OK, I've calmed down enough, and edited out enough 4 letter words to atleast hope that this dumba$$ will read my email thru to its entirety. OK, slim chance of that..but here's what I wrote.
Dear Mr. Steinberg:
I am writing in regards to the recent article in the Sun-Times, on Sept. 22, 2004, Titled: Hop on a motorcycle, fill out your donor card.
I find your article to be extremely appauling, repulsive, and with aboslutely no concern towards the feelings of motorcycle riders of america, and their families.
It has been proven time and time again, that the majority of accidents are caused by the perverbial "other guy" meaning, for every "speeding maniac", as you refer to us by, there are countless accidents happening every minute of the day where the car driver was in the wrong. Now, am I stating that all motorcyclists are always in the right, and never ride unsafe? Of course not, and the same can be said for everyone who drives a car as well. However, just because we prefer 2 wheels vs 4 wheels, does not give you the right to label us as "Fresh Meat".
I have been riding a motorcycle for the last 17 years and pride myself on safe riding, and promoting motorcycle safety. I also talk to many other riders on a daily basis all over the world who feel the same way. We who ride motorcycles, do it not because its romantic, or cool, or because we want the attention of every passer-by. We ride because we enjoy it, plain and simple. We enjoy every aspect of our way of life, and yes it is a way of life. We are well aware of the risks involved in riding and those of us that choose to ride safely and promote awareness of motorcycles today, are inherantly appauled by your lack of knowledge, and general smug attitude.
In addition, being an organ donor, shows your support for the human race, and is a personal & intimate decision that should be made after careful consideration and discussion with your loved ones. I see your article as a slap in the face to organ donors everywhere.
If you are going to write such an inhumane article, why limit it to just motorcyclists? There are far more auto-accidents every day in this country. People can be and are everyday, "speed maniacs" in their vehicles, and can just as easily, if not more easily, be some of your "Fresh Meat".
In conclusion, I would expect a full apology, via a retraction, for your unkind sentiments towards the motorcyclists of america and their families; but the fact that you are unwilling to do so, just re-enforces my opinion of you and makes me wonder how you sleep at night.
Regards,
Matt, PA. resident & motorcyclist.
PS. The fact that this article made it past your superiors, makes me question the quality of your newspaper to begin with.
:lol:
