Tim (and everyone else)

I was talking to my attorney this morning (setting our golf game this
weekend) and for grins, ran this past her...

Now - this being BSEPA, your laws may vary, so CHECK WITH AN ATTORNEY!

Her suggestion would be (if this were me, in BSEPA), to do as John Korb did
- to strike the offending clause, initial next to it, and place your
attorney's name and number on the document.  Yeah - they'll jump and holler,
but you are protecting your right to earn a living in the USA, which has
laws regarding the freedom to work for whomever you like.  This clause is
unfairly restricting your marketability, and therefore, your potential for
earning a living.

So --- as everyone here is saying --- get thee to a lawyer, get her or his
advice as soon as possible, then follow through.  Remember, that your
employer thinks they are in the drivers seat --- they need to be shown
otherwise.

Again, best of luck!

Joe