Live to Risk

You ascribe certain benefits to mountain climbing. And I agree. Unfortunately you cannot seem to recognize there are similar benefits to motorcycling or other activities that are risky.

I ride. And I like to push my own envelope. Granted it is a far smaller envelope than Mr. Lusk. As they say, "A man's gotta know his own limitations". But push I do.

Thousands of other riders do the same. There are track days scheduled across the country on days when no actual racing is occurring. Regular Joes can take instruction from professional riders. They then can ride harder, faster and better than they ever dreamed. And, believe me, there is an inner benefit from that achievement, no matter how pale in comparison to the professionals.

You can, for whatever reason, understand the risk of mountain climbing, and ascribe a beauty in the risk. Me? I find the rock face climbers to be more than a little crazy. But that's mostly middle-age, out-of-shape envy.

Please don't ridicule the sport Mr. Lusk was pursuing because of your failure to understand the worth of his chosen risk.

Hey Susan,

Have you ever ridden a motocycle? no, i bet you have not. You don't understand,this was Jeremy's life and he loved it.It is no different than any other sport.I can't believe you would post something so insecure and cruel.That's just pathetic and sad.You have absolutely no respect.It's just as risky driving your car everyday to work,you can be in an accident and that's it.So,you obviously need to get your facts straight before you post.You are a disgrace.

Im sorry, but you are way off in this article. Everything we do in life is dangerous, Jeremy just happened to die doing something he loved. What is worse, someone that is trying to push himself to be the best at something he has been involved with since childhood? Or someone being killed on a highway? Which is more senseless? Your article is full of errors. How is riding a small, low powered motorcycle at 3, any more dangerous then being in automobile with your parents, flying in a plane, or playing more traditional sports? Your article is completely ungrounded as you are talking about a subject that you honestly do not understand and comprehend. How many motorcycles have you ridden in you lifetime? Is it really fair to judge someones decisions when you have never tried them yourself? You talk as if he died while trying to do something he had no experience in and would gain nothing from. He was a top professional, and he made a very good living doing it. I really do not understand your criticism of freestyle motocross having no social benefit, what do you mean by this? You also go on to criticize the danger of the X-Games. Have you actually taken the time to compare injuries and fatalities of so-called extreme sports, to those of more traditional sports? Or did you just assume they were worse?
Ms. Estrich I ask you take a little more time researching a subject before you openly discourage it.

Im sorry, but you are way off in this article. Everything we do in life is dangerous, Jeremy just happened to die doing something he loved. What is worse, someone that is trying to push himself to be the best at something he has been involved with since childhood? Or someone being killed on a highway? Which is more senseless? Your article is full of errors. How is riding a small, low powered motorcycle at 3, any more dangerous then being in automobile with your parents, flying in a plane, or playing more traditional sports? Your article is completely ungrounded as you are talking about a subject that you honestly do not understand and comprehend. How many motorcycles have you ridden in you lifetime? Is it really fair to judge someones decisions when you have never tried them yourself? You talk as if he died while trying to do something he had no experience in and would gain nothing from. He was a top professional, and he made a very good living doing it. I really do not understand your criticism of freestyle motocross having no social benefit, what do you mean by this? You also go on to criticize the danger of the X-Games. Have you actually taken the time to compare injuries and fatalities of so-called extreme sports, to those of more traditional sports? Or did you just assume they were worse? Ms. Estrich I ask you take a little more time researching a subject before you openly discourage it.

Dear Lady,
I do not even know where to begin.

First off....this article is terrible and very disrespectful to the entire world of 2wheel enthusiasts,competitors,fans ect.
Did you get your heart broken by a MX rider when you were a teen?
You seem like you are holding in much anger about something, and you are very bitter.
I really hope someday you seek therapy for what ever is bothering you.

-Fast Eddy

I don't really want to waste alot of time on this but this article was brought to my attention so bear with me. First of all, as mentioned, you are way off base and yes your aticle is disrespectful at best. Jeremy was a real person with a family, not some circus show living to showboat to crowds on a daily basis. Basically, you bashed what he (and I) love and obviously do not understand the meaning of passion at the very least. I took a quick read through previous articles you wrote and it seems you just like to blab on about nothing. Lets give a quick recap, you have an article on Doctor Obama that says absolutely nothing intelligent or even remotely "out of the box". Then there is the great contradiciton that is your aticle on someone with cancer who you DO sympathize with. O wait...it turns out she is part of the US Supreme Court so obviously (in your mind) she is above others and leads a meaningful life. Actually, I didn't even need to look to your other articles to see contradiction. Right in the article on Jeremy Lusk you mention that climbers somehow get some type of renewal and soul awaking from doing what they love! Ok, that is great but guess what...you can say the same for someone who is passionate and talented on a motorcycle. I think you should write the article you really wanted to which is how you are unhappy you don't have a passion in life and maybe you are sad that you are not in shape like these top atheletes are. Or perhaps your boyfriend dumped you and he had a loud/fat Harley so you are mad at motorcycles in general now.

I apologize for my sarcasm above, but you really need to stop writing and maybe start leading a meaningful life yourself. Lastly, before you laugh with your friends over these comments from "lesser beings" know that my main passion in life is motorcycles, bicycles, racing them and just riding with friends. In addition to that I am an engineer so look to bash another group next time you want to look down on a lifestyle and expect even one person to relate to what you are spewing.

Regards,

Seth

I can't resist either. This is funny.

Can you write the following articles next?

1.) The one about, why would you wanna get straight A's in all of school, graduate top 5 in one of New York's best engineering schools. Within 3 months of graduating college, get a job starting at 40k a year, at 19 years old. Then 6 months later, get killed by your best friend driving drunk.

Why would you wanna make your life go that way.

Next one.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/21/national/main789026.shtml

Why would you want to go through your life being on the field with Testosterone induced Male's, getting hit every other second. You knew you were going to die anyways.

If you don't understand where i'm going with this. It's that people are different. The world would suck if we all sat at a computer and wrote about how everyone entertaining the world are idiots, but I guess we cant be as lucky as you.

Second, he is the FIRST rider, in god knows how many years of people doing motorcycle tricks [FMX] to die after a botched trick. These guys pride themselves ont heir physical conditioning, and mentally preparing themselves everytime they go out and ride.

I bet your one of the reason's the small <90cc dirtbikes have been outlawed, I'm assuming, Ms. Estrich, I mean, it is Ms. right?

Now i'm going to hop on my dirtbike with my recently repaired ACL, go hit my ramp, flip into my foam, and hope to god I never end up with your job.

Susan, first off, I dont even know where to begin with your article you wrote, especially being that you have no background to even have somewhat of a sayso. JEREMY DIED A HERO TO ALL, HIS DEATH WAS HEARD AROUND THE WORLD, everyone, fmx fan or not has heard of his passing. its on AOL, Yahoo, ESPN, Radio, TV, Nespapers and all other forms of media INTERNATIONALLY. THE DAY YOU DIE, I DOUBT MORE THAN A FEW 100 WILL HEAR OF IT, LET ALONE EVEN KNOW WHO YOU WERE. I HOPE YOU READ THIS. I HOPE YOU RESPOND. why do you waste your life sitting in front of a computer analyzing the life of another never knowing a single thing about the topics you write about? why do you work for a living? why do you even live? why is the sky blue? why did Dale Earnhart race cars? for you to make the uneducated comments you have about OUR SPORT, MY FRIEND, AND A HERO TO MANY IS SOMETHING I FIND FLAT OUT STUPID. Jeremy was a smart, well-rounded person who could have been anything, but he decided to be a leader among our SPORT. Jeremy rode because it was his life. he rode for fun, much as a basketball player might play basketball. What makes you so special to pass judgement over others and the choices they make in life. freestyle motocross isn't a circus act, it is a well-calculated amazing SPORT. YES, I SAID SPORT. the demands physically are unbelivable and you wouldn't ever begin to fathom the reward involved with it on a personal level or monetary. I COULD ALMOST BET MY LIFESAVINGS LUSK MADE MORE LAST YEAR THEN YOU COULD IN 3+ YEARS, AND THATS AT THE AGE OF 24! YOUR COMMENTS HAVE OUTRAGED MORE PEOPLE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW, ACTUALLY I HOPE ONE DAY YOU DO REALIZE. to make negative comments about you would be like shooting fish in a barrel, and in case you don't know anything about that either, that means it would be an easy task. JEREMY LUSK WAS A HERO, A MODERN DAY WARRIOR, A CLOSE FRIEND OF MINE. I HOPE WHEN YOU DIE THERE IS SOMEWHERE I CAN WRITE COMMENTS HOW YOUR LIFE WAS POINTLESS AND HOW WRITING STUPID OPINIONATED ARTICLES, YOUR DEATH WAS IN VAIN. I HOPE YOU FEEL WORTHLESS, AND I HOPE OTHERS PASS JUDGEMENT UPON YOU AND YOUR WAYS OF LIFE, ENOUGH SO TO ENRAGE YOU. ENRAGE YOU ENOUGH TO MAYBE FEEL EVEN A SMALL FRACTION OF THE RAGE YOU HAVE INSTALLED IN ME. AND AS FAR AS JEREMY "TRYING" TO PULL A FLIP SEAT GRAB INDY, HES PULLED IT MANY TIMES, IT WASN'T A FIRST TIME DEAL. I COULD RANT AND RAVE ALL DAY AFTER READING YOUR "ARTICLE" AND ONLY WISH ONE DAY TO MEET YOU, MAYBE TAKE YOU ON A MOTORCYCLE RIDE AND MAYBE DO A WHEELY SO YOU FALL OFF THE BACK AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YOUR SNOBBING ARISTOCRATIC SHELTERED WAY OF LIFE, MAYBE YOU'LL FEEL ALIVE. OR MAYBE ON YOUR WAY TO YOUR DESK JOB, YOU MIGHT SPILL YOUR COFFEE LATTE CAUSING YOU TO CARREEN OFF THE 405 FREEWAY, TOTALLING YOUR PRIUS HYBRID CAR. SO FOR NOW, I WILL GO, BUT THIS ISN'T THE LAST TIME I WILL COMMENT. MAYBE YOU SHOULD THINK BEFORE YOU OPEN YOU THIN VILLAINOUS LIPS OR BUGLIKE EYES TO SPEAK ON OTHERS LIVES AND THEIR ACHIVEMENTS. as far as Creators being the "Syndicate of Talent," they might want to rename it "Syndicate of Old Hags who can get jobs elsewhere, and no one wants to read their collumns?" just a thought.

Ms Estrich I suggest you spend more then a couple of minutes becoming an "authority" on our sport, perhaps then you may have come to a different conclusion. Jeremy Lusk was a beloved icon in the MX community and will be missed each and every day. Your article reeks of contempt and complete disrespect for both Jeremy and his family. Please, in the future.. do not comment on topics you know absolutely nothing about. I have a 9 year old son that is devastated by the loss of Jeremy but he to understands the risks of our sport. For the record, he also understands the risks of organized sports such as football, baseball, soccer etc., as they are no different.

Susan your article is way off. You don't have a clue about how close of a family the MX family is. Fans and riders are one big family. If you took the time to check out the sites set up for Jeremy you would see that tons of people of all ages are torn up about this. He was a hero to so many people those who met him and those who didn't have a chance to. These guys do what they do because they love it, just like baseball players or other sport players who play the game for the love. But there is a difference between the riders and other sports players, MX riders do it for the love and could care less about the money. The world needs more athletes like MX riders because they are changing the world. As for the risk factor well life is a risk. I could walk out of my house right now and get hit by a car or shot. Atleast Jeremy went out doing something he loved that can't be said for everyone. So RIP Jeremy, and to you Susan learn how to be respectful it's because of people like you that the world is turning out to be like it is. You don't have a heart and unlike Jeremy you wont make it to heaven.

I read your opinion on Jeremy Lusk. I can understand how it would appear to you that it is stupid. However, there is a spirituality that is there and a sense of wonder and amazement that people are able to accomplish the seemingly impossible. Striving to do more and push the envelope is the growth of many things in the history of humanity. Sailing the Atlantic was stupid but it brought us to America. Flying to the moon was stupid but it inspired a generation.
Jumping a motorcycle, racing, riding and just being an enthusiast provides a sense of spirituality that you cannot understand unless you experience it and fall in love with it.
Like I said, I can understand you not understanding but it is not stupid, it is just out of your realm of comprehension just as many other things are out of mine. Whether you subscribe to Maslow's Hiearchy of Needs or not it is undeniable that in one way or another we all live our lives and try to achieve self fulfillment .
Please take some time to hang around some of the families at Lorretta Lynn's, the Mini Olympics in Florida or just a local race where you can meet some of the best people in the world.
I owe my life to the sport of Motocross. It gave me direction. It drove me to work hard to afford my hobby and taught me discipline in taking care of things I own. I now have 2 Master's Degree's and manage people. The sport of Motocross gave me the experience to know that motivation comes from various places in a person's heart and mind and has made me a better leader as a result.
Ivan

Hahaha let me guess, you were too scared to talk to people to their face so you hide behind a cyberwall and say anything you please, not too mention that it's useless info. You seem to know everything after the fact, sounds like a school teacher to me (they sit ont there @$$ all day and obvserve other people, wow, you call that success?), do you know what school teachers make a year? It's about the same as the dirtbike of the successful man your ridiculing. If darwins theory is right then you shouldn't be an issue in the near future. RIP Lusk, to my MX/ATV, action sports people, keep doin what you do!

Susan, You would think that people of you "caliber" who have the opportunity to write for somewhat a large reader base, would be professional enough to research something a "little" at best before composing a article such as this. Reading it really painted picture to me that you have NO CLUE what so ever about this sport or I'll go even further and say Motorcycles. It almost seems like there is a alterior hatred here...not sure why. As an American you are entitled to your oppinion but Disrespecting Jeremy is where you crossed the line. You need to apologise publilcly for that. I dont think Jeremy's riding is any bigger risk Than Obama being the president...but "thats" commendable right? I mean where do you get your authority to talk ill of the deceased that way? Apparently your parents didn't teach you a thing about manners and they are probaly disappointed with you like we are. Bottom line is Things are going to happen whether we like them to or not. This mornig I read about a plane crashing into a house in NY and killing the passengers as well as someone in the house. Did those passenger push the envelope by flying? More people are killed in plane wrecks than riding FMX...so should we stop flying? For that matter should we all wrap ourselves up in bubble wrap and never leave the house for the fear of the unknown? NO! that ridiculous and so was your article.

Ma'am, I'm curious if you've ever raced motocross or done any form of sports at all - because from the tone of this article I'm going to guess you never have, or if you have it was high school softball. No professional sporting event has any socially redeeming purpose behind entertainment for spectators and profit for promoters. Do you want to tell me what the redeeming social goal of the NFL is?

I've been injured many times doing a lot of sports - from snowboarding to horseback riding to gymnastics to motocross racing (which I've come to love a lot as an adult). It's a fact that I could sustain a neck or head injury and become paralyzed or die. It's reality, and I accept that, because the experience of these activities is almost on a spiritual level for me. There is nothing in the world that feels as perfect as jumping a 75-foot triple at the motocross track and then railing a sharp turn into a rhythm section.

The reason athletes do this stuff, is exactly what you said in your editorial - to push the envelope and be better than your competition. The point of freestyle motocross is exactly the same as the point of any other exhibition-oriented sport, and all of the young men who participate are more than willing to risk their lives for the experience. The friends of Jeremy Lusk will mourn him with their skills in athletic innovation and creativity, not by quitting what they do and going to work at Wal-Mart, because they all share in something that outsiders will never understand.

This article is hugely disrespectful to the family of the deceased.

I was going to make some comments but it is well covered here. Everyone has felt this loss and we will ride on! I read your wiki and yeah, stay in a cubicle,write your books and good luck in your analyst career - do not put this one on your Resume.
Dillon

You couldn't come up with something responsible? What a misnomer this site has a catch phrase. "Syndicate of Talent"

I believe it takes more talent to take a motorcycle, flip it upside down, take your feet off of it, and land safely than it is to wield one of the most sorry pens I've read.

People start with "I'm sorry" in their comments.

Well, I'm not sorry. Your article and conclusions are so off base it gives me pleasure to say. Screw you and the likes of you.

Susan Estrich,

DO not question whether I AS AN INDIVIDUAL should be able to do what I want within the laws of society. If i choose to ride an off road vehicle like Jeremy Lusk, or Brian Deegan, or any of the other fine individuals that ride.. THEN I will! In the words of another great freestyle motocross rider.. "You can chase me with a helicopter, I dont care, you'll never stop me from riding." -Doug Parsons- Good luck trying to change any educated rider's mind ( and I DO NOT throw the word "educated" around) about riding a motorcycle, atv, or dirtbike. Some will tell you it is in our blood, or it flows through our veins. I am a firm believer that this sport is dangerous, and Jeremy's death is a tragic one to say the least. I will also say, that this sport in more than any way you, Susan Estrich will ever know.. saves lives. I am willing to stress this fact, that I would not be as straight laced, or responsible person as I am today if I was not allowed to ride and the weekends in school as a teen were only left for me to get high and drink my dreams away. Do not think for a single moment that your opiniative article can be taken as anything less than a liberal on a high horse that has no authority, educated take, or moral standpoint because you arent a part of it. I am, and I will ride til the day I die.

Blake Shipman
BShipman Films

First of all i think you are one of the dumbest human beings alive and you need help. Maybe you are just jealous you aren't as successful as Jeremy Luck was. Jeremy Lusk's career choice just proves that he is one of the bravest persons in the world because he had the guts to pursue his dreams. He didn't just sit on the sidelines and regret not trying like so many others do every day. My brother makes a living doing freestyle motocross and if he were to die in the same way Jeremy did i would say the same thing that i said about Jeremy's career, i would say how proud i was that he tried and succeeded. You have no right to disrespect the GREAT sport of freestyle motocross and you also have no right to disrespect someone's successful career just because you don't like the GREAT sport. How do you sleep at night? How do you live with yourself?

SUSAN YOU DONT UNDERSTAND , JEREMY LUSK WILL ALWYAS LIVE ON AS A LEGEND! AND AS FAR AS RIDING FOR MONEY ITS JUST TO BE ABLE TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE EVERY DAY FOR A LIVING AND TRUELY ENJOY LIFE !!! IM SURE SOME FAT GUY WITH A TIE IN AN OFFICE BOSSES YOU AROUND ALL DAY , PROBABLY WHY YOUR SUCH A NEGATIVE PERSON! GET OFF OF THE BEATEN PATH AND LIVE A LITTLE!!

RIDE TO LIVE-LIVE TO RIDE!
-SCB-

What a stupid lady, actually I should call you a little girl. You behave like my 3 year old when she is way overdue for her nap. Can you be anymore misinformed? You are clueless and stupid! You should remove this article about Jeremy and publicly apologize for being completely arrogant, ignorant, stupid, and down right mean. What is the problem? Did your momma and daddy not love you as a child? Did they not teach you anything about manners? Did you not go to school? Did you not learn what research means before you go voicing your opinion? There is nothing wrong with having an opinion, but if you want to have any kind of credibility, make some damn sense. Your arguments are illogical. You say it is ok to go to Everest where a person can easily die. Actually, if you read the stats for climbing Everest, you will find that you a very good chance of dying. The statistics just are not there for FMX or MX. In closing, YOU ARE STUPID!
David K

Seems 2 me this article is your feeble attempt and your own version of some box office ratings! You should of took the time to learn what it's like to be part of the mx/freestyle FAMILY..That's right I said family! Their fan base is solid..solid as a bloodline sister (and I use that term sister loosely) because no true sister would EVER post such garbage! This is one of thee most respected SPORTS in and outside this country!

