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Martha Burk, chairwoman of the National Council of Women's Organizations, talks with the media during Masters week protests outside the gates of Augusta National on April 12, 2003 in Augusta, Ga.
The woman who led a protest starting in 2002 calling for the Augusta National Golf Club to admit female members on Monday welcomed the club’s decision to end its males-only policy, saying, “I knew we could outlast them.”
Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne announced Monday that it had invited Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina financier Darla Moore to become the first women members when the club begins its new season in October and that they had accepted.
The home of the Masters was under growing criticism due to the policy. Dr. Martha Burk made national headlines when she led a protest against it, culminating in a 2003 parking lot protest during the National Championships. At the time, former club Chairman Hootie Johnson said Augusta National could one day have a woman in the member's green jacket, ''but not at the point of a bayonet.''
Augusta National announces inclusion of women
Burk, former chair of the National Council of Women’s Organizations and now director of its corporate accountability project, told NBC News she was pleased with the decision.
“I think it has pretty broad significance because the club is emblematic of the power structure of corporate America,” Burk said from Albuquerque, N.M. “It makes a statement that women are going to be accepted into, shall we say, these off-campus venues of power that the leaders of corporate America hang at.”
Burk attributed the change to their unrelenting pressure.
"I thought it was going to take a long time but I knew we could outlast them," she said. “I knew that if we kept bringing pressure and did not let up, which we have not, that it would happen."
While there are other organizations that maintain a males-only policy, none of them is functioning as “de facto public accommodations as Augusta was,” Burk said.
“None of them … are able to make the statement that Augusta makes as to the place of women, not only in society, but in corporate America, because none of them have the six-star roster that Augusta National has,” she added.
The lesson learned for women’s rights groups, is to “never give up, never give up, never give up. That’s it,” she said.
When asked if she would be interested in becoming a member, she said one doesn't apply, but "if they offer me a membership, I will certainly accept it.
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Separation of church and state. Pious people wanting to impose there ideology on everybody else. Really, using a macro view,things change but people do not. There will always be narrow minded bigoted people in positions where they can impose their ignorance on others. This coming from an educator. What a shame.
Jesus was the first one to insist on separation of church and state. "Render unto Ceasar the things that are Ceasars and unto God the things that are God's"
That's a separation of church and state as plain as any the Anti Christian Lawyers Union (ACLU) has come up with.
The shame is that the Augusta Golf Club gave into Feminist activism. Does this mean that it will be illegal for any private institution to segregate by sex ?
The next issue is whether the women will feel it is unfair to play golf with the men. In the Olympics, men run the 110m high hurdles and women run the 100m low hurdles. Both sexes receive an independent medal. There are probably 10,000 men that are faster than each female competitor.
I don't think they gave in at all. Burk has been after them for years but gotten nowhere. No, the members allowed 2 women into the club membership when it was appropriate. Burk needs to be careful not to break her arm patting herself on the back.
I am going to start protesting entry into some women only clubs. There's all kinds of women only gyms and what not. We'll see how they take to that.
I have never heard of a women only golf club, where are they? Where I live there are no women only gym clubs either, but I have to admit they do segregate the dressing rooms.
Lol!.... "At the time, former club Chairman Hootie Johnson famously said Augusta National might one day have a woman in a green jacket, ''but not at the point of a bayonet.''" - what a drama king. But then, "Hootie" - really?
If the "club" gets corporate sponsorship, which no doubt they do, it is a backward position to take when some of the corps have women in them. No one is saying to usurp private mens' clubs, like the Masons or Elks, nor ladies' informal bridge clubs and bowling leagues. (Women's workout clubs are private, and they pay their fees without subsidy.)
No one likes change, but time goes on, and darn - women get to vote and everything.
The Barnard: Since yours is the first posting to this aritcle, I have to ask what your statement has to do with women playing golf at the Augusta National Golf Club.
Then I want to ask the panel what impact they imagine this decision has on women in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and other discriminatory countries, cultures, and religions. Are there not enough important such areas that need attention before concerning ourselves with discrimination at a golf club that most Americans couldn't afford to join if they wanted to?
If this stupid shrew thinks that she had anything to do with this decision she is completely deluding herself. The decision on the part of Augusta National had nothing to do with her or he feebly attended protests. This decision was not based on any protest, as clearly demonstrated by the fact that it occurred ten years after the protest this idiot held. She needs to just crawl back into her hole and realize that she had absolutely no relevance or impact on this decision and that her stupid protest in no way factored into this decision.
