To start off with, everything that follows here are simply OBSERVATIONS. You can spin it any way you want but it’s intended to be my feelings on a couple issues here in the North that are not leaving a good impression to outsiders.
I’m NOT taking a position, NOT making political commentary or anything else. It’s just a light shining on us that I wish was shining somewhere else.
A couple weeks ago, State Attorney General Josh Kaul was being praised by the state’s Indian Tribes for filing several lawsuits, backed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against several so-called prediction market companies including Kalshi, Coinbase and Polymarket, saying they’re bypassing state laws by characterizing sports bets as “event contracts.” Three other states are doing the same thing.
Then, just a week later, the DOJ turns around and sues the Lac du Flambeau Band of Chippewa for closing a number of reservation lakes to non-tribal members in an effort to help preserve a declining walleye and musky fishery. The agency says the decision was made in isolation and should have included the state. The Tribe, state and anglers have been at odds over fishing for decades and this episode prolongs the ill feelings. There have also been problems at boat landings over the off-reservation walleye/musky harvest with the spearing season.
Then, we have the Minocqua Brewing Company and its owner, Kirk Bangstad. Now, he’s entitled to his political opinions, and shares them quite often. But when they prompt a visit from the FBI and Secret Service, that’s another spotlight we don’t necessarily need.
Northern Wisconsin is a shining beacon of the way life should be. Relaxed. Adventurous. Supporting. But, lately the stuff creeping up here is tarnishing those images and we don’t deserve it. There’s no right answer to any of this, either. People take strong stances on both sides and I guess we’re not immune to controversy. Civility is good…
MM