You are so way off the mark with this one I can't even stand to be on here boosting your pathetic ratings even on spec further!

You and your dribble disgust me!

It Is Not a Crime Nor a Sin 2 Die Doing Something You Absolutely Love To Do!!! In Fact It's a Honor!!! Your Lack of Knowledge of this Sport is evident! As Mentioned Before I Refuse 2 Come on Here and Boost Your ratings!!!

Dudes and Dudettes it seems as if this is exactly what she wanted..she wanted to post something so profound that it would ultimately get the attention she so desperately needs to enhance her career...if ya ask me..she deserves neither the time of day nor any acknowledgment for such ill reporting! Shame on You!

First of all, there is a big difference between a sport and a game. Hemingway got the essentials right when he wrote, more or less, "Bull fighting, motor-racing, and Alpine climbing are Sports, all the rest are just childrens games." In other words, if there is nothing very serious at risk, you are not involved with a sport. And sports are interesting in a way that games are not. Life should be interesting. Second of all, attractive young women have more influence on the decision-process of young men than anyone else. If I had to bet, I would bet that this guy had a steady stream of hot chicks lining up to spend quality time with him. He probably got more of that in his 24 years than any journalists who ever lived(with the exception of Hunter S. Thompson).
It is really simple. If you want to discourage this sort of thing, just change the basic nature of young men and young women.

I can't believe that so soon after such a tragic accident, a person sitting behind a desk would rush to take a stab at a sport that millions around the world love so dearly. The tragic death of Jeremy Lusk was the result of a light mis-calculation. Nothing more, nothing less. This man was a skilled athlete and a PROFESSIONAL, unlike the woman that wasted 3 hours of her morning slandering a man that had just passed. Shall we criticize the decisions some in your family might have made the lead them to there death? I don't think you would appreciate that just as I'm sure the Lusk family doesn't.

I would like to know if you immediately rush to slander and berate every pilot that chose to fly an airplane and happened to crash. Or quite possibly the people that paid $500 and above per ticket to ride this preposterous flying tube of death. What about the MILLIONS of commuters that wake up every morning, hop in their cars and "cheat death" on their way to work. Which leads me to another question. Who are you to judge what a man chooses as his passion or career? Yes, albeit very tough to do, this is actually a profession, a job, a career for the very blessed few. Jeremy Lusk was among the blessed few.

I at one point chose motocross as a profession and have since moved on the become a firefighter. Now if I happened to pass in the midst of fighting a structure fire, would you rush to put together one of your poorly researched web-columns on the menial site? Or, do you have list of careers that you seem fit for people to die doing.

I highly doubt that you will take anything away from any of these responses. Judging by your article, you lack the open mindedness it takes to survive in todays society. In fact, i can't think of a time when someone as ignorant as you could have survived and thrived socially. You talk about gaining nothing socially from this? The sport and the dedication it takes; physically, mentally and emotionally, are what helped me get hired as a firefighter. I would venture to say that it DEFINITELY had a "redeeming purpose", and was a very "useful social skill".

So in closing, I would like to wish you a "good luck" living in your social bubble and above all that. Good luck raising children in this pre-determined social cage that they will be locked in. I only hope, no one attacks your loved ones the day they pass the way you just attacked Jeremy Lusk, his wife, family, friends and the sport in which adored.

-Steve Kopy

Like most people have said you are way. You act like our sport is just for stupid people who don't care about anyone, but them selves. I'm 14 and i race and do freestyle. We do this because we love it with all of our hearts and enjoy it. There is a passion for it that you will never understand. We know the dangers involved, but there are dangers in anything you do in life. Also i advise you to do your homework before publishing a something you wrote and don't know anything about. If it was up to me they should have fired you already for bad writing and it sounds like you are using this article to get your own personal problems out.

"There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games."
-Hemingway


There are a few more now, but it isn't sport if your life isn't at risk.

"But taking a risk to achieve a greater social good is different than taking a risk because you're looking at an envelope — or a motorcycle — and wondering how far it can be pushed. Surgeons take risks every day trying to save lives, but the upside is lives saved. Climbers take risks, but the upside, I'm told, is both physical and spiritual, measured not only by the satisfaction of discipline done and muscle built but by a soul that is never the same"
Ok, that pretty much sums up you have no idea what your talking about. Why don't you get off your ass and actually do something. Motorcycle racing is the most physically demanding sport in the world, the skill and pressure these athletes go through surpasses climbing a big rock! People like you have no idea how much respect and how much talent it takes to become what they want to be. Mabey you should do some research on subjects that your going to write about before you piss off everyone in the world!

Wow Susan you have no clue! I can't wait to see the articles that you will be writing next about skydiving, snow boarding, skiing, skateboarding, bmxing, football, boxing, rock climbing and the list can go on and on. You have no idea what this sport is about. Jeremy was a good man and you have no right to judge him the way that you did. I will pray for you.
RIP Jeremy

Suzam - Obama's Administration has its first bump in the road and you write about the X-GAMES?!

I'm sure it must be painfully obvious to you now that you are totally ignorant of this sport. Ms. Estrich, I sincerly hope you ask for the forgiveness of Jeremy's family for the negative light in which you portrayed their son. Your opinion on this matter is not welcome in the motocross or freestyle motocross world. I personally started riding when I was four years old, so did my daughter. The values and skills this sport, which you so easily dismiss as stupidity, has taught me are very dear to me. These skills have even supported my family as I have worked in the industry surrounding motocross. I do not dislike you, I just wholeheartedly disagree with your opinion. I once heard that if I wanted to write, I should write about something I know... Good advice?

HOLY CRAP. Get your information straight. how is it not a true sport. he worked extremely hard, and pushed his limitations of his own body, and died because of a MISTAKE. its because of people like you that kids these days are alot of times full of reservations about trying new things on any level.

I cannot believe how stupid you sound. Have you ever considered a career where death is always a factor? watch out for your papercuts and your driving on the free way? get fucked , you are a cold blooded stupid reporter or whatever you are, you didnt even show any respect for a young man who did what he loved, he didnt jump and do backflips threw the air because sponsors had a gun to his head HE DID IT BECAUSE ITS WHAT HE LOVED TO DO! your just to fucked up on meth or w/e it is to see past your stupid computer (skank).

Rest In Peace Jeremy Lusk

How abotu you learn some real facts, get a real job, and go dig and hole and die in it

50 PEOPLE DIED IN A PLANE CRASH TODAY....WHAT THE HELL TYPE OF ARTICAL ARE YOU GOING TO WRITE ABOUT THEM????? HOW FLYING IS DUMB?? LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST AND DO WHAT YOU LOVE.....JEREMY DIED IN HIS BOOTS LIVING HIS DREAM!

Susan,

Okay, you have way too much time on your hands and no sense of respect and/or dignity to be down-speaking this great AMERICAN SPORT.... Freestyle Motocross has become a marker in the youth of America today. With this sport, young kids have dreams, they gain a sense of work ethic, and desire. Ya know, if not for this sport, I'd be rotting away to drugs and alcohol and would have no sense of direction or care. Would you wish the same on every teen in this country??! Are you so heartless and selfish that you just have to talk down on the dreams of many kids today??! I've been an aspiring FMX rider for a while now, and while I've not risen to the top, I KNOW what I WANT and KNOW what I MUST DO to acheive MY DREAMS.... And even though my parents are scared for my life, they KNOW what their son WANTS.... How dare you put your USELESS cent in and criticize an AMERICAN Phenom known as X-GAMES.... I hope the angry teens of AMERICA come to your home and burn it to ashes and crush YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS, as you are trying to do in this article... As for Jeremy Lusk, why are you picking on HIM??! Disrespecting an AMERICAN LEGEND in our GREAT sport, and one of the more unique people in the industry. YOU, SUSAN ESTRICH, ARE THE LOWEST INDIVIDUAL IT HAS EVER BEEN MY DISPLEASURE TO COME ACROSS. I HOPE YOU HAVE A MISERABLE LIFE AND I HOPE THINGS GO FROM WORSE TO WORST FOR YOU, SUSAN ESTRICH!!!!!!!!!! ROT IN HELL, SUSAN.

-DEVIN HUMPHREY, FREERIDER FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Out of respect...you need to remove this article...how would you like us to bash a loved one of yours... and make a fool of ourselves making a loved one that has passed look bad - Get a life dear lady...get your facts straight dear lady - 100% bad feedback on this article...whats that say about your skills as a human being...

Dear Susan,
My name is Lance Coury. I have been riding motorcycles since i was 4. Check out my website www.LANCECOURY.com
I have read your article on Jeremy Lusk passing away recently. I appreciate that you show some interest in Jeremy "my good friend"
But I feel that it is very rude how hard you try and put down the SPORT in which we are involved in.
You bring up this topic on Mountain Climbing,
"Climbers take risks, but the upside, I'm told, is both physical and spiritual, measured not only by the satisfaction of discipline done and muscle built but by a soul that is never the same. "
That analogy was so close minded. I ride my motorcycle and push myself to the limits, and every time i accomplish a goal i am both physically and mentally stronger. I have done something that almost everyone else in this world will never experience.
What do you do? Maybe you have another job or maybe you just write. Writing is great. I have also been writing for a long time. probably since i was 5. but it never seems to make me physically stronger. And you also know that every other person in this world knows how it feels to write.
You are so inconsiderate. I could go all day about this. But it made me sick to read what you had to say
You know what they say, EVERYMAN DIES, BUT NOT EVERYMAN LIVES.
Jeremy Lusk Lived his heart out and went the same place we are all going to go.
So get over it.
Appreciate that you took the time to read this
Lance Coury

'Climbers take risks, but the upside, I'm told, is both physical and spiritual, measured not only by the satisfaction of discipline done and muscle built but by a soul that is never the same' - What makes you think it isnt the same for a FMX'er.