If a woman can afford to belong to this golf club it is probably a woman in business or a position of power, like these women. A lot of what goes on at these "clubs" has nothing to do with golf. They are a site of much networking and business. That is why so many corporations pay for memberships or sponsorship. Is it fair to leave women at a business disadvantage?
The gall of this woman thinking that it was her inane antics 9 years ago that somehow forced the Augusta golf club to admit these women.
As I recall, her little campout protest drew only a couple of dozen like minded supporters that quickly left after it became apparent that nobody paid any attention to them.
The ideologues will no doubt concoct reasons for the admissions that are far different from reality.
Back when Hootie and Martha were making fools out of themselves, I predicted in time, after Hootie resigned, Augusta National would quietly admit a female member -- probably a conservative Republican. It was simply a matter of time. Welcome to the 21st century Augusta National.
Nice move Augusta national - your first female member is a war criminal. I suppose that makes sense for the type of place it is.
There are many women only gyms. I hope men demand admittanceto these facilities. Augusta should have stood their ground. Admitting women to this club now changes the dynamics of of what goes on there in a potentially bad way. Why can't women be satisfied by opening/buying their own exclusive country club if that's what they want. Now a-days there are plenty of wealthy/rich women to network with. Or are they just looking for a rich Mr. Johnson?
"The Barnard" is a shamefully ignorant dolt and should be jailed for the damage it has caused to its poor students ... "truthseeker 244" is just a lowly bottom feeder that doesn't have a very good grasp on reality which most probably starts with himself and continues outward infinitely.
And Panther Hunter is a silly name for a scared girl.
Well I'm not scared or a girl but. Attention all feminists please watch this (Georgia Hull "Horrible Deeds" on You Tube) a music video about violence to women.
It would have first been "appropriate" about 79 years ago. For Augusta to wait so long says a lot about the misogynistic culture of the south as well as male privilege.
Oh, be still my heart....women can now play golf with the guys at Augusta. At last, our problems are over, and I can get on with my life.
hardtostarboard, That's what bigots, racists and sexists always say. Why can't "they" start their own clubs? Why can't "they" have their own schools? Can't "they" go to their own church? Why can't they live somewhere else? etc etc etc. As far as gyms or health clubs go, there are places like Curves that cater to women. In some states men are allowed to join. But for the most part Curves is designed for women's workouts and for women to feel comfortable about working out. I have been to many gyms in my life. Many are testosterone fueled ogle palaces. Some women want the work out without having to fend off the advances of every smell sweaty Casanova in the place. Some women do not feel comfortable in workout clothes in front of men due to today's body image pressures that women are under. Golf clubs have always had a history of discrimination. No Jews here we're restricted, No ni***** allowed (unless they're caddies or attendants). The difference between men and women when it comes to golf is minimal after the T shot. Condie Rice can probably out play 80% of the members of Augusta and she and they know it. As much as I disagree with her politics she is a well educated, accomplished, gifted woman. There isn't a legitimate club in America she isn't fit to join.
Think of all the good you could have done using your energy on important issues. My favorite sign during the protest back in 2002 was the one being held by the guy in the back of the protesters. "Iron My Shirt". Still makes me laugh.
Can anyone please list all the exclusive women only clubs in America I am on admission to apply for membership and if I am refused I will sue. Women just do not understand, we just need a place to get away from your continously moving mouths for a little while.
Jerry, I can't post all the exclusive women's clubs, but there is a group of women(never have seen a man there that I am aware of) that meets three times a week, with different ladies depending on the night. So you might want to check it out.It seems to be part of a larger network so you might find a group in your area to drop by and see if they refuse to admit you. Lots of pretty young healthy ladies hang out there pretty regular for a spell.Don't know about being able to sue them though. Admittance will depend on your own life skills. It's a breast feeding support group.
there you go again Jerry, showing yourself and your poorly thought out opinions.
Well, there goes my male only porn watching club. Guess I'm gonna have to admit a few hot chicks. Oh well, as the world turns.
