One woman writes a note on the back of a menu and holds it up while her team is receiving a world championship award. The tin gods of American bridge go bat-shit!

In the genteel world of bridge, disputes are usually handled quietly and rarely involve issues of national policy. But in a fight reminiscent of the brouhaha over an anti-Bush statement by Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks in 2003, a team of women who represented the United States at the world bridge championships in Shanghai last month is facing sanctions, including a yearlong ban from competition, for a spur-of-the-moment protest.

At issue is a crudely lettered sign, scribbled on the back of a menu, that was held up at an awards dinner and read, “We did not vote for Bush.”

The United States Bridge Federation calls for 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.

It would also require them to write a statement telling “who broached the idea of displaying the sign, when the idea was adopted, etc.”

Alan Falk, a lawyer for the federation, adds: “I am instructed to press for greater sanction against anyone who rejects this compromise offer.”

Here is an email link to the Board of Directors of the USBF. Praise them if you’re some kind of patent-leather patriot. Condemn their 19th Century crappola if you care about Americans retaining something more than imitation freedoms.