Robert Novak hits pedestrian--flagged down by bicyclist

[Squirrel_Girl]

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0708/537957.html

The pedestrian who was struck by prominent Washington columnist and commentator Robert Novak is in worse shape than first thought, a hospital source tells ABC 7 News.

It was not clear in the victim, a 66-year-old man, was conscious, the source said. The man appeared to have casts on his neck and back. The victim's X-rays were reportedly sent to a surgical team for evaluation.

In an exclusive interview with ABC 7 News, Novak said felt "terrible" about striking a pedestrian Wednesday morning while on his way to work in downtown D.C.

Metropolitan police cited Novak with failure to yield to a pedestrian about 10:07 a.m. at 18th and K streets NW, Novak confirmed to ABC 7 News.

Novak spoke to ABC 7 News as he emerged from a police car at the scene. Novak said he did not know he had struck anyone. Novak said he didn't know anything was wrong until a bicyclist rode ahead of him and blocked traffic. The bicyclist informed Novak he had hit a pedestrian.

In an interview, the bicyclist told ABC 7's Suzanne Kennedy the pedestrian was splayed across Novak's windshield, and there was no way that Novak could not have known he struck someone. The cyclist, David Bono, also said that the pedestrian was in a crosswalk and had the right of way.

[CRAIG2]

Novak spoke to ABC 7 News as he emerged from a police car at the scene. Novak said he did not know he had struck anyone. Novak said he didn't know anything was wrong until a bicyclist rode ahead of him and blocked traffic.

Translation: "Crap. Man, I thought for sure nobody would have noticed! Has anyone seen my teeth? Wait, where am I? Billy??"

[blacknell]

So please, if he's not aware enough to be driving, can we take away his column, too?

[sevenforty]

So please, if he's not aware enough to be driving, can we take away his column, too?

Amen to that...amen to that.

I'm anxious to hear the Faux News spin on this...this one's a toughie! Not sure if they can pull it off! :D :D

[saxman]

Amen to that...amen to that.

I'm anxious to hear the Faux News spin on this...this one's a toughie! Not sure if they can pull it off! :D :D

Just in from Fox:

Radical Liberal Obama supporter attempting to demonstrate that the all-American Corvette has very poor frontal visibility steps out in front of Bob Novak's car to prove his point. Showing an incredible amount of crashworthiness typical of American cars, Novak didn't even know he had struck the pedestrian.

An ecofascist bicyclist was inform Mr. Novak to the incredible crashworthiness of his car.

[toonces]

Perhaps Mr. Novak observed that the pedestrian was passing in front of him from the right to the left and figured he would do him a favor and stop him before he went to far to the left. Of course it was the right thing to do. And of course to deny any knowledge of doing it was the right thing to do.

I hope this pathetic residue of an apparently once respectable columnist gets sued for as much as possible and we never have to listen to or read his thoughts again. What goes around come around. ;)

[old_bashturd]

Just goes to show that a conservative can be just as irresponsible and reckless as a liberal.

Hooray for your side...................

[blacknell]

I was wondering if someone was going to feel compelled to defend the indefensible . . .

[toros]

So, this guy hits a person, who apparently splashes on his windshield, and the authorities are convinced that he had no idea that the whole thing happened (he was not charged with fleeing the scene), AND he is allowed to get back in his car, and drive away.

Those must be the magic words... "did I? really? noooo.."

t

[CRAIG2]

Just goes to show that a conservative can be just as irresponsible and reckless as a liberal.

Hooray for your side...................

Yeah, yeah, we know a**holes are everywhere. Some are just bigger than others. Burn!!!

Slightly off topic, rumor has it that the cyclist, err, ecofacist (sp?), which stopped our senile friend was actually on his way from applying for a board position within WABA. Hope he gets the job. Hope there's now one less fart in the wind we'll have to be subjected to in the media.

