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Free Speech In The World of Bridge....

by: Kathy Sullivan 2

Wed Nov 14, 2007 at 09:27:09 AM EST
In an effort to follow chairman Buckley's suggestion that we try to remember that we all agree more than we differ (and since it is his birthday, I will try to follow his suggestion, at least for the rest of the day!), I have news about an effort to quash free speech in the world of bridge.

According to today's NY Times (I'm reading the print edition, don't know if this story is on line), the United States Bridge Association wants to suspend, for one year, a team of women who won the women's world championship title in Shanghai last month for holding up a sign (actually, written on the back of a menu) at an awards dinner, that said "We did not vote for Bush."
Kathy Sullivan 2 :: Free Speech In The World of Bridge....
The world of bridge a hotbed of political activity? Who knew?

While at first I thought this story was funny, the more I read, the more I realized how totally messed up it is.  The bridge team captain described it as a moment of levity; apparently, the federation disagreed, and is proposing a "settlement" that would suspend the women for one year, followed by a one year probation, 200 hours of community service "furthering the interests of organized bridge" (okay, that part is still funny), and an apology drafted by the federation lawyer.  They also have to rat out - excuse me, tell who broached the idea of displaying the sign. If they refuse, according to a letter from the federation lawyer, they will press for greater sanctions.

This threatens the livelihood of the teammembers, some of whom make their living from playing bridge.  One of those members, Debbie Rosenberg, is not backing down, however, and stated in an e mail to the NT Times, "Freedom to express dissent against our leaders has traditionally been a core American value.  Unfortunately, the Bush brand of patriotism, where criticizing Bush means you are a traitor, seems to have penetrated a significant minority of U.S. bridge players."  Good for her!

There are many reasons this election in '08 matters; the right to free speech is one of them.
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Free Speech In The World of Bridge.... | 6 comments
Happy birthday Chairman Buckley (0.00 / 0)
Isn't bridge the staple of the "greatest generation"  they are sliding down a very slippery slope with this one.  That said "making a living playing bridge" - too bad I dozing when that was mentioned at the career workshop.

standing on the sidelines looking for a reason to enter the fray.
I guess the USBA (0.00 / 0)
wants to burnish its credentials as a major "sport" by showcasing an out-of-touch, authoritarian Commissioner's Office.

The last "political" furor I recall from the world of bridge was when Billy Jean King's former husband was trying to organize a major championship sponsored by a tobacco company. The late Freddie Sheinwold was outraged, given the toll cancer was taking among the older bridge players. It split the bridge community for a while.

I guess the USBA (0.00 / 0)
wants to burnish its credentials as a major "sport" by showcasing an out-of-touch, authoritarian Commissioner's Office.

The last "political" furor I recall from the world of bridge was when Billy Jean King's former husband was trying to organize a major championship sponsored by a tobacco company. The late Freddie Sheinwold was outraged, given the toll cancer was taking among the older bridge players. It split the bridge community for a while.

Elwood Impresses Me!! (4.00 / 1)
Elwood, your knowledge of the history of bridge controversies is very impressive!  The only card game I know anything about is poker, and it is a very small amount of knowledge at that. 

You have reminded me that back in the day, Virginia Slims was a big sponsor of women's tennis.  Was that the connection between Billie Jean's ex and the tobacco companies? 

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

[ Parent ]
I think so. (0.00 / 0)
Matt Granovetter was publisher of Bridge World when King was promoting this. Sheinwold was a contributor to the magazine, and quit when Granovetter endorsed the King proposal in an editorial.
[ Parent ]
Free Speech in the world of Bridge (0.00 / 0)
Kathy, I hope you saw the NY Times Editorial page today.
Free Speech In The World of Bridge.... | 6 comments
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