ONe of the coldest, factless, articles ever written about FMX. Stick to what you know, whatever that may be.

THE CRUSTY DEMONS

Susan, you should write an article about writing articles you know nothing about...that i'm sure would be brilliant as you really messed this one up. Bashing a dead man is down right pathetic. You should be ashamed. People are posting some really harsh comments about you, but frankly you deserve it. Do everyone a favor and stick to writing about what you know. I would ask you to use some common sense, but it's obvious you don't have any. Your article was heartless, thoughtless and downright PATHETIC!

I want the 10minutes of my life back I wasted reading your junk article. Who exactly are you? Some lady that discovered the internet and blogging recently? Just because people CAN blog about stuff doesn't mean everyone SHOULD. I think everyone has picked apart your article enough...but you can bet I won't be telling my local newspaper editor that I want to see your crap featured in my local paper. Goodbye and have a nice boring risk-averse life.

Dear Susan;
I know people like you. People that sit at home all day and unknowingly, because their own lives are so narrow, find some form of satisfaction in commenting on what others do or do not do. Only for you it borderlines on unethical behavior because as a journalist your writing should be researched and at least in part, facts based. You seem to have forgotten that. A real news source would print a retraction.

Sadly, narrow minded people like you are becoming more and more common as people sit behind there computers all day rather than venture out and experience life... Imagine looking through a key hole and never talking to anyone. It would be very difficult for you to understand most anything. People like you that attempt to form an opinion without doing any research (looking beyond the key hole) often come to the wrong and ridiculous conclusions. Go visit a local motocross track. Talk to the riders, the parents of kids riding, the track owners, etc... What you'll find is akin to a very large family picnic. An extended family of riders who take care of each other, bend over backwards to help, and do everything they can to prevent injury.

That said winning and risk are synonymous. Whether it's winning the big game or achieving a personal victory no one even knew about except you. Jeremy Lusk was a winner if nothing else because he stepped out from behind the key hole and experienced like. At 25 Jeremy probably saw and did more things than most of us will ever do, certainly more than you. Perhaps as a tribute to Jeremy and as yet another contribution he has made to the sport, he'll inspire you to think twice before you share the narrow minded opinions of the lifeless.

Susan,
Trying to build a fool-proof society breeds a society full of fools. Please allow us to be free to ride, just like you are free to write.
It's opinions like this that lead to more rules and bans on things. Not only does it inhibit folks from doing what they should freely be allowed to do if they decide to, it is also de-evolutionary.
If we all land on our heads and kill ourselves, you've got nothing to worry about. It'll work itself out in the long run, trust me.
If 51% of us end up being above average contributors to society as a cause or result of our interest in motorcycles, then we deserve to continue our ways.
The worst thing you can do is try to protect us from our own decisions.

I agree with you Susan. I think that anything that isn't contributing to social fibre should be stopped immediately. Unfortunately that means the end of humanity. This means that we will have to stop all organized sports since there is a risk involved with each sport. We must also stop all farmers that not growing organically since there is a danger of heart disease from everything that is not organic. Also, since we can never tell what side effects a new technology or medical procedure will bring us we should stop all research. So we will can survive we should also stop using natural gas and electricity since those are also causes of death each year around the world. You see, there is a inherant flaw with your point of view. First of all, your point of view on Mr. Lusk (RIP) shows the same type of ignorance towards other humans that keeps racism alive and flourishing. I would hope that you, as someone who claims to have knowledge on this topic did some research long before you started typing the dribble you chosen to publish on the internet.
There is no such thing as a stupid person, only a person that makes stupid choices. By writting this article you have not only shown your ignorance on the topic, but you have spread misinformation and propaganda. My heart goes out to the Lusk family for their loss. My heart goes out to your family as well. I turly believe that we reap what we sew. In this case you have disrespected a hard working proffessional entertainer.
As a proffessional athelete and entertainer there are certain risks that are assumed. Some sports the risks are higher then others, but even being a recording artist can also attract danger. Would the world be a better place without music? The worst thing that you can instill into someone is a fear of growing. In order to grow, you must try new things and push yourself. Without that we would still be living in the dark ages.
Please try to understand, and I know it is tough for people like you who lash out because you are affraid of things that you don't understand, that Mr. Lusk was doing something that he loved to do. I can only assume that you love to write, that is why you have made this feable attempt of trying to comment on something you have no knowledge on. Let me ask you this, if you write something, do you not take a risk of offending the wrong person and having that person take some kind of revenge on you? So in essence, you are risking your life for what I know is very little pay if any, to write dribble that isn't even worth the effort of a response because you are so misinformed. You see, you and Mr. Lusk have some similarities. He did what he loved to do even though there is a risk involved in order to challenge himself and entertain loyal fans who gave him an opportunity to earn a living doing what he loved.
I have chosen to respond to you since it is clear that you don't understand.
I have raced and ridden motorcycles since the age of 7. To help you understand I want to give you some insight. The early days of my racing was a huge influence on who I am today. You see, to be a racer, you need to be responsible. There is a danger of being hurt or killed but you become responsible and limit those risks by taking all of the proper precautions. I can also tell you this. My racing created something that is invaluable for me. All the the travelling and ups and downs my father and I went through in order for me to race has created a bond that most people will never get to feel. My father and I are best friends. We EARNED this through thousands of hours of working on bikes, travelling, learning and reaching milestones together.
I also want to bring your attention to another aspect of sport that you have failed to research. The motorcycle community gives back to society in a large way. I can personally attest to this with my own experience. I had a grandmother who passed away from Alzheimer;s disease. I watched what that horrible disease did to her memories. Having 3 daughters, I could never imagine losing those memories. I couldn't even begin to imagine the fear and terror it would have caused for her. In an effort to raise not only money, but awareness, I organized a fund raiser where I rode my off road motorcycle for 24 hours. You see, even us horrible stupid motorcycle racers, have good inside of us and we do actually contribute to the social fiber.
Do us all a favour and take the time to properly research a topic before you write your opinions. Unfortunately, you sounded like you were wearing a white pointy hat and casting judgement on people because of what you didn't know about them.

Adam

This is the most disturbing article i have ever read in my life time.
You must be the biggest self centered ignorant cunt alive to sit there and bash someone who died doing what he loved.
Honestly i think the way jeremy went was horrible, but he died doing what he did best.
Obviously you know nothing about the sport or any sport at fact.
Every mx rider, fmx rider, trail rider, enduro rider any kind of moto rider knows their putting their life in danger. But they know how to controll what they do and their not stupid. Jeremy was a professional.
Put your self in jeremys wifes shoes.. Imagine you reading about your deceased husband, the most ignorant thing ever... honestly before you have alot of angry people after you.. well i mean you already doo.. but i recommended deleting this article.
Go back to reading good house keeping and eating your box of chocolates.

This is a classic response from someone for whom exciting is gardening in the backyard. Could get attacked by a rabid aphid or something ya know. What people like MS. Estrich don't understand is that living on the edge, pushing the envelope is for some of us how we live, how we HAVE to live. I am in my 50's now and have ridden and raced cycles, cars, whatever I could find almost of my life. Rock climbed, bungee jumped, whatever there was for a thrill. Not because I had something to prove to somebody or was being forced to but because I NEED that thrill, that rush. I've been busted up pretty good a few times, at no cost to society because I usually had insurance, yet that won't stop me. I drive my wife nuts when I haven't been riding or doing something because I just mope around, sink into a depression. In another era I would have been one of the people traveling the then unknown world, exploring new places. Not understood by Ms. Estrich is that people like us are critical to society in many ways as we are the ones who will push the envelopes, finding new things and ideas. We are the people in the labs who will push, ignore convention and find new cures and products. Stifle us and you stifle mankind. People like Ms. Estrich and their desire for a sterile, air-bag wrapped world make me fear for the future of mankind. In conclusion Ms. Estrich, keep your opinions to yourself or among your cosseted friends and stay out of our lives.

Why would someone risk her career by, as the LA Times described, "Writing ones opinion about a topic with no forethought or understanding of the topic."?

Why risk your carrer writing naive commentary on topics and people you know nothing about ? Best I can tell, the activity has no particularly redeeming purpose, evidences no particularly useful social skill, amounts to nothing but an "electronic envelope" that you're trying to prove you can push further than anyone else.

Is this literature? Is this Writing? Is this Thought Provoking?

Why?

The short answer to why Susan's career ended might be that the wind in her head was quite gusty, or that the money was too good not to try, or that she wasn't smart enough or scared enough to believe that disrespecting a loss life, spitting in the face of so many friends and family of Jeremy's was worth whatever they were paying.

According to new reports, she had been writing nonsense since she was 3. That should be against the law, at least.
Just one disrespectful. libel, mean-spirited, and ignorant Article! How many more to go?

Life is full of risk. Flying small planes is risky. Climbing Mount Everest is risky. Sometimes it feels like getting on the freeway in the morning is risky. Living in Los Angeles, where the weather is fine and the earth is not so solid, is risky.

What exactly is the social good of writing and article that you know nothing about and do not have the professionalism to research and study so a bunch of people who pay money to see whether you actual have the ability to be thought provoking and intelligent? Or not.

The Creators Syndicate employment of Susan Estrich, as far as I can tell, is an attempt to blur the line between journalistic responsibilty and stupidity, between written skill and ramblings in service of ad hits and ratings.
Would we let our beloved monkeys be strapped to keyboards to try what Susan Estrich did? No, we would lock up the sponsors.

Maybe the only way to stop the insanity is to stop reading, stop going and stop patronizing the advertisers who think the way to make money is to publish trash. This week, I did.

To find out more about Jeremy Lusk or FMX visit your local Track, FMX Event, interview some fans, maybe even take the time to be delicate enough to understand that someone passed, doing something they loved, and supported by the people they loved and loved him.

(Editing is Mine)

Hi!
I'm from Japan.
We have different culture from you but you sound NON SENSE to me too.
Unexpected risk is ACCIDENT.
People who pushs the limit is PIONEER or CHALLENGER.
Risks are unavoidableness for PROGRESS.
What do you call an ASTRONAUT?
IDIOT?
No, I think you would call him/her HERO.
LUSK is our hero.
Please delete your article.
.

I was going post and straighten you out for completely disrespecting the dead and being an idiot but it apears that everyone has already done this! I have never seen an article where every comment bashes the article, its first and it shows how heartless you really are. Why wouldnt a FMX rider get the same rush as a climber? I get that rush when I ride, what did you do interview a bunch of climbers and not one FMX rider? Get your facts straight.

wow, I can't believe this article was written and then posted online. I am not a motorcyclist or even a fan of the sport, but this blatantly ignorant article really shows the ignorance and apathy of the author. I suppose she wants everything to be regulated by the government, and for people not to have their own free will to make decisions. Lusk was not putting anyone at risk but himself. Just like a climber. If the author agrees that "the upside... is both physical and spiritual, measured not only by the satisfaction of discipline done and muscle built but by a soul that is never the same" for a climber, then what's the difference? How many climbers have fallen to their deaths? I'm not a statistician, but I would bet Susan Estrich's life on it that it's far more than have died doing FMX. Insinuating that peoples' personal choices should be regulated is very big-brotherish.

I agree with Susan. Dieing for a stunt is a waste of life. I feel sorry for everyones loss of a person they loved. BUT this "sport" just encourages the immature to risk their lives and health for entertainment. Those who profit from this behavior, equipment manufacturers and media, take no risks and cry big phony tears when these thinks happen and then advertise the next exciting potentially leathal event. Are you as a participant or viewer, being used? Think about it.

Lady you need to do your homework. oh never mind that might be real journalism and we know thats dead. just look at obama's press coverage. anyway learn something about what your talking about all these motocross guys are professonal athelets.thaey train every day for hours. i'v been riding since i was four now (35) and only dream of being as good as these guys. Also my kids ride it is a sport that all members of the family can participate in. DO YOUR RESAERCH LADY!!! R.I.P. Jeremy Lusk my prayers go out to you and your family!!!

Hey Susan,

Stick to something that you know about instead of trying to moralize about that which you really have no clue about. Mr. Lusk knew the risks of what he was doing and accepted them. If we'd all followed your example, we'd be running around in padded suits to protect ourselves from life's hardships. Next time try doing a little research before you write about anything which you have no knowledge about.

You ask why would someone risk their life that way? WHY does someone actually pay you to write such disrespectful,single minded CRAP!!!!!!!! DON'T write about something that you obviously know nothing about!!! Jeremy knew the dangers as do many other athletes in other sports but they don't live thier lives in fear,they are doing what they love and living a dream,not many people can say that.This was a tradget loss in any way,shape or form and you should not be so DISRESPECTFUL!!! AND IGNORANT.It just goes to show what a drab,boring,life you must have and I pity you!! R. I.P. JEREMY..MX4LIFE...

Re: James
quote
I agree with Susan. Dieing for a stunt is a waste of life. I feel sorry for everyones loss of a person they loved. BUT this "sport" just encourages the immature to risk their lives and health for entertainment. Those who profit from this behavior, equipment manufacturers and media, take no risks and cry big phony tears when these thinks happen and then advertise the next exciting potentially leathal event. Are you as a participant or viewer, being used? Think about


Thought about it ..... NO. Are you being used by this sorry excuse for a columnist? think about it..

FOR YOU SUSAN: LISTEN GOOD!!! THIS WAS WRITTEN BY THEODORE ROOSEVELT:
IT IS NOT THE CRITIC THAT COUNTS, NOT THE MAN STUMBLED OR WHERE THE DOER OF DEEDS COULD HAVE DONE BETTER....THE CREDIT BELONGS TO THE MAN WHO IS ACTUALLY IN THE ARENA; WHOSE FACE IS MARRED BY DUST AND SWEAT AND BLOOD; WHO ERRS AND COMES SHORT AGAIN AND AGAIN; WHO KNOWS THE GREAT ENTHUSIASMS, THE GREAT DEVOTIONS, AND SPENDS HIMSELF IN A WORTHY CAUSE; WHO, AT THE BESTS, KNOWS IN THE END THE TRIUMPH OF HIGH ACHIEVEMENT; AND WHO, AT THE WORST, IF HE FAILS WHILE DARING GREATLY, SO THAT HIS PLACE SHALL NEVER BE WITH THOSE COLD AND TIMID SOULS WHO KNOW NEITHER VICTORY OR DEFEAT....

OUR SON RACES MOTOCROSS AND THIS IS DISPLAYED ON OUR CAMPER WALL. MAYBE THIS WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE PASSION THIS RIDER COMMUNITY FEELS... REST IN PEACE JEREMY LUSK

I know several people in front of me have posted similar comments I just had to make my opinions know as well.
And Ms. Estrich, I would appreciate a response.
Her entire arguement goes down the drain here:
"Climbers take risks, but the upside, I'm told, is both physical and spiritual, measured not only by the satisfaction of discipline done and muscle built but by a soul that is never the same."
I would like to have a questionare with her in which I could ask, How does this differ from football? Motocross quickens reaction times and hand eye coordination. How does this differ from climbing? I personally lost about 25 pounds of muscle when I was off the bike for several months after an injury that occured out of pure chance.
Teens are killed every year by overheating in football practice.
People are killed every day in car accidents.
Last week a man and 51 other people died when a plane crashed into his house.
Every day, people have heart-attacks and die.
Every day, people die of cancer.
Yes, Lusk's death is tragic and it could have been avoided, however in what way was the activity he was partaking in any less productive than writing a fanatic leftist article that takes advantage of the death of another to make sense of an opinion that loses it's entire value in the middle of the article through a statement that attempts to contradict the act of riding a motorcycle? If you want to bring a sense of personal achievement into the arguement please, ask anyone how they felt when they won their first race, ask anyone how they felt the first time they jumped a triple. And please, take someone such as myself with the same diet and excercise routine that doesn't ride and compare them to me and we can see which provides a greater physical buildup.
Finally, it is a professional sport, entertainment. Freestyle Motocross differs in NO way from football, baseball, basketball, soccer, or a pop concert in it's contributions to society.

I realize that several of the points I have made were stated before but I just had to add my opinions to this article. I am not going to be disrespectful in my critic (though after the way this article was written that certainly is acceptable) though I will point out how I feel about this and a response would be very much appreciated.
My e-mail is miniman711@hotmail.com


Her entire arguement goes down the drain here:
"Climbers take risks, but the upside, I'm told, is both physical and spiritual, measured not only by the satisfaction of discipline done and muscle built but by a soul that is never the same."

I would like to have a questionare with her in which I could ask, How does this differ from football? Motocross quickens reaction times and hand eye coordination. How does this differ from climbing? I personally lost about 25 pounds of muscle when I was off the bike for several months after an injury.

Teens are killed every year by overheating in football practice.
People are killed every day in car accidents.
Last week a man and 51 other people died when a plane crashed into his house.
Every day, people have heart-attacks and die.
Every day, people die of cancer.

Yes, Lusk's death is tragic and it could have been avoided, however in what way was the activity he was partaking in any less productive than writing a fanatic leftist article that takes advantage of the death of another to make sense of an opinion that loses it's entire value in the middle of the article through a statement that attempts to contradict the act of riding a motorcycle? If you want to bring a sense of personal achievement into the arguement please, ask anyone how they felt when they won their first race, ask anyone how they felt the first time they jumped a triple. And please, take someone such as myself with the same diet and excercise routine that doesn't ride and compare them to me and we can see which provides a greater physical buildup.

Finally, it is a professional sport, entertainment. Freestyle Motocross differs in NO way from football, baseball, basketball, soccer, or a pop concert in it's contributions to society.

Dear Susan,
Please fall off the face of the earth and spare us the agony of having to listen to any more of your ramblings and BS. Or better yet make a trip to Loretta Lynn's the first week in August this year and get a taste of what Motocross is all about you ignorant woman.

hey Susan, You suck...simply put

Susan,
In my years of racing professionally, I came across many of your type. The type who discourage anything new and look strictly at the worst possible scenario. Also, in my years of journalism, I have also spent plenty of time with those who write as you do, debating and pushing the worst possible scenario as fact.

My personal advice to you would be this...
#1: Do research before you write anything as fact. First of all, this is one of the first deaths in the sport of freestyle motocross. Let's be factual...how many deaths has rock climbing endured? If you are going to use an analogy, be prepared to back it up. You don't even begin to do so.

#2: Write from experience. Have you been to a freestyle motocross show? Have you been to the X Games? Or are you simply formulating an opinion based on what you read about the crash and passing it off as fact? From my eduacted standpoint, it sure seems as though you are passing off your assumptions as fact. And as a fellow journalist, I'm sure you know what they say about assuming...

#3: If you can't write from research or experience, prepare to have your work blown apart and don't expect a career in journalism. It seems to me that you have forgotten many of the principles of knowledgeable, moral reporting. Thankfully, there are plenty of celebrity trash magazines eager to publish your next slanderous, biased piece. Best of luck, and I look for your mug on the next episode of TMZ.

Jeremy Riesenberg

Susan Estrich is a lowlife elitist Democrat lawyer who wants to control everyone's life. She was a Bill Clinton defender, which should say it all.
When Bush was in the white house, Susan would trash Bush for the "illegal, immoral, war in Iraq" all the time. Funny how I have not heard a word out of her on Iraq since Obama has been in office. Such is the example of her integrity and the worth of her opinions.
Have you noticed the Iraq war is no longer in the news - but our troops are still there.
Was not one of Obama's big issues with Bush the "illegal, immoral war in Iraq?" If he really believe such why are our troops still in Iraq? Answer, Obama is a fraud along with the rest of his ilk.
There are now two sets of rules/laws in this country: those for Democrats in power and those for everyone else.
Estrich's opinion of MX means less than nothing, however, she is the type of nazi in control of our government now. They will decide what is important for us to live and die for.
Get ready, "Change" is coming.

I have asked myself why I support Isaiah in this dangerous sport, especially since he is not a top rider and he will likely never make a living at this DANGEROUS sport. Indeed, he may get injured in this sport to the point that some career opportunities are closed to him foever. Then way? -------------------------------------------------

I remind myself that we must all strive to be more than we are. We set goals and some goals are unlikely to be achieved. In Isaiah's case, he sets the goal of being the best motocross racer. It does not matter that he may never achieve such goal. The effort yields its own rewards. -----------------------------------------------------

A motocross track is full of knowledge, trials a tribulations for a boy to glean. He learns the value of a good work ethic and sees the results of hard work at every race. He learns that he must be physically fit to compete at the top level. He learns when to push the envelope and when to lay back. He learns the thrill of overcoming a new obstacle and how to overcome the pain of failure. He learns that the world is not fair and that he will have to compete against boys that have more time to practice and have better equipment. He learns how the mind (strategy) will often overcome the more powerful (e.g. horse power) and help make the unfair more fair. He learns to do such things according to a set of rules and fair play. He learns. ------------------------------------------------------------

With all due respect (which is not much) to Susan, even with all its danger, motocross is good for a kid. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Susan would deny Isaiah and your kids of such experiences because she does not approve, and she being smarter than you makes her opinion more important than yours on how to rise your kid. --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Could Isaiah learn the same lessons from football? Perhaps, but he loves motocross. Boys like engaging in and mastering dangerous activities, from football, baseball, extreme skateboarding, to motorcycle related activities. Just take a peek at videos on YouTube. Danger is a boys middle name. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Susan would not have the same opinion of a female sport, Feminazis rarely do but her desire to control other people does not stop at males. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Susan is a elitist Democrat and she does have a right to her opinion as long as it stays her opinion and it is not forced on the rest of us. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elitism is the belief or attitude that those individuals who are considered members of the elite—a select group of people with outstanding personal abilities, intellect, wealth, specialized training or experience, or other distinctive attributes—are those whose views on a matter are to be taken the most seriously or carry the most weight; whose views and/or actions are most likely to be constructive to society as a whole; or whose extraordinary skills, abilities or wisdom render them especially fit to govern. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Ms estrich........
GET A LIFE YOU OLD HAG AND GO RUIN SOMEONE ELSES LIFE

I am in shock that the newspaper would allow you to report on this type of sport as you have no clue what it is to be involved in a sport such as this.
Motocrossers participate in this sport because they enjoy what they are doing. Just as the down hill skiers do. Will you call them out the way you did Mr. Lusk because they ski down a hill that may avalanche. Think about it, everyone participates in a sport because they are truly doing something they enjoy. Yes, the sport is dangerous, people make that choice to ride or not. If you are happy doing what you like and if you so happened to die due to an accident, at least you went out being happy enjoying what you love to do. One more thing, motocross riding promotes confidence in small children.

Dear Susan
In case you havent noticed you have upset an entire motocross/FMX industry or should i say family...you say he died for nothing...well thats just disgraceful look at the replys you have gotten from your ignorant,disrespectful column.More people have replied out of anger to your article than who have ever cared about you or ever known you. And this is just a taste of how strong our sport is and will always be...but you'll never understand. The FMX world has lost a legend a hero an icon the melisha lost an inovator...a friend his wife lost a husband a soul mate her life,and his parents lost a son there everthing. He lived his life as a hero in all of our minds and he died as a hero. So do yourself a favor delete the column,appologize to the FMX world and let the heros who died as heros live in our minds and hearts as heros forever...or its simple this big family will continue to beat down your disgraceful column until its gone.... RIP JEREMY LUSK

Susan, first off, I dont even know where to begin with your article you wrote, especially being that you have no background to even have somewhat of a sayso.My name is John Reiser, I run HiRiSeFMX.com, i'm 23 years old and have been involved in the fmx industry for over 7 years. So I might know a thing or two about OUR BELOVED SPORT. JEREMY DIED A HERO TO ALL, HIS DEATH WAS HEARD AROUND THE WORLD, everyone, fmx fan or not has heard of his passing. its on AOL, Yahoo, ESPN, Radio, TV, Nespapers and all other forms of media INTERNATIONALLY. THE DAY YOU DIE, I DOUBT MORE THAN A FEW 100 WILL HEAR OF IT, LET ALONE EVEN KNOW WHO YOU WERE. I HOPE YOU READ THIS. I HOPE YOU RESPOND. why do you waste your life sitting in front of a computer analyzing the life of another never knowing a single thing about the topics you write about? why do you work for a living? why do you even live? why is the sky blue? why did Dale Earnhart race cars? for you to make the uneducated comments you have about OUR SPORT, MY FRIEND, AND A HERO TO MANY IS SOMETHING I FIND FLAT OUT STUPID. Jeremy was a smart, well-rounded person who could have been anything, but he decided to be a leader among our SPORT. Jeremy rode because it was his life. he rode for fun, much as a basketball player might play basketball. What makes you so special to pass judgement over others and the choices they make in life. freestyle motocross isn't a circus act, it is a well-calculated amazing SPORT. YES, I SAID SPORT. the demands physically are unbelivable and you wouldn't ever begin to fathom the reward involved with it on a personal level or monetary. I COULD ALMOST BET MY LIFESAVINGS LUSK MADE MORE LAST YEAR THEN YOU COULD IN 3+ YEARS, AND THATS AT THE AGE OF 24! YOUR COMMENTS HAVE OUTRAGED MORE PEOPLE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW, ACTUALLY I HOPE ONE DAY YOU DO REALIZE. to make negative comments about you would be like shooting fish in a barrel, and in case you don't know anything about that either, that means it would be an easy task. JEREMY LUSK WAS A HERO, A MODERN DAY WARRIOR, A CLOSE FRIEND OF MINE. I HOPE WHEN YOU DIE THERE IS SOMEWHERE I CAN WRITE COMMENTS HOW YOUR LIFE WAS POINTLESS AND HOW WRITING STUPID OPINIONATED ARTICLES, YOUR DEATH WAS IN VAIN. I HOPE YOU FEEL WORTHLESS, AND I HOPE OTHERS PASS JUDGEMENT UPON YOU AND YOUR WAYS OF LIFE, ENOUGH SO TO ENRAGE YOU. ENRAGE YOU ENOUGH TO MAYBE FEEL EVEN A SMALL FRACTION OF THE RAGE YOU HAVE INSTALLED IN ME. AND AS FAR AS JEREMY "TRYING" TO PULL A FLIP SEAT GRAB INDY, HES PULLED IT MANY TIMES, IT WASN'T A FIRST TIME DEAL. I COULD RANT AND RAVE ALL DAY AFTER READING YOUR "ARTICLE" AND ONLY WISH ONE DAY TO MEET YOU, MAYBE TAKE YOU ON A MOTORCYCLE RIDE AND MAYBE DO A WHEELY SO YOU FALL OFF THE BACK AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YOUR SNOBBING ARISTOCRATIC SHELTERED WAY OF LIFE, MAYBE YOU'LL FEEL ALIVE. OR MAYBE ON YOUR WAY TO YOUR DESK JOB, YOU MIGHT SPILL YOUR COFFEE LATTE CAUSING YOU TO CARREEN OFF THE 405 FREEWAY, TOTALLING YOUR PRIUS HYBRID CAR. SO FOR NOW, I WILL GO, BUT THIS ISN'T THE LAST TIME I WILL COMMENT. MAYBE YOU SHOULD THINK BEFORE YOU OPEN YOU THIN VILLAINOUS LIPS OR BUGLIKE EYES TO SPEAK ON OTHERS LIVES AND THEIR ACHIVEMENTS. as far as Creators being the "Syndicate of Talent," they might want to rename it "Syndicate of Old Hags who can get jobs elsewhere, and no one wants to read their collumns?" just a thought. I had to post this again because I wanted to take recognition for my words, still you have yet to respond or apologize. the world would be a better place without people like you. By the way, check out Freestylemtx.com its a web based forum board where you have been the topic of much conversation.

You should be utterly ashamed at yourself. Taking a shot at someone who passed away doing something that he enjoyed, who are you to judge? How is comparing mountain climbers who gain spirituality and strength any different than motorcycles. Maybe Lusk enjoyed and gained just as much as the climbers? The amount of closed minded people in the world is insane.

Go smoke some cigarettes and drink some more whiskey to work on that hag voice of yours................I am a big Fox news fan......... and you are an idiot.
My kids both ride Motocross and love the sport for its good qualities and for making them the men they will become......and you will hate them for not being the bed wetting, thumb sucking, spine less liberals that you socialists breed.
Love,
David

Your one of those people that writes a controversial article just to get more attention...

But if you arn't, you've obviously never jumped a motocycle and realized that there is no better feeling then floating graciously 20ft up in the air. Nothing compares to it.

your two feet have never left the ground though, your ignorant when it comes to the topic of freestyle motocross.