[CRAIG2]

So, this guy hits a person, who apparently splashes on his windshield, and the authorities are convinced that he had no idea that the whole thing happened (he was not charged with fleeing the scene), AND he is allowed to get back in his car, and drive away.

Those must be the magic words... "did I? really? noooo.."

t

Not surprised. Take it from a former messenger, and someone who's been hit more than once. Cyclists are like one step above homeless people in DC. Actually, the homeless people may have us beat. Jury's still out on that one.

[chowderbutt]

50 dollar fine is what Novac said he got.

I hope that folks raise a stink about this. the guy drove away there was a witness and a clear victim. Plus Novac has publicly stated that he thought about hitting jaywalkers before (this guy wasnt jaywalking however) and bragged about how he drove like a race car driver.

Jail time for recless endangerment and leaving the scene of a crime would be appropriate.

[CRAIG2]

Not surprised, not surprised. I hate people. This is just another reason why.

[blacknell]

In case anyone here isn't on one of the lists David Bono (the cyclist who stopped the dou . . Bob Novak) posted this to, this morning:

I was not deserving of the honor, but got an award from WABA at tonight's
members meeting related to the incident. The inscription was so precious
that it demands to be quoted: "Awarded to David Bono who, potentially
sacrificing life and limb, risked chasing down a driver who had struck a
pedestrian. By placing his bike and body in front of the vehicle, he
allowed DC police to show up and give the driver a slap on the wrist."

Ha.

[sevenforty]

The pedestrian who was struck by prominent Washington columnist and commentator Robert Novak is in worse shape than first thought, a hospital source tells ABC 7 News.

It was not clear in the victim, a 66-year-old man, was conscious, the source said. The man appeared to have casts on his neck and back. The victim's X-rays were reportedly sent to a surgical team for evaluation.

** Sarcasm filter on. Clearly a $50 fine is sufficient in this case. ** Sarcasm filter off

Jail time for recless endangerment and leaving the scene of a crime would be appropriate.

I agree...or at least something a bit more harsh than a $50 fine. I mean come on, at least suspend the guys license. But considering his recent fiascos and that he still has a day job (as if his opinion holds any weight) and still even gets asked to appear on TV...I don't see that happening.

[CRAIG2]

** Sarcasm filter on. Clearly a $50 fine is sufficient in this case. ** Sarcasm filter off



I agree...or at least something a bit more harsh than a $50 fine. I mean come on, at least suspend the guys license. But considering his recent fiascos and that he still has a day job (as if his opinion holds any weight) and still even gets asked to appear on TV...I don't see that happening.

Assault with a deadly weapon would be nice.

[BikerMiker]

First Plame now this...

Killing somebody when you send them to war or when you are 'just driving along' is just fine in America. Where have you all been?

Damn hippy people-lovers...

mike

[CRAIG2]

Please pardon me while I go out and hug a tree. :p

[toonces]

So please, if he's not aware enough to be driving, can we take away his column, too?

Apparently not. The local liberal newspaper published a piece of his this morning mixed in with all the lies.

[old_bashturd]

I was wondering if someone was going to feel compelled to defend the indefensible . . .

Who's defending him? It is indefensible. The posters below brought up the political bend of this idiot. I firmly believe, if this was a pundit from the left, below posters would have never mentioned his politics. Its typical.

[Squirrel_Girl]

Who's defending him? It is indefensible. The posters below brought up the political bend of this idiot. I firmly believe, if this was a pundit from the left, below posters would have never mentioned his politics. Its typical.
No politics on the MORE forum. Be it liberal or conservative. It's hard with a guy as out there as Novak, but we need to keep this off politics and just on the insanity of hitting the pedestrian and the hero bicyclist.

[blacknell]

[eh, nevermind. there's just stupid everywhere.]

