The Assembly of the State of Wisconsin has passed a bill proclaiming that “No sporting event may be held in a venue the construction of which was financed at least in part from moneys contributed by a state agency or local governmental unit unless the event is preceded by the playing or singing of the national anthem.” (AB 226, 2021)
The bill does not define “sporting event”. If I take a Frisbee to the park and toss it with a friend, is that a “sporting event”? How about a pick-up softball game? A kids’ soccer game?
A park is, by definition, “a venue …financed…by a state agency or local governmental unit” (unless a National Park). Therefore, it appears that any sporting event in a park must be accompanied by the National Anthem – if this bill passes the Senate and is signed by the Governor. Understand that this is a state that failed to pass any legislation establishing safety regulations related to COVID-19.
I, for one, am fully prepared to sing the National Anthem when I throw a stick for Bailey to fetch. If I don’t feel like singing, I have it ready on my phone.
I’m going to define this trip as a “Sporting Event”. In several weeks we will pass through Wisconsin and we will ride in “a venue…financed…by a state agency or local government unit”. Just in case I forget then, here is the National Anthem to kick off Cycle America 2022!
In Massachusetts, you must sing it correctly. To sing the anthem “other than as a whole and separate composition or number, without embellishment or addition in the way of national or other melodies” is a crime. (General Laws, Part IV, Title I, Chapter 264, Section 9.) Having heard some renditions before sporting events, I might be inclined to agree.
Day 1 Everett to Skykomish 76 miles, 3517 feet of climbing for 680 feet of net elevation gain.
Don’t expect these data every day. I set my altimeter according to Google at our start point. I believe there was a misplaced decimal point, as we were 160 feet below sea level when we reached Puget Sound.
Cold! Wet! Death-defying busy highway! Drawbridges without shoulders! And that was all in the first five miles.
We rode west (West!?) for the first 16 miles for the obligatory dip-the-rear-tire-in-the-Pacific-Ocean photo op – our first scenic detour. We didn’t actually make progress toward Boston for the first 30 miles. It’s a good thing crossing the continent is mostly incidental to having a good time.
To yesterday’s list we add France and British Columbia to the homes of our riders. It rained a bit overnight so we packed up wet. My neighbor carefully dried her tent, then went inside for something. When she came back out, it was raining. Breakfast was forgettable – hash browns that had been rehydrated and heated. “Hash whites” would be more accurate. Coffee was ½ hour late and pale brown water. It looked like the water of Castle Rock Lake but lacked the flavor. It ruined perfectly good water. Thanks to my former co-workers for the shot of espresso at “Proper Joe”, a coffee shop at mile 30. The town of Snohomish seemed like a pleasant place if it weren’t cold and wet. My former co-workers will keep me in espresso and beer as I cross the continent. Thanks again! And feel free to comment below. Just don’t give me too much work news – remember the “former” that goes before co-worker.
I probably wrote of Skykomish’s history as a Superfund site last time, so go back to June 17, 2018 to read that story.
The rain stopped after a few hours and we had a cool and cloudy day. Arriving at camp, I dried out and pitched the tent, cleaned and lubed the bike, then took a shower. As they say, take care of the horse first.
After going back and forth a few times I decided not to bring a sleeping bag since I was usually too warm four years ago. Too warm has not been an issue. I need to sleep in more clothes tonight.
As usual out west, the most beautiful views were in places that it was barely safe to look – no way could I stop for a picture. Tomorrow we go up and over Stevens Pass.
Half-fast Cycling Club 
Who is Bailey?
Here’s hoping you will have a bit less chill soon….but, not heat like we are having! Wishing you the best!
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Emery’s dog. Thanks!
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Hmmmm….cold at night is no fun. I guess it’ll get drier anyway as you head east and maybe warmer. I love the idea of taking some of the Pacific to put into the Atlantic. I love this post but for me the National Anthem — I hate it. It’s an ugly song, unsingable and doesn’t reflect my feelings toward this benighted nation at all. I say America the Beautiful. Also, making a law that says it has to be performed in any park paid for by government funds? Stupid populism. None of this means anything. what means something? Picking up after your dog and carrying out your trash. I dunno. Thanks for giving me space to rant. :-p
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My choice would be “This land is my land” – with all of the verses.
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That’s a good one.
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What you need Steve is a very light sleeping bag. Maybe later in the trip. I like the job announcement and the anthropology character. I hope things get better as the days go on. Most likely they will!
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I had a very light sleeping bag last time. It was too hot and sweating in nylon is uncomfortable. Maybe the sleeping bag and a sheet would have been the best choice.
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