Devils Son, because I believe in the concept of "freedom of association" that make me a sexist, racist, homophobic? You, me or anyone should be allowed to form a club with whatever rules you/I want with regard to who can be in it. You don't know the 1st or anything about me. But for the record, I make no distinction between race, sex, political affiliation, religion, etc., etc., etc., of who I befriend, they are who they are in all colors shapes and sizes. But then it gets better, you go on to justify all the reasons why women SHOULD be allowed to have an exclusive club. They can't have it both ways. Also for the record, I love Condi, but that can't be according to you. Go screw yourself twit.
As the local DJ said on the radio...
"You guys have Curves, we have Augusta."
hardtostarboard
And yet you don't want them around you? So who's the twit with that arguement? You do make a distinction by race, sex, religion and political affiliation if not why do you seek to exclude them.
dis·tinc·tion
/dɪˈstɪŋk ʃən/ Show Spelled[dih-stingk-shuhn] Show IPA
noun
1.
a marking off or distinguishing as different: His distinction of sounds is excellent.
2.
the recognizing or noting of differences; discrimination: to make a distinction between right and wrong.
3.
a discrimination made between things as different; special regard or favoritism: Death comes to all without distinction.
4.
condition of being different; difference: There is a distinction between what he says and what he does.
5.
a distinguishing quality or characteristic: It has the distinction of being the oldest house in the town.
@sambrowno - Curves, For Women Only Fitness Centers, American Women Fitness Centers, Lady of America, General Federation of Womens clubs, National Council of Women's Organizations. And the list goes on and on.
And all of a sudden its a crime for women not to be a part of Augusta? Don't think so.
"yack-yack-yack-yack-yack...."
"Yes, dear."
yack-yack-yack-yack-yack ...."
"That's fine. Do whatever you want."
Aaaaaaand one of those two women is Condolezza Rice.
What blows my mind is that, with all the problems in the world, all the diseases that have yet to be cured, all the children that have no access to clean water or adequate food, all the wars that still rage, these women sat down and thought to themselves,
Did it say anywhere that this was their ONLY concern, every minute was devoted to this issue? Great wars have been won by small victories.
The great war that you're referring to has been won for decades. After all, women have the vote, are the majority of college graduates, hold CEO positions, and positions of great power in government.
I stand by my statement that this whole Augusta National thing is, in the grand scheme of things, a trifle.
We still do not have business equity, as women earn less than men in the same jobs. Women have made gains but until it approaches 50/50 there is still work to be done and battles to be won. Many thought eating at a lunch counter was a trifle at one time, or swimming in a pool. Great wars have been won by small victories.
Cite please? I've read research that has said that they earn equally, and that whatever differences in average wages can be explained the different career choices men and women make.
Look, there are places in the world that could use more gender equality (cough-themideast-cough). The West ain't one of them.
Attention all Feminists Please check out (Georgia Hull "Horrible Deeds" on You Tube) A music video about violence to women. And Armando. Kiss my ***
What a stunning rejoinder. Really showed me where I was wrong. Now I know: the need to provide sources for assertions is just a tool of the patriarchy. /sarc
Misogynists like Armando is why there's such a huge gender gap in party affiliation.
How, pray tell, am I a misogynist? All I am saying is that this whole Augusta National thing is a trifle, a tempest in a teapot driven by women whose time would have been much better spent fighting actual evils in the world rather than some made up evil.
You do know why they let in two women? It's because if there was just one woman, she'd try to talk to them.
Take the hint girls, we don't care.
blah..............................................................gulp............blah......................gulp................blah..........................
This broad is trying to grab headlines ten years after she failed ? Quite a stretch there, little lady. But if it makes you happy - - - -
Now, get back in the kitchen and make me a sandwich.
I was going to say "get back in the kitchen and make me a turkey pot pie."
The sad thing is the liberal media is more than happy to give her those headlines.
Observe the above comments, the of which will contribute to an Obama 2012 win.
@happytimesarehearagain
Any opportunity to praise the allmighty messiah, eh?
Ahhh "compassionate conservatives".
HA! How about "Get back in the kitchen and make me a CLUB sandwich!"...
Don't forget the beer...................
That's funny! I can see them offering her a membership. Never give up darlin'...maybe one day they'll become 'public' and let you join.
So now I can go into the women's locker room to shower and change my clothes right? Because everyone should do what they want and screw traditions. I can enroll in girls schools, live in girls dorms, pee in the girls restrooms. Because traditions are meaningless.
SO, when does the first man get to play in the LPGA?
Have you looked at the LPGA recently ?