[DKEG]

No politics on the MORE forum. Be it liberal or conservative. It's hard with a guy as out there as Novak, but we need to keep this off politics and just on the insanity of hitting the pedestrian and the hero bicyclist.
No politics, but personal digs are OK:confused: If it happened the way the news is reporting it, he should be held accountable no matter who he is or what he believes. I am not defending him in any way. I just know the press bends the true to fit their beliefs.
Who's defending him? It is indefensible. The posters below brought up the political bend of this idiot. I firmly believe, if this was a pundit from the left, below posters would have never mentioned his politics. Its typical.Correct

[blacknell]

The man made a career out passing judgment on others and claiming to uphold some higher standard of responsibility, and then he fled the scene of an accident. That's worth noting.


But if anyone wants to whine about how reality just doesn't respect their imaginary persecution, have at it. Typical, indeed.

[BikerMiker]

Yeah, as we all know, stupid knows no political boundaries! There seems to be MORE than enought to go around (not emphasizing 'more' for subtle insinuation alluding to currently affiliated).

mike

[CRAIG2]

And speaking of politics, Richard Simmons is apparently considering running for office... sorry. Bwaaaa-hahahahahaahahahaaaaa!

[BikerMiker]

Yeah, he's in town. I heard him on the radio.

It KILLED me because I couldn't see his outfit! That's the best part of Mr Simmons!

That and the hair...

mike

[DKEG]

But if anyone wants to whine about how reality just doesn't respect their imaginary persecution, have at it. Typical, indeed.That is what F88 (or what ever it is called) is for. Not the MORE board or so I am told.

[blacknell]

Well, that's where it should have been done in the first place, then.

Done with this.

[DaveG]

No politics on the MORE forum. Be it liberal or conservative. It's hard with a guy as out there as Novak, but we need to keep this off politics and just on the insanity of hitting the pedestrian and the hero bicyclist.


I find it interesting that this is the post you picked to talk about the "no politics" rule. There were a TON beforehand that crossed the line.

[jabberwocky]

I find it interesting that this is the post you picked to talk about the "no politics" rule. There were a TON beforehand that crossed the line.SG probably just quoted the most recent post she saw. I wouldn't read too much into it. You are right, there are several posts beforehand that went over the line.

Guys, we have a "no politics" rule here for a specific reason. Namely, online political discussion almost always gets heated. This forum exists as an extension of the club, and we don't want people getting perpetually pissed off at each other over politics. If that rule really bothers you, take it up with the MORE board.

Lets keep all references to the specific politics of Novak out of the discussion.

[DaveG]

SG probably just quoted the most recent post she saw. I wouldn't read too much into it. You are right, there are several posts beforehand that went over the line.

Guys, we have a "no politics" rule here for a specific reason. Namely, online political discussion almost always gets heated. This forum exists as an extension of the club, and we don't want people getting perpetually pissed off at each other over politics. If that rule really bothers you, take it up with the MORE board.

Lets keep all references to the specific politics of Novak out of the discussion.

You're probably right. It's a shame Brittney didn't hit a pedestrian; that would have been an interesting thread.

[drewdane]

That is what F88 (or what ever it is called) is for. Not the MORE board or so I am told.

All are welcome. (http://www.f88me.com/showthread.php?t=3536) :)

(Blacknell, Saxman stole your line! You gonna let him get away with that?)

[blacknell]

All are welcome. (http://www.f88me.com/showthread.php?t=3536) :)

(Blacknell, Saxman stole your line! You gonna let him get away with that?)

Ha. No. I only get worked up about stuff that actually happens.

[Squirrel_Girl]

SG probably just quoted the most recent post she saw. I wouldn't read too much into it. You are right, there are several posts beforehand that went over the line.
Correcto mundo. There was no evil intent as to which post it was where I inserted the "no politics" message. I probably agree (such a subjective subject) that there may be a >50% chance that had the runner-overer been a lefty, that he might not have been pointed out so much. But then again the outing thing was not necessarily left or right, but noteworthy.. sigh, I digress.

