COLUMBUS - Ohio state troopers say the number of people who died on state roads over the holiday weekend dropped by 42 percent from 2007 -- except for motorcyclists. Troopers said 14 people died over the weekend, down from 24 in 2007, which was a 71 percent increase over 2006.

The question is whether or not these numbers will be used to tell Americans that they have one of the safest highway systems on the planet.  More likely, these numbers will be used to justify more patrols, more government grants and more television commercials warning of drunk driving.  The facts are, if the numbers go up or down the monied interests will continue to beat the money drum.  Our legislators never fail to listen to this beat and consistently chisle away at our cherished rights.  If you are not outraged, you are not paying attention!