What a disgusting piece of disrespectful trash, written out of pure ignorance. I can only imagine the boring bubble wrapped life you must live Susan. Jeremy was an amazing athlete, who accomplished so much, which is more than you will probably ever be able to say about yourself and your pathetic columns. I hope you took into consideration Jeremy's proud parents and wife when you wrote this horrible article of nothing but your narcissistic garbage. How dare you Susan. Go ahead, stop going, stop watching, and stop patronizing, it's not like you ever did, and those who share your opinion ever did; the sport will always have the support from the real fans as it always did, if not more. Stay in your cubicle behind that keyboard while the rest of us live, but please, keep your opinions of something you know nothing about, to yourself. And for the love of all that is good and true, don't EVER speak of an amazing person like that after they have passed on, as if you knew them, or why they were doing what they did. Which brings into consideration why you are a writer? Why not pick up a career that makes a difference in this world, instead of one that somehow gives you the right to talk out of your ass and get paid for it...

Jeremy Lusk is a hero to many of us!!! who do you think you are, sitting behind your keyboard talking shit about someone who many people see as a hero and inspiration, who just lost his life? your nothing but trash. learn your facts before you go an try to make money writing an article about a tragic death that effected many people. your nothing better than "those sponsors that should be locked up" that you wrote about!!

your a disgrace to the human race

Susan;

So I just finished reading your article about Jeremy Lusk. I know that many people have commented on the article on the webpage, as well many on motocross forums. My opinion: Disrespectful, and that's an understatement. Firstly, you know nothing about Jeremy or this sport. Second, Your little comparison to climbing Mount Everest to Riding dirtbikes-- Just stupid, should have thought that one through a little more. Third, You say, "How do you represent your sport very well by dying for nothing?" .... Why not comment on how hundreds of people have died over in Iraq? You can say well they are fighting for our freedom or some bullshit, but fact is that the freedom war is long over, there are obviously other reasons why they are over there. Why not write, "Don't eat processed foods, Don't use microwaves, Don't use Cellphones because you know, you might get cancer". Fact is people die and life is FULL of risks. I've personally been through hell and back because of death, but wanna know what, I still do what I love, I don't not dirtbike, I don't not breath, I don't not eat McDonalds here and then because its got so much shit in it that it will most likely give me cancer. People Live, People Die, whats wrong with dying doing what you love? Regardless its not for you to decide or voice your opinion on. Maybe you don't like the sport very much, but i don't like you very much either, does that mean that we should cut you off to society? No. (Although I'm sure many people right now would love to).

You say, "Would we let our beloved pets be strapped in to try what these human beings do? No, we would lock up the sponsors"... Are you kidding me? Horse racing, dog races, etc. maybe they're not flying 20ft in the air, but I can tell you for sure that these animals that die from these sports aren't getting the recognition/help that you think they are.

You say, "Best I can tell, the activity has no particularly redeeming purpose, evidences no particularly useful social skill".... no useful social skill? Do a little research and see how many kids/teenagers/adults have made better of themselves because this sport gives them that "extra push" to get them there, its the same as any other sport someone has passion about; soccer, basketball, tennis, golf. Look up the mortality and injury rates from those sports and tell me you still think riding dirtbikes is dangerous. I was going to write an email calling you an ignorant cunt, its been stated, your hopefully not stupid enough to miss the point that everyone's trying to get across. If I were you I would write an apology to his family firstly, you can't tell me that if you read that about your son/husband/brother/friend that you wouldn't want to kick your ass? Then take it down off the internet because obviously you've pissed people off and have no idea what your talking about so you look like a retard.

Dumb! Dumb!
You have no respect, no class, no logic... very tasteless article.

WOW just WOW , just when I thought this world coulndt be anymore ignorant , someone like yourself has to come along and prove all of us wrong. Nice job on your cold heartless article , I hope you sleep better knwoing you have commented on the dead and insulted his lefestyle. Very pety and you do a good job in showing why most of america hates reporters and columinst.

Susan, I love your columns and read them every week. Your political views are well respected by people on all sides of the political spectrum, and your non-political columns are generally good too. I read your column about the motorcyclist's death and was going to write, last week, about how incorrect it was, but didn't have time. No need to take much time now, as the dozens of posts above accurately reflect my thoughts, though some are not too respectful.
Have you reconsidered this?

Please do not judge something that you have no experience or knowledge of. Obviously you have never spent anytime getting to know someone that enjoys this sport. And yes it is a sport. Educate yourself first and then comment, otherwise you fullfill the definition of ignorance.
You say this was a "stupid and senseless death" in your article. How dare you? This man choose to do what he loved. He was living his dream. He was extremely happy doing what he did. Maybe more of our society should try it.
From what I know of you, you are supportive of abortion. There are many people in this country that call abortion stupid and senseless. They have never been in the shoes to have to decide to have one or not.
Experiencing something always seems to give you a different perspective.....don't be so quick to judge!!

I've never come here previously to read an article of yours but for some reason while cruising through Drudge, I thought I'd take a shot and see what you've been saying. This article comes as no surprise coming from somebody who's previous article was titled "Doctor Obama". Who's living in another world, huh? When you don't know what the heck you're talking about ,why open your mouth and say anything at all? Check again Susan and see how popular this sport is. For crying out loud he was performing in Costa Rica! This sport is enjoyed world wide. And for the other geniuses and bleeding hearts like James who can't even spell, get a friggin life. Life's really fun, you ought to try it sometimes. Jeremy did and I'm sure he enjoyed every minute of it.

Living Life,
A Rebuttal of “Live to Risk” by Susan Estrich
Writer's note: As a former freelance writer and professional motocross rider, I was compelled to respond to the opinion of Susan Estrich in “Live to Risk” where she offers her reaction of the passing of freestyle motocross champion, Jeremy Lusk.
From the outside in, it is easy to question the motives of a person, easy to question what makes one tick. Why does this particular person pride himself on this particular occupation, when there are so many other “ideal” jobs out there? What sort of personal satisfaction does this person receive that makes his work worthwhile at the end of the day?
My father personally taught me to live by the adage, “Don't judge a person until you've walked a mile in his shoes.” Evidentially, no one told Susan Estrich this.
Riding a motorcycle is considered one of the most liberating, independent activities left on the Earth. Yet in her article, Ms. Estrich stereotypes it by saying, “…the activity has no particularly redeeming purpose, evidences no particularly useful social skill, amounts to nothing but an electronic envelope that you're trying to prove you could push further than anyone else.”
It is easy for me to see that Ms. Estrich has never discovered the inner peace that riding a motorcycle provides. The thrill of performing in front of sold out crowds around the world, with the focus of every single pair of eyes on one performer, is unmatched in competitive sport. Riders are blessed to travel the world, performing their craft. Seeing the world and performing for the world to see, thousands of eyes focused on just you…if this is not a redeeming purpose, please tell me what is. Furthermore, riders practice their skills in groups of riders, many of whom they have known since before they were in school. Long lasting friendships is a particularly useful social skill, if you ask me. Or how about the annual Big Air Kid's Fair held at Lorba Linda Hospital in California every year? Touching the needy, those in need of smiles…sounds like a great purpose to me.
If stereotyping was not enough, Ms. Estrich moves on to say, “risking your life doing motorcycle jumps wasn't worth whatever they were paying.” It is quite ironic to me to hear a journalist, however successful, talking about the monetary fulfillment of one's career. The rider in question, the late Jeremy Lusk, had worked construction since the time of his high school graduation. How can any person be justified to question why a person should do something that they love, riding motorcycles, as a profession, compared to the daily rigors of construction work?
In fact, the writer seems so caught up in pushing her own agenda that she completely misses the fact that she answers her own question in this quote, “But taking a risk to achieve a greater social good is different than taking a risk because you're looking at an envelope — or a motorcycle — and wondering how far it can be pushed. Surgeons take risks every day trying to save lives, but the upside is lives saved. Climbers take risks, but the upside, I'm told, is both physical and spiritual, measured not only by the satisfaction of discipline done and muscle built but by a soul that is never the same.” Well, Ms. Estrich, perhaps you should have asked a motocross rider why they do it. As a former rider myself, I can tell you that the physical satisfaction is unmatched. Motocross is one of the few individual sports left, and while it might not be the cookie cutter stick and ball sport that the mainstream, like yourself, embraces; it has unmatched satisfaction for those of us who enjoy it. It's funny that you should use the analogy of rock climbing. In both, an inch or two can determine one's outcome. In both, the participant strives to go higher, farther, pushing the envelope towards an end goal. Both have consequences…but what in life does not?
Motorcycle riders are used to the opinions of those such as Ms. Estrich. Our sport is popular, but may never be accepted by the mainstream. However, if you were to ask any rider if this matters, more than likely they will tell you that is not the point. The point, which is synonymous in all sports, is pushing one's self to become better, and the personal satisfaction of success. In his life, Jeremy Lusk enjoyed plenty of satisfaction. In the end, it's not the opinions of others that count on a life well lived, but rather the lasting effect of the life on others. Jeremy Lusk lived a live that touched thousands of family, friends and fans across the world. The scope of his success is measured in miles, from stadium to stadium across the world, touching the lives of many. For a person that judges her own success on words and articles in the slowly dying newspaper industry, this impact might just be on too great of a scale for Ms. Estrich to comprehend. That's not our job to worry about. Because, as my father said, “Don't judge a person until you've walked a mile in his shoes.”

look here, susan, this is the first and last time i will every be on this and here is what i have to say. jeremey was doing what he loved. and was really good at it and there are a lot of us ride or race mx, fmx, sx, ax and love it. it just isnt something we can stop doing. we know we could die at any moment and we go biger and bigger eveytime we go out there because we want to be the best we can. he was going for the win, just like all of us go for. you need to quit be a hipicrit and stop judging us when you dont know anything. we do what we love, we love what we do. go get a real job.

