By Staff
Editor,
Most people who know me are well aware that there is rarely a time when I don't have an opinion about anything or everything, and today is no exception.
I became outraged when I was informed that the members of Augusta National Golf Club are being bullied into allowing women to join their famous club. Being just above the average hacker and well below pro status, I must stand on the side of the members of Augusta National.
For those of you who don't know what I am talking about; please allow me to briefly bring you up to speed. About a month ago, if not longer, Martha Burk began her campaign pressuring Hootie Johnson into admitting women as members of the club.
Martha Burk is the head of the National Council of Women's Organizations. I must note that Burk and her organization have done many good things to further the advancement of women's issues, but I must also add that this is not a fight Burk nor her organization should be fighting.
Indeed, this war of words is just plain ridiculous. This type of "Sally crying to mommy because Jacob won't allow her to play in his tree house" is nothing but childish. No offense to these children who are above this level of bickering.
I must admit that I would not be the first person to advocate change, but even I realize that change will occur whether I want it to or not – and this is a time when I don't want it to happen.
I don't want women – as members – to hit from the same ceremonial tees that the likes of Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead have hit from for many years. I don't want to give women the opportunity of having to choose which club they are going to use to hit their second shot into Amen Corner. And I even don't want to give women the pleasure or honor of having to choose the menu for the Champion's Dinner.
I would not consider giving women any of those things is they become members by the means Burk is prescribing. I am not for women's rights, African-American rights, gay rights or any other "right" that is connected to a particular group of people.
I am for equal rights for everyone. Giving everyone an equal and level playing field, that is what I stand for. Having said that, some may ask why I don't want to give women a chance to join Augusta National.
To those who would ask such a question, I say this: isn't it obvious, Augusta National is a private club.
If Johnson and the other members do not want to extend an invitation to women, then who am I to say that they have to? Instead of sending letters to members of Augusta National pleading her case, Burk should have her gang out teaching today's young girls proper female etiquette.
Robert Weaver
Atmore