What the hell is bridge, anyway? Apparently it's its own little world. A sport if you will. And the bridge world is experiencing some drama. This woman in the above photo held up this sign that said, "We did not vote for Bush." Haaaalarious, no? But some folks aren't too happy.
Many of those offended by the sign do not consider the expressions of regret sufficient. “I think an apology is kind of specious,” said Jim Kirkham, who has played in several bridge championships. “It’s not that I don’t forgive them, but I still think they should be punished.”
Oh and there's more. Everything from sanctions to lost funding is at stake. Lawyers are involved. Proposaed punishments include: "a one-year suspension from federation events, including the World Bridge Olympiad next year in Beijing; a one-year probation after that suspension; 200 hours of community service “that furthers the interests of organized bridge”; and an apology drafted by the federation’s lawyer." And the French team at the tournament in question had this to say:
“By trying to address these issues in a nonviolent, nonthreatening and lighthearted manner,” the French team wrote in by e-mail to the federation’s board and others, “you were doing only what women of the world have always tried to do when opposing the folly of men who have lost their perspective of reality.”
And one woman fears a more personal loss:
“I earn my living from bridge, and a substantial part of that from being hired to compete in high-level competitions,” Debbie Rosenberg, a team member, said. “So being barred would directly affect much of my ability to earn a living.”
Or, you could get a real job, Debbie.
Isn't this like a "Waiting for Guffman"/"Best in Show"/"A Mighty Wind" waiting to happen?
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