I didn't want to become Gestapo-like and hound all over the first hint of a political viewpoint. But then it started to snowball, so I did step in and give the "no politics" reminder.

On our caving forum, a couple days ago someone posted up a "comments?" note with a link to the Pickens Wind website. One of the other moderators smashed it instantly into Quarantine, then started a discussion with all the other moderators, "Is it environmental or political?" We back and forthed it a while, then decided to keep it banned. For some reason, on the internet, people just tend to digress into politics and things head downhill. I think MORE is a better place without all that.

So, let's stop this July snowball, and keep our personal opinions on Novak's merit or lack there of as a columnist out of our bicycling forum.

Rah, yay, David Bono.

[BikerMiker]

Yeah, it seems that we should focus on what we have in common: bike stuff.

mike

[sevenforty]

I probably agree (such a subjective subject) that there may be a >50% chance that had the runner-overer been a lefty, that he might not have been pointed out so much.

Haha...you can't say that (which I politley disagree with) and then follow it up and say no politics! :)

But politics aside, the "hitter" was still a celebrity who ran from the scene and just got a slap on the wrist. It's outrageous. An ordinary citizen would have been reprimanded to the full extent. Any word on if the pedestrian is OK? Pressing charges?

[saxman]

All are welcome. (http://www.f88me.com/showthread.php?t=3536) :)

(Blacknell, Saxman stole your line! You gonna let him get away with that?)

Guilty as charged. :o

I thought it was pretty darn funny and posted it onto f88me.

If only it would actually happen...

[DaveG]

Any word on if the pedestrian is OK? Pressing charges?

From what I read this morning there were no visible injuries, and everything was described as "minor". It was a slow speed collision.

It's more the fact that he left the scene and claimed that he didn't know that it had happened.

Of course, there's always the possibility that the cyclist is exaggerating the severity of what he saw; are there any corroborating witnesses?

[ride-n-fall]

So, let's stop this July snowball, and keep our personal opinions on Novak's merit or lack there of as a columnist out of our bicycling forum. [QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Squirrel Girl;121157]No politics on the MORE forum. Be it liberal or conservative. It's hard with a guy as out there as Novak, but we need to keep this off politics and just on the insanity of hitting the pedestrian and the hero bicyclist.

While I am glad to see that the no politics rule is being enforced now, your comment about keeping personal opinions out of it - while at the same time enforcing the no politics rule - seems a little disingenuous in light of your swipe!

[Dr Phil mmkay]

I'm surprised that no one mentioned the "hero bicyclists's" last name is Bono. Freaking Bono. His world-saving super powers extend even to the people who share his name. I'm quite in shock and awe. Right on.

[blacknell]

An ordinary citizen would have been reprimanded to the full extent.

Oh, now we can argue. It's always the peds/cyclists fault. Remember the girl who was killed while riding in the bike lane? Still no charges. Just an accident, see. I'm surprised Novak even got a ticket.

~

And while I'm having a hard time understanding how a "slow motion" collision can put you on the windshield, I'll let ABC 7 describe the result (http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0708/537957.html):

The pedestrian who was struck by prominent Washington columnist and commentator Robert Novak is in worse shape than first thought, a hospital source tells ABC 7 News.

The victim, a 66-year-old Don Lilkinquist , appeared somewhat incoherent, said the source who had seen the victim. The man appeared to have casts on his neck and back. The victim was X-rayed and a surgical team plans to evaluate him, the source said.

[blacknell]

I'm surprised that no one mentioned the "hero bicyclists's" last name is Bono. Freaking Bono. His world-saving super powers extend even to the people who share his name. I'm quite in shock and awe. Right on.

Yeah, I think there's actually a mixed record, there. Didn't do much for Sonny when he hit that tree.

[riderx]

From what I read this morning there were no visible injuries, and everything was described as "minor". It was a slow speed collision.

It's more the fact that he left the scene and claimed that he didn't know that it had happened.

