Category: Representatives

Today was a rest day to look after some mundane needs (laundry, bike servicing, banking, shopping etc.) but also to visit the Utah State Capitol. An impressive hill top edifice of marble spacious plazas, grounds – and views from all directions.

With temperatures in the low 20’s (Celsius) it was a perfect day for a visit. A number of tour groups were milling about, varying from tour groups from southeast Asia to the local school kids out on a field trip.

(one wonder’s if they thought these were tributes to Mustafa and Simba)

Like many of the western states we have visited, the house was not in session, and the governor was out of the capitol, so after a quick trip to the gift shop we grabbed an Uber and returned to Harrison Eurosports to pickup our motorcycles after servicing. Lot’s of business there – with a fleet of motorcycles outside the doors awaiting servicing (including this Utah Highway Patrol R-1250 RT police special)

With our afternoon free we took in a show at the local Multi-plex and grabbed a bite, and learning along the way that the Larry H Miller Family is prominent (our serviceman said they own half the state along with the Utah Jazz)

A successful rest day, we’re ready to hit the road again tomorrow.

Visiting the Santa Fe statehouse was an unexpected pleasure. Prior reviews of the capitol from Google Street level showed a modern, somewhat modest building with non of the curb side grandeur that we’ve seen at other states. However, after entry into the building that all changed.

The interior is bright marble with corridors filled with art of all types. It is essentially a free gallery with a diverse and compelling collection of local and national artists.

Here’s a sample ..

One item that stood out was a piece that seemed inspired by the “Me Too” movement and highlighted a group of well known advocates for women’s rights as well as women who are prominent for a variety of reasons. The work is titled ” Keep Your Hands Out of Our Drawers” and consists of a card catalogue cabinet with drawers pulled out and containing pictures and a quote of these women.

Some interesting Quotes:

“People ask me sometimes … when will there be enough women on the court. And I tell them when there are nine.”
Ruth Bader Ginsberg

“The truth will set you free but first it will piss you off”
Gloria Steinem

“The idea that a woman can be as powerful as a man is something our society can’t deal with … but I am as powerful as a man and it drives them crazy”
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

I was surprised to see this relatively recent quote from a young Swedish environmental activist who has been in the news:

” I don’t want your hope. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic and act as if the house is on fire.“
Greta Thunberg

After a quick tour of the house and senate chambers (both houses are in recess – they sit for 120 days on even years and 60 days in odd years starting in January) we stopped in on the Governor’s office. Unfortunately, Michelle Grisham was visiting communities in the north part of the state as part of an outreach program.

A Democrat, Grisham shares many of the Democrat take on various issues – including the retirement of student debt. While many of the current Democrat contenders advocate full forgiveness, Michelle’s position is to do so only after 10 years and only if the student has paid 120 payments. A somewhat more pragmatic approach. It will be interesting to see if others pick up on it.