From Abroad

Traffic Police in Kuala Lumpur have come up with a novel idea to try and cut down the amount of illegal road racing going on in the city. In the past year more than 220 people have been charged with dangerous driving on the city streets, and have been sentenced to mandatory jail sentences of between one day and five years! Working in conjunction with the crime prevention unit the police have now decided to organise the races themselves.

Gregory Curcio, a New York attorney has paid $15,100 (over £10,000) for the 1963 Triumph TR6 featured in the American TV series Beverley Hills 90210. The last episode of the long-running 'teen angst' series was screened in May and Mr Curcio's bid was the highest at an online auction of lots from the show. He then paid a further $1100 to have the bike transported from Los Angeles to New York. It turns out that Mr Curcio is not a wealthy enthusiast and does not ride a bike, he has bought the TR6 as an investment and says that he has already received favourable offers.

For the last six years Harley-Davidson has been trying unsuccessfully to trademark the sound of its motorcycles. The firm has finally dropped its intention to have the unique 'potato, potato trademarked.

The roar of motorcycle engines drowned out the usual hymns in St. Peters Square on Sunday, July 2, as nearly a thousand bikers revved their engines to greet Pope John Paul as he appeared at his window for his weekly appointment with the faithful.The motorcyclists honked horns, raised their helmets and raced their engines when the Pope acknowledged their presence.

During the Holy Year, various groups have had their day at the Vatican, but on this Sunday it was the bikers who turned out en masse. Before greeting the Pope, the throng of motorcycle riders had their helmets blessed

I believe government oversteps its legitimate role when it excessively interferes with personal freedom. That interference includes regulating an adult's decision about his or her well-being if such decisions do not endanger the life or safety of others. Reasonable adults should be trusted to make reasonable decisions.'' Florida Governor JEB BUSH, in a statement to the press after signing the helmet law repeal bill on June 20.

"You be home by midnight!" That's the new rule in Cloverport, Kentucky. The city council has passed a new crime fighting law that requires adults be off the city streets between midnight and 5 a.m. on week nights and 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. on weekends. First time violators will be given a warning, but repeat offenders will receive a $250 fine. Sounds kind of like martial law in the Philippines during the Ferdinand Marcos days. At least in Kentucky they are not shooting on sight, not yet anyway.

Lisa Dean writing for the Free Congress Foundation says, "Adults should be treated as adults and not as children. But government treating adults like children has been the American way of life during much of this century." She goes on to say that most people look at something the government does that may be unconstitutional and if it doesn't affect them, they do nothing. I suppose if you work nights you can get a permit to be out after dark.