Wow, talk about a completely closed minded point of view. You may feel you are truly more open minded than most people, but think about what you just wrote. You wrote how you feel this particular person's lifestyle, career and dreams are an absolute waste. Replace Jeremy Lusks' lifestyle with homosexuals and their pursuits and you realize how close minded and disrespectful you truly are. YOU ARE NOT AS OPEN MINDED AS YOU THINK YOU ARE.

Wow, My boyfriend sent me this link and I myself find it so unbelievably disrespectful. I don't even ride but I support everyone and anyone that does. What do you do with your life that makes you think your so much better then Jeremy? At least he got out there and did what he loved. You may love "writing" but why the hell would you ever put down someone in an article. I even know for a fact that you didn't know him, so why would you bash around somebody else's loved one... What if someone did that to someone YOU yourself cared for. Maybe you shouldn't be ignorant and put yourself in Jeremy's shoes, you have no idea how much physical, spiritual and satisfaction that people get from riding. "According to new reports, he had been riding motorcycles since he was 3. That should be against the law, at least." WHY should riding be against the law when you are three? Don't you have children that have dreams of becoming what they want to be? How dare you think that it should be against the law just because you don't agree with one guy dying, it is not his fault nor anybody elses, Kids should be able to ride and live their dream. I guarantee Kids/Adults all over the world looked up Jeremy because he showed that no matter how many times he has fallen he got back up.
You really need to change your views, or open your mind a little more. Maybe more people would like you.
RIP Jeremy Lusk

Susan,
As you can plainly see be the overwhelming response, your article was irresponsible and disrespectful. As a fan of MX and FMX and mother of a rider, I can tell you that I originally had to come to terms with the danger of the sport, but I did the RIGHT THING and EDUCATED MYSELF, and was surprised to learn that other sports create far more injuries to children than motocross! I have never witnessed the passion and conviction in my son's eyes that I do when he is on his bike. His mental focus and determnination is far greater than the other sports he plays. It is his passion and now mine.
FMX is a truly amazing and legitimate sport that has trained professsionals that have spent years honing their craft and have promoters that are usually fellow (former) riders. (UNLIKE SO MANY OTHER SPORTS - which means they understand the reality their brothers are facing and how to build their ramps and keep them as safe as possible in many cases.) Unfortunately, that is not the case in every event. However, LUSK (RIP) was a wonderfully talented man and Hero in the sport. This accident will not be taken lightly by anyone in the industry or those who knew him and while we are all mourning him, you Maim, have the audacity to disparage his sport and good name.
Please stick to topics you know or at a minimum you research, and for goodness sakes, that last thing anyone needs is someone like you making decisions for the rest of us about how to protect us and keep us safe. No thanks, I can make my own decisions as a grown adult and I'll skip the bubble wrap!
Stephanie K

How about sticking your clueless one sided views of what YOU think society should be allowed to do up your arse!What gives you the right to interject that riding a motorcycle at 3 yrs old should be illegal?You are one of the reasons this country is sinking-I and millions of others dont need you or any of the people you socialize with to decide what I can or can not do!Totally a tasteless waste of info you wrote up there Susan F- !

I think people like you should be put somewhere, lets say "special"... I ride, race and live for motocross, its not just about getting HURT! Its about familiy, friends and fun. I bet your the type of person who played in bad when you grew up, kids are to skinny to play sports, just have no idea how us "motorcycle people" live our lives. Get a job and do some research...

Dear
Susan Estrich,You are so misinformed and your story was just rambling on like the uneducated person you are!!You need to research what you report on instead of filling people with the crap in this article!!Your news article was written out of pure ignorance to the sport!!Please research your stories before writing on something you know nothing about!!Jeremy Lusk was a true athlete and a professional.Hope your soon fired for your ridiculous article....RIP Jeremy

Susan Estrich is a nobody who is probably really thriving on writing on something she knows nothing about to stir contravorsey so she will be noticed!!Just don't read anything further from her until she apologizes.Time for the metal mulisha to chime in..

Susan, Its a guy thing you wouldn't understand. (wink wink)
for everyone that reads this message i am posting Susan is a Feminist Liberal. all of her articals and her book "Sex and Power" are based on no supporting facts. she does this on purpose to make people angry. and i have no clue why.

Attention: Susan Estrich-

Have you ever had something in your life thrill and excite you. Something that makes your heart beat and you can feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins? Thats the feeling Jeremy Lusk got when riding. Its the feeling I get when riding and its the feeling many many many others get when they hop on that bike. Life is a risk. We know nothing about the days to come and yet we still live it without fear (for most) Riding motocross is not only a hobby but a sport, hard hours of dedication and practice go into it just like lets say football. Who are you one person to call it out saying its not a sport, that would be like one person calling you out on what you do saying its not a job. I have been on both sides of the track. I've been a spectator and I've been a rider. Jeremy Lusk's death was not only an unfortunate and tragic event it was also untimely. Lusk passed away doing what he loved. He was willing to RISK it all for what he loved. There is no greater joy in life doing what you love, and if your lucky enough to pass away while doing something you love well then God speed. Miss. estrich how do you decide whats risky and not risky what passes your standards? I have to remind you women also ride, how do I know this? I am a women. This is not just a man's sport. The metal mulisha is a group of friends turned family who share a compassionate interest in motorcross. Whether you die today or tommrow or ten years down the road, there's always going to be that chance that you will be doing something others perceive as "wrong" or "not acceptable." This article is disrespecting thousand upon thousands of motocross riders, fans, and there families. It also puts down Jeremy Lusk's reputation. He is a legand to many, maybe not to you, but he was to others and has helped and kept us going and most of all he's never shunned us away from our dreams. Please think before you speak, judge when you can judge from experience and write from your heart not from your brain and above all stop assuming.

Sincerely yours,

An Aspiring writer and motocross rider
(funny that I can do what you do and still ride and live for the risk)

No matter how much you disagree with Ms Estrich's opinions, you do a disservice to Jeremy Lusk and the sport by being rude. If you love the sport then go enjoy it. There will always be opposing views to everything, but you give strength to any criticism by attacking the critic. You can never win a person over to your point of view by calling her any of the names I have seen used here.

Susan,

I'm glad people like you exist. If it wasn't for ignorant people like yourself people like Jeremy Lusk WOULD have died for nothing. Just because you would never fly through the air on a motorcycle, drive in traffic, live in LA, go hiking or fly a small airplane doesn't mean the the people who AREN'T afraid of life should be shunned. I highly suggest you take into consideration what you're saying. Living Risk is what made our country great today. Risking our asses in WW2, Risking our asses (and nearly losing them) voting for Bush (and what a mistake that proved to be) and well, just being an American proves to be some sort of a hazard to our health these days. People like you, who are afraid to push the envelope and afraid to take any sort of risk calculated or not, only drive the ones who aren't afraid of life to see more success than a closed minded, conservative, lonely housewife could ever imagine. I bet you voted YES on 8.

See you in hell,

CBeeze

Dear Susan Estrich,
I am a local racer from Temecula, same town Jeremy resided in. and I have to say that your ignorance seems to know no bounds. The distastefulness of what you wrote is extremely appalling. I am not gonna stoop to your level however. I would never expect something like this out of someone of your caliber.
I believe you are in no position to make comments about a sport in which you know nothing about , or to disrespect a grieving family and community like you have. Many other posts have echoed my sentiments exactly, however I have to inquire as to why you feel the need to be so tasteless, ignorant, classless and disrespectful. Using someones tragic death to spark controversy and make people angry is disgusting, Susan. You not only disrespect Jeremy Lusk, his family and his loved ones, you also disrespect every single person that has passed doing what they loved, whether it be golf, football soccer or making floral arrangements. Once again I cannot believe how ignorant you are to sport of motorcycle competition as a whole. You are clueless to the point where I cannot being to explain to you all things that you are severely misinformed about. Please educate yourself before you open your mouth.
Thank you very much.
TJ Woodland #715

I am stunned by your cold callous words. Clearly, you're not a fan, I get that. But to push off your "opinion" with such a heartless disregard for those reading it, to include Jeremy's friends & family, is beyond unprofessional, it's just in poor taste. To liken rock climbing to a better end & a path of spiritual enlightenment, but not to credit those who ride motorcylces as having the same connection is elitists and ignorant. I don't rock climb OR jump a dirt bike, but I can appreciate both the thrill, mental / spiritual connection AND the risk involved in both. I suppose, following your line of thinking, we should ban rock climbing... after all, many more people have died in the pursuit of that dream, than the ONE who was lost this month.

At the risk of being redundant after so many negative responses to your disrespectful and ill-informed column: I know very little about freestyle motocross or even about motorcycles in general, but it's obvious to anyone with half a brain that Jeremy Lusk was well aware of the risks involved in his chosen sport and died doing what he loved to do. His life may have been cut short, but at least he lived to the best effect -- and that's a thousand times better than dragging out the last feeble flicker of life to the last possible second.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
You write: "Would we let our beloved pets be strapped in to try what these human beings do?" Do you really equate human beings, endowed with free will and the power to choose their actions, with animals that have no such choice? Or do you believe a nanny society or a nanny government ought to dictate to adults which risks are acceptable and which are not?

Your an idiot for writing this and not only an idiot , but your an idiot without any thoughts about this persons loved ones be it family and or friends. You may need to educate yourself in Social Grace 101....I may sound rude, and believe me I dont give a damn if I do...Susam Estrich, your an IDIOT!
Stephen Powelson
off road racer
TCCRA TORN TORO BITD
E315 B715 E15
God Speed Jermey and condolances for the Lusk Family.