Of course, there's always the possibility that the cyclist is exaggerating the severity of what he saw; are there any corroborating witnesses?

Just a flesh wound (http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0708/537957.html)?

The pedestrian who was struck by prominent Washington columnist and commentator Robert Novak is in worse shape than first thought, a hospital source tells ABC 7 News.

The victim, a 66-year-old Don Lilkinquist , appeared somewhat incoherent, said the source who had seen the victim. The man appeared to have casts on his neck and back. The victim was X-rayed and a surgical team plans to evaluate him, the source said.

Maybe the guy was jay walking (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/11985.html)...

Novak, 77, has earned a reputation around the capital as an aggressive driver, easily identified in his convertible sports car.

In 2001, he cursed at a pedestrian on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th streets Northwest for allegedly jaywalking.

“’Learn to read the signs, [bodily orifice]!’ Novak snapped before speeding away,” according to an item in The Washington Post’s Reliable Source column.

Novak explained to the paper: "He was crossing on the red light. I really hate jaywalkers. I despise them. Since I don't run the country, all I can do is yell at 'em. The other option is to run 'em over, but as a compassionate conservative, I would never do that."

At least he appears to harbor no ill feelings towards cyclists. :rolleyes: On second thought, maybe he does now that the pesky bicycling witness stopped him after the hit and run.

[Squirrel_Girl]

Yes, you guys are correct. I was trying to avoid political speak while acknowledging the legitimacy of those who were criticizing. And it came out ham-handed. Which is why I wanted us to avoid politics to begin with. Then the mods don't have to try and step in and not quite get it right.

[Squirrel_Girl]

All this reminds me of (please, it's not meant political!)...

Did any of you read Charlie Wilson's War? I'm not sure it was in the movie, and it if was, it wasn't explained fully.

Charlie Wilson was driving while drunk and hit a ped on the Key Bridge. His staff was able to pay off the victim by getting a settlement quick like before the guy realized he could sue the crap out of Wilson.

The point is that each of these guys is a big wig Washingtonian who hit a ped. Wilson was drunk. The question is was Novak distracted, driving while old (which most of us will be someday), stupid, careless or other "exuse"? And we have a bicycle hero. Yes, it would be VERY good to have another corroborating witness. I can't imagine somebody else didn't see it.

[Buddylee]

What makes me sad is the reaction some people have to this kind of event and that of poor a Allison. The argument that "they got what was coming" is just out of comprehension to me. I don’t understand the disregard for life some people have. Even through this latest incident with dumba$$ backwards thinking Novak, I’ve read some comments about how the cyclist shouldn’t have been on the road and caused more of an issue than the incident itself? Really?

I’m sad.

[chowderbutt]

the bike hero is an attorney so hes a reliable witness;)
but others saw it and politico reported that a named witness to the stoppage (not the accident) said he actually jumped on the hood and said something to the effect "this guy hit someone and wont stop"

I hope people pressure the dc police on this one.

[Squirrel_Girl]

Even through this latest incident with dumba$$ backwards thinking NovakAh, ah, ah!
http://forums.caves.org/images/smilies/nono.gif

[blacknell]

Okay, so maybe this is back to politics, but it's too good not to share (http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/britains-bicyclist-in-chief-is-robbed/index.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss) (go ahead, ban me):

A lot of bicycles are stolen in London — nearly 19,000 a year, according to Reuters. But thieves who prefer to operate in the shadows have stumbled today into the top of Britain’s headlines.

Someone swiped the bike of the British opposition leader, David Cameron, who happens to be a national advocate for parking that gas-guzzling automobile and pedaling instead. Mr. Cameron, the Conservative party chief, regularly commutes to work at the House of Commons by bicycle.

So, guys, tell me - was it a Labour thief or one of those dirty Lib Dems?

Oh, the humanity!

This is a timed quiz.

