in danger because we have a president that is willing to fight to protect it. Thank you for your time, and I would appreciate it if you would note the mistake in your next issue.
 
Melissa Betts
Senior
Mass Communications