Free Speech In The World of Bridge....by: Kathy Sullivan 2Wed Nov 14, 2007 at 09:27:09 AM EST |
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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." |
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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. |