bonesman13
Registered User
When I got into masonry I was told we don't discuss politics here. We find this completely false. Politics has and will always be discussed in the lodge building and it even makes it into the lodge room. It defines our existence as a freemason. Masonic history and politics are inseparably entwined.
Now, there are three types of political discussion I have seen: (1) discussing the outer world where in that case we are acting in a role of community builders and activists and our discussion should be there to foster education and improve the understanding about elected officials and candidates (2) discussion of lodge officer candidates and (3) the destructive, malicious, racist comments of those who are destroyers - not builders (those who will need many years to build a proper foundation) before they should be listened to.
First let me take the latter: we tolerate comments from some of our brethren when in reality we need to check their attitudes and let them know clearly that our organization loves to build and abhors destruction. Too often we allow folks to vent in lodge when should they wish to vent they should do so at home. Its a sensitive issue but one that needs to be addressed.
Second, during an election, we should have bios that discuss their background, qualifications, and goals so we can make an informed decision as we should be doing in all elections. If a lodge has a contested race lets see who could talk better about their opponent than themselves. Its novel but its a bridge builder. I don't want to hear why you are better, I want to hear positive accolades because in the end, we move forward together.
Third, if you do not think our masonic forefathers did not discuss politics then you need to work more on your foundation. 50 of 56 of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were freemasons. Some may tell you the numbers are lower but I propose to you that we include ALL our brethren (EAs and FCs as well as others). Trust me those daring men who "discussed politics" at every place they met put their lives on the line to build this country. Now some folks try to play games by telling you not to discuss politics in lodge or they will draw up masonic charges. I ask are you here to make the world better or are you here to eat dinner with your friends as you slip into obscurity and into a retirement home.
Still don't believe it. Take note: masonic writing is very concise and each word is carefully put into place. Now, compare writings like the Constitution, Dec of Independence, Bill or Rights with current bills and see that masons influenced the shaping of our country more than we know.
Finally: the statue that symbolizes our freedom and liberty was made by French freemasons and symbolizes the light of masonry being spread throughout this country by YOU
This my friend is a call to arms, a wake up call, a message that it is time to once again pick up the tools of your trade and labour in the communities you call home. Our forefathers were known to be masons by their deeds not their bumper stickers or jewelry.
Now, there are three types of political discussion I have seen: (1) discussing the outer world where in that case we are acting in a role of community builders and activists and our discussion should be there to foster education and improve the understanding about elected officials and candidates (2) discussion of lodge officer candidates and (3) the destructive, malicious, racist comments of those who are destroyers - not builders (those who will need many years to build a proper foundation) before they should be listened to.
First let me take the latter: we tolerate comments from some of our brethren when in reality we need to check their attitudes and let them know clearly that our organization loves to build and abhors destruction. Too often we allow folks to vent in lodge when should they wish to vent they should do so at home. Its a sensitive issue but one that needs to be addressed.
Second, during an election, we should have bios that discuss their background, qualifications, and goals so we can make an informed decision as we should be doing in all elections. If a lodge has a contested race lets see who could talk better about their opponent than themselves. Its novel but its a bridge builder. I don't want to hear why you are better, I want to hear positive accolades because in the end, we move forward together.
Third, if you do not think our masonic forefathers did not discuss politics then you need to work more on your foundation. 50 of 56 of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were freemasons. Some may tell you the numbers are lower but I propose to you that we include ALL our brethren (EAs and FCs as well as others). Trust me those daring men who "discussed politics" at every place they met put their lives on the line to build this country. Now some folks try to play games by telling you not to discuss politics in lodge or they will draw up masonic charges. I ask are you here to make the world better or are you here to eat dinner with your friends as you slip into obscurity and into a retirement home.
Still don't believe it. Take note: masonic writing is very concise and each word is carefully put into place. Now, compare writings like the Constitution, Dec of Independence, Bill or Rights with current bills and see that masons influenced the shaping of our country more than we know.
Finally: the statue that symbolizes our freedom and liberty was made by French freemasons and symbolizes the light of masonry being spread throughout this country by YOU
This my friend is a call to arms, a wake up call, a message that it is time to once again pick up the tools of your trade and labour in the communities you call home. Our forefathers were known to be masons by their deeds not their bumper stickers or jewelry.
