Been riding for almost 40 years. Motocrossing in high school taught me the value of helmets, boots, and gloves. Wouldn't ride around the block without protective gear. The older I get, the more meaningful it is for me. I'm not a safety nazi, but it makes me nervous to see someone riding without protection. Like the guys you see riding around in shorts, t-shirt, and flip-flops... I just can't do it. But it's like making jokes about the guys who trailer their bikes to a location, rather than riding their butt sore to be able to say they're 'real' riders (yes, I ride there)... we're all riders with our own opinions about riding and the details that go with it.

To each his own, but the law is the law (in most states). I got all puffed up when I got an unsolicited email from the AMA about a pending attempt at a federal helmet law. I'm pro helmet law and vote that way. The AMA's position is that we should be able to choose, which is not my position even as an AMA member. After writing a scathing response to the AMA, their Washington rep sent me a message explaining the logic for their position, and some fallacies in my thinking. I'm still pro helmet, but a little wiser now.
I can make my pro helmet message to the AMA and their informative response available to anyone who cares to see it.