The Bradenton Herald reports the latest on Martha Burk and her movement to destroy freedom of association. The latest chapter is truly disgusting.

As Neal points out this morning, it would seem as though all the war news has pushed Martha's message to the back burner. Not one to let publicity slip through her fingers, Burk is now trying to use the war in Iraq to further her cause.

Burk whines that women fighting for America in Iraq are not allowed to join the ultra exclusive 300-member Augusta National Golf Club. "We have women fighting for American values in Iraq. Women fighting for their country. But there's something wrong with this picture. Women can't get into Augusta." I'd bet dollars to donuts that those men fighting in Iraq are not members of Augusta National Golf Club either.

The sad fact is that it is our core American values that Burk is trying to break down. She is attempting to dismantle a person's fundamental right to pick and choose their friends, and associates. What really burns me up is her outright bitchiness confidence. "It's a shame that things have gotten to this point," Burk said. "Augusta should have ended this months ago. We know what the outcome will be, that they will change their membership policy. I don't know why they have put themselves through this."

If for no other reason than to stick it to Ms. Burk, I hope that Hootie Johnson prevails. Legally, Burk doesn't have a leg to stand on. Instead she is trying to appeal to the court of public opinion, to get enough people on her side to vote with their dollars. It is somewhat akin to the action of boycotting the French, or the Dixie Chicks based on their beliefs. Burk hopes that if enough people boycott the Master's Tournament, their sponsors, and anyone else involved, Augusta National Golf Club will open their membership. They are free to keep their membership closed, but then again, Coca-Cola and other former sponsor's are free to dissolve their relationship. That is the price Augusta may have to pay for exercising their freedoms.

Although I disagree with Augusta's policy, I observe their right to do so. I also note that Hootie Johnson helped desegregate South Carolina University, and was responsible for the appointment of women to management positions at Banker's Trust. The members of Augusta National are also stepping up to personally provide $3.5 Million to the private charities that usually benefit from the Club's sponsors. Given that, I am much more apt to be sickened by Burk's blatant opportunism than the exclusiveness of the club. At first she was exploiting the cause of women's rights to shamelessly raise herself up to national prominence. Now she's exploiting the war.

I'll say it again: If Burk is successful, the legal team at Ravenwood's Universe will seriously consider exerting public pressure to allow men's admittance into the Girl Scouts, the National Organization for Women, the Oprah book club, and women's public restrooms.

UPDATE: If you want to delve more into the politics of Burk's quest, I suggest reading the synopsis of Bryant Gumbel's excellent interview with Burk.