Looks like men are already playin' - - - -
"Looks like men are already playin' - - - -"
What she gonna do now?
News,
We probably won't agree on much, but fart jokes are always funny, no matter the context!
Cool Burk now when do I get admitted into women's showers and locker rooms??
That's it...I'm joining Curves.
Somehow I just knew I'd see the obligitory aritcle with her trying to claim credit. Typical brow beater. Had she kept quiet, it might well have happened sooner, in my opinion. Of course, we'll never really know as Augusta's membership policy and process is really their own business and not that of the public. s it should be as a private club.
All of that aside, congratulations to the ladies as well as the other new members. I hope you enjoy this membership as much as I enjoy membership in the clubs, golf and otherwise, I belong to!
I'm pretty sure that without any protest it NEVER would have happened. If it weren't for top flight minority golfers in the PGA, minority males would probably still be excluded, the Civil Rights movement did not have any effect on these people, players like Tiger Woods did.
Sam, I'm content to disagree with no shame on either of our parts. I do respect your point. Disagree, but respectfully disagree.
Thank you, I appreciate it. These discussions would be so much more beneficial without all the name calling and vitriol. I guess anonymity brings out the worst in some people no matter on which side of the issue they stand.
Maybe we can start a trend. It has to start somewhere, this is as good a place as any!
Sam (#9.1), maybe you are forgetting a black golfer named Calvin Peete from 30 years ago? He played against Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. There were other minority golfers who were successful going back even further than that. Tiger didn't exactly break any barriers.
Why is it these femi-nazis insist on pissing in the men's room? News flash! There ARE differences in the genders, after all! No self-respecting man would ever protest for the right to join a Curves gym, or sue a nightclub for only having a "Ladies' Night", or take away anything that resembled pride at defeating a woman in an athletic event in which he had a clear physical advantage.
Women have All the same legal rights as men do, so why is it considered a victory for women when they sue their way into a cigar lounge when no man would ever WANT to join their knitting circle? I know these are gross characterizations, but women since time immemorial have had organizations and clubs and societies of other women to hang out with. Men need somewhere to go to get away from women and hang out with other men.
Get real guy. Are you a woman hater? Laws and pay are not equal for genders. Men still earn 24 cents on a dollar more than women for the same job in America and much worse everywhere else. So go blow it out your backside. Woman hater. BTW Feminists look at this (Georgia Hull "Horrible Deeds" on You Tube). A video about violence to women.
Georgia Hull wrote "Men still earn 24 cents on a dollar more than women for the same job in America"
That is fake Feminist propaganda. Even the US Dept of Labor concluded (CONSAD report, 2009) that there is no pay gap based on sexual discrimination . Most of the gap has to do with women in full-time jobs (35+ hrs/week) working fewer hours per week and fewer overtime hours when compared to men. If employers were able to pay women less for the same job a man can perform, there would be no reason to hire a man.
But there is a very real gap in female contribution in FICA taxes to the Social Security system as women pay less in taxes and work fewer years while living 5 yrs longer than men. That results in women drawing 50% more in SS payments . How about a 50% increase in the FICA tax for women to make things fair? Likewise, how about a reduction in health care spending on women until men and women live the same number of years. That sounds fair to me.
WOW!!! Only Republican Women who contributed to the GOP are allowed into Augusta!!! Poor, poor women who are Democrats - you'll never overcome prejudice & persecution.
Martha Burk said, "never give up, never give up, never give up. That’s it,”
That's right Martha, never underestimate the power of nagging.
It is amazing what Burk and 30 followers were able to accomplish after being forgotten for ten years. Make that two sandwichs "Toots"
The odd thing is they gave not to the Head of IBM which had been a long standing tradition.
maybe she doesn't play golf? Just a guess.
I noticed that. It won't be long before that happens I would bet, the first two were for show, the third, (IBM pres) will follow shortly.
What in the world does this have to do with church and separation of church and state. This was the last bastion for rich old white guys. Now they kind of broke that door open with two prime Republican operatives and called it progress. Hardly. I know you guys are comfortable with discrimination but a lot of people are not. No reason to bar women in a world with many leaders and CEO's. The change was needed and Condi is fine to lead that move. Now lets see who is next.
It's a private mens club you ignorant bottom feeding piece of trash ... you trashy societal parasites do not get to decide who you can hang around whenever you feel like it.