[Buddylee]

Ah, ah, ah!
http://forums.caves.org/images/smilies/nono.gif

That has nothing to do with his political beliefs, only those beliefs against pedestrians that have been documented.

:D

[JFritsch]

I just hope this case isn't closed and he doesn't get away with a hit and run (if it was) because of his fame/aggressive additude.

[Buddylee]

Okay, so maybe this is back to politics, but it's too good not to share (http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/britains-bicyclist-in-chief-is-robbed/index.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss) (go ahead, ban me):

A lot of bicycles are stolen in London — nearly 19,000 a year, according to Reuters. But thieves who prefer to operate in the shadows have stumbled today into the top of Britain’s headlines.

Someone swiped the bike of the British opposition leader, David Cameron, who happens to be a national advocate for parking that gas-guzzling automobile and pedaling instead. Mr. Cameron, the Conservative party chief, regularly commutes to work at the House of Commons by bicycle.

So, guys, tell me - was it a Labour thief or one of those dirty Lib Dems?

Oh, the humanity!


This is a timed quiz.

My favorite comment. It's so stupid I don't even think there is a reply...

"With all due respect, I’ve never quite understood why anyone over eight years old would ride a bicycle. For almost the same price, you can get a motorcycle. They have a motor. You don’t have to push.

After living in Indonesia, however, I do firmly believe that young girls under eight years old should have to pass a driving test of some sort before being permitted to drive a motorbike. So, yes, there is a niche for bicycles: girls under eight (boys drive faster so they pay more attention) who cannot pass a driving test.

— Posted by Boldizar"

Maybe it's a poor attempt at humor?

[DaveG]

Just a flesh wound (http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0708/537957.html)?



Wow. Definitely didn't read that. Changes the composition of the story completely if true.

[Squirrel_Girl]

Wow. Definitely didn't read that. Changes the composition of the story completely if true.Different media outlets seem to give differing/incomplete stories. That's why some good corroboration would help.

[blacknell]

All of those grow from the same Politico story/reporter. They're just relabeling it (you'll note that at the bottom of each). That story is just an update - it's not contradicted anywhere.

Anyone up for a discussion on media consolidation?

Kidding.

[CRAIG2]

I just hope this case isn't closed and he doesn't get away with a hit and run (if it was) because of his fame/aggressive additude.

Yeah, 'cause that never happens.... Holding my breath in 3, 2, 1.....

[riderx]

Vote now, vote often (http://cfc.wjla.com/processpoll.cfm?i=1899#) ;)

[Squirrel_Girl]

Vote now, vote often (http://cfc.wjla.com/processpoll.cfm?i=1899#) ;)

Ew, it's 52:48 yes:no at 2:10 pm. I am dubious as to what to believe at this point (well-he even admits he hit the guy--just whether the guy rolled on his hood or not).

[Squirrel_Girl]

http://blog.esaba.com/projects/catphotos/catimagessimple3/210505.jpg

[jabberwocky]

Jon Stewart had an amusing take on this whole episode last night.

Watch it here: http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=177433&title=headlines-novaks-hit-and-run

[Dr Phil mmkay]

I just saw that a few minutes ago. Freaking hilarious.

[allroy]

DC needs more vigilante bikers, awesome quote.

Jon Stewart had an amusing take on this whole episode last night.

Watch it here: http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=177433&title=headlines-novaks-hit-and-run

[Squirrel_Girl]

The victim speaks:

http://www.nbc4.com/news/16983294/detail.html

"I waited for the right of way, when I got the signal I started across the street and as I got halfway across the street I noticed a car approaching at 10 or so miles an hour wasn't going to stop."

He said he realized he was about to get hit and used his knowledge of judo to protect himself.

