[jackbill]

Gates wanted to become a member and was rebuffed

You don't ask to become a member. You are asked. If you are not asked there ain't no way you will become a member.

I support them. It is a private organization. It doesn't answer to the government, NOW or the Atlanta Urinal and Constipation.

Go Hootie.

[marshmallow]

There are ways of getting "invited" to become a member. Especially if you're the world's richest man.

You pick up the phone. You call people. You make contacts. You know how it goes.

I'm not sure if someone proposed Gates and he was voted down or if it even got that far. But he was given the thumbs down.