Dallas ? Before absurdity over the all-male membership at Augusta National Golf Club proceeds into total farce, it is good that the core issue has been defined. Thanks therefore to Martha Burk who, like all else involved in the hysterics, deserves no further applause.

Burk has confirmed the motive behind her agenda to have a woman invited to join Augusta National, site of the Masters.

“They are keeping women out of the halls of power. It is not about golf, and it is not about private clubs. It is about power. And it is about keeping women out.”

The clarity of Burk’s remarks removes doubt over the ambition driving the head of the obscure National Council of Women’s Organizations. It is to seek membership for a woman of wealth, influence and/or celebrity into a group of about 300 wealthy, elitist, autocratic men.

Burk argues that a woman member will be positioned to network industry leaders and make deals. Support for her theory relies on belief that such business is conducted at Augusta but almost nowhere else.

Agitated into national dustup by overwrought backfire from Augusta chairman William “Hootie” Johnson, the feud between he and Burk has attracted gadflies scenting self-promotion. Five groups have petitioned for permits to demonstrate during Masters week April 7. Among their leaders are Burk; the Rev. Jesse Jackson, representing TV sound bite moths; and a loony from a splinter group of the Ku Klux Klan.

Protesters adopting Burk’s all-about-power theme can best express their grievance with signs that read:

“Support The Rich and Privileged.”

“More Power To The Powerful.”

“Green Jacket or Green Blouse For Masters Champ?”

Johnson’s temper is the source of much waste of energy and breathless debate. Upon receipt of Burk’s letter asking that Augusta enroll a woman, Hootie reacted as if he’d found a tarantula in his drawers. A tolerant reply saying, “we’re thinking about it,” would’ve numbed the issue.

Or he might have written that private club membership is legal. Augusta is not trespassing any law. If you feel the law is wrong — and I agree bad laws have been in force before — address your complaint to lawmakers instead of us.

Widespread exposure also brought scrutiny to the relative value of Burk’s cause. That is, when compared with feminist issues of greater import such as spousal abuse, deadbeat dads, help for single mothers, equal pay and the right to choose.

The question lingers about whether squabble over Augusta membership for one woman of advantage will produce an uplifting effect on women in need of basic, everyday aid. The answer is negative in my mind.

Any woman who joins Augusta doesn’t need Jesse Jackson marching on her behalf. Nor does the Masters wish to be defended by some KKK bozo.