"As I whirled, and, uh, the bumper of the car swept my legs from under me, I rolled under the tail of the car's engine, and swirled to the left side of the car so I would drop down on the pavement," he said.
.
.
He said he bears no ill will toward Robert Novak. "No, he probably did me a favor. He gave me a great story," Lilyenquist said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072402099.html

"Yeah, it's possible that he didn't know he hit me," Liljenquist said. "The vehicle was moving at 10 miles per hour or something like that, and the driver might not have seen me, because I rolled off and fell down to the pavement. So, yeah, it's possible that he didn't see me. He wasn't paying attention to his driving."
.
.
I had the right of way," he said. "But an automobile was approaching on K Street. He just kept going. . . . His bumper run under me. And I did a maneuver. I rolled across his . . ."

He paused, until Russell finally said, "The hood of his car?"

Liljenquist continued, "Across his [unintelligible] and then fell down to the pavement."

Bono and others said in interviews that they think Novak was attempting to flee the scene before Bono stopped him, but Novak said he did not know he had hit a pedestrian until Bono told him.

[brian_brox]

"He wasn't paying attention to his driving." - LiljenquistYou can bet Novak will keep his mind and eyes on the road from now on. Fines of approximately 66% of the cost of a DC parking ticket or 20% of that of a speeding ticket send a powerfull message to drivers everywhere.

If you are driving into work and find yourself in a situation where your only three options are: (a) pull over and park, (b) speed up, or (c) run someone over with your car, well, you better choose C.

[BikerMiker]

I LOVE Jon Stewart. What a great quote. I'm getting that tatooed on my arse.

I don't know Novak's politics, nor do I really care, but I can imagine what it must feel like to want to get away from a bad situation like hitting somebody. I HOPE that my sense of decency would overcome my need to flee...

And how big of got-hit-dude to almost JOKE about it! He's been living in DC for a while, eh? I might be a bit more upset but, again, I would hope that I could pull off getting hit with some class, like this guy. Sure he could be ranting and raving and wanting to sue, but 10mph and he's ok, right? Good on him!

And the bike rider! Of course we are all a bit pro-cyclist, eh? This guy is just a good dude. This is what I call 'Civic Duty.' Without the details, I'd be telling the story about chasing down Robert Novak in a Corvette on my bike! (I'd leave out the whole 'city streets' and 'traffic' stuff to make the story better!

We do have some good points about the fines and laws that don't do much for cyclists/peds if we get hit. Laws in some countries make the automobile driver liable for any damages in any situation when a cyclist or ped is hit.

Discuss...

mike

[riderx]

I hope an investigation is underway and more than the $50 ticket is issued. Sounds like the victim has more of his facilities remaining than Novak despite being almost a decade older.

On Thursday, he remained hospitalized with shoulder injuries after being hit by Novak's car downtown. He recounted the incident in a telephone interview with News4's Pat Collins.

Don Lilyenquist is 86 years old, not 66 as police originally reported.

And in other news, $25 tickets are being handed out (http://dcist.com/2008/07/24/cops_ticket_cyclists_at_new_hampshi .php) like candy to cyclists. That's quite an interesting bit of traffic engineering at the intersection. A one way street that changes directions...

[CRAIG2]

Novak is a piece of sh*t. This is what he had to say about things:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/07/23/sot.novak.on.pedestrian.wjla

Straight from the horse's (a$$) mouth. He got popped for 'failure to yield the right of way'. Nice job from DC's finest. Nothing about leaving the scene, nothing about running someone over. Love it.

[Squirrel_Girl]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25887680/

Syndicated columnist and former “Crossfire” host Robert Novak has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is suspending his journalistic work.

Novak issued a statement Monday saying the tumor was found Sunday after he had been rushed to Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital from Cape Cod, where he was visiting his daughter.

The Chicago Sun-Times columnist says he is suspending his journalistic work for an indefinite, “but God willing, not too lengthy period.” His statement did not say if the tumor was malignant.

[blacknell]

No. Still a liar. But it looks like someone said yes to my earlier question.

[saxman]

Wow. Karma really is a bitch, isn't it?