The men will not join the girl scouts or the women's soccer teams nor take showers in your locker rooms ... stay the fukkkkkkk out of places you are not WELCOME loser.
Are you gonna cry panther?
I might!
You have been for a while.
With Rice they get a twofer! Yeah good job - NOT!
Who the hell plays golf anyway? Real women swim, play softball, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, etc. Something that can be played in the olympics. But not Golf-Good grief!
It's always nice to hear from the under belly of society ... thanks Jethro / Ellie May!
I wish Burke would give up. Very annoying woman-its all about her, all about women, nothing else. Could care less if Augusta would admit women or not- as long at they never admit this woman. I hate nags, which is why I do not like her.
As a member of the female majority in this country, perhaps it should be all about women....majority rules! lol Seriously, if women hadn't "nagged" we would never have gotten the vote, never mind become the majority of college graduates or be in a position to be CEO's of major corporations. Would you rather it were accomplished with violence? It wouldn't be nagging if women didn't have to keep repeating themselves because some people just don't listen to polite requests.
That's it stupid, shoot your fat mouth off, and Augusta will reverse it's decision! shut up!
First blacks (Tiger) and now women. Seriously, what is the world coming to?? But the worst offense is that both women are Republicans. I guess that was a compromise!
What? You think a very private, very exclusive club in Georgia is not pretty much all Republican? Or did I miss the sarcasm?
You missed the sarcasm...
The sarcasm is Demonrats do not play golf, except Obama!
PS : stupid, they already have demonrats as members.
@Vincent Denali -". In the Olympics, men run the 110m high hurdles and women run the 100m low hurdles. Both sexes receive an independent medal. There are probably 10,000 men that are faster than each female competitor."
And fortunately females also compete EQUALLY against the males in Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing - that's 2-legged AND 4-leggeds - and have done so for years!!!
I'm all for equal competition of female and male athletes in the same athletic events.
HS boys track is faster than the fastest woman in the olympics.
You know what I would like to see just once in this world now is a head line like We are glad to see that they changed their minds and we acknowledge that the decision to make a change to such tradition was difficult one. Not " I knew we would outlast them" but that is they way things work now I guess.
@Independent - I agree. What she did was really petty in my opinion. She really should just shut up if she can't be half way grateful. I didn't care much for their choice of who got in. Condoleeza Rice? What purpose does it serve having her in the club?
Anyway, I still think it was Augusta's call on who or not gets a membership. It's their club and their rules. Would Martha get upset if a man was unable to get into an all women's club/university/organization? I'm going to guess not.
I figured Martha would take credit.....she actually hurt the cause! Had it not been for her ugly (and I know that shouldn't enter into it) self and her snotty attitude, it would have happened before. She couln't draw flies with a sh#t shirt on (see her "protest" of a few years back.) No problem standing for ones rights, or womens rights. Its just that in this case, she had nothing to do with it. She needs to really make herself useful. The drought is hurting the corn crop, and I'm sure the crows are not helping. Put her in the cornfield; the crows will bring back what they stole last year!
LOL LOL LOL
How many men are on the National Council of Womens' Organizations? Just wonderin ......
What man would want to join that? just sayin..
I believe men are free to join NOW, just as people of any ancestry are free to join the NAACP.
Should the NAACP be required to allow Klansmen to join???? Just askin! Shouldn't private groups be allowed to decide who joins??? This issue isn't over just because Augusta decided to allow women.
I am sure Klansmen could join the NAACP if they wished, especially since the hoods provide anonymity for their "work" as klansmen. Augusta has always been allowed to decide who joins, they still are, but that doesn't mean that it is wrong to bring up the issue.
Show me a klansman that wants to join the NAACP, then we'll talk about it.
I am a woman and a woman golfer and it just never bothered me that women could not join Augusta or men's clubs such as the Bohemian Club in San Francisco.
I guess I have just always respected who belongs to what and never whined about it.
Now, had it been about something actually earth-shattering or life-threatening, then it would matter.
You do indeed sound like a real woman - Thanks
Martha is giving herself too much credit. She had nothing to do with it. It was more the PGA Tour I suspect plus advertisers for The Masters that had more to do with this. The thing is, how is this such a big thing for women's rights? It isn't. Just like the vast majority of men, none of us posting here will ever get asked to join a place like Augusta. Not now, not ever.
Just saw another picture of Martha......just confirming my previous post was "right-on!"