No, we're not going to Berlin to tell Voigt's kids he's dead.
Woke up on the wrong side of the peloton today.
We're irritated by Jens Voigt of all people, which is sort of like being angry at Oprah or Tom Hanks or Mother Teresa. Jens won Most Beloved Rider a long time ago but he still ticked us off.
We're irritated with the following quote:
"If I had a fatal crash, who of you, who think the radio ban is a great idea, will go to Berlin and explain to my six children that it was the right decision and daddy was just an unlucky victim in the so important battle for more drama in cycling?” - Jens Voigt
Well, of course nobody wants to go to Berlin with Jen's dead body in a bag, knock on the door and tell the kids the unfortunate news. But it's also a cheap emotional ploy because framing the radio ban debate that way only allows one answer. The alternative makes you look devoid of human feelings, callous and cold hearted, a leper asshole freak who hates all living things.
Which might all be true but we're still in favor of the radio ban.
The "daddy's dead" argument reminds Twisted Spoke of the people who want to spend millions to build a safety fence on the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. Every year, a dozen or so people commit suicide by leaping from the bridge. So the idea is to build a tall, hideous-looking suicide barrier along the entire length of the bridge on both sides to prevent the jumpers from jumping.
So here's how this foolishness works out: the dozen people who want to commit suicide kill themselves some other way at some other less scenic place -- and lose the poetic drama of a Golden Gate swan dive. Let people die with style and panache!
Meanwhile you destroy the inspiring beauty of the bridge and wreck the incredible views of the entire bay area for the tens of thousands of people who drive, bike and walk across the bridge each single day.
"Mr. Twisted Spoke are you prepared to travel to someone's house to tell a parent their son or daughter committed suicide by leaping off the bridge because you didn't want to sully your postcard views by building a safety barrier? Do you hate all human life and puppies, too?
Answer? Nope, not going to their house and not going to Berlin either. Now, if you'll excuse me I have to take the Disco Elevator.