tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post4681428903349539809..comments2023-10-09T12:55:26.688-04:00Comments on The Burning Taper: That which was foundWidow's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135009678671539418noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-30544434679952626932007-10-04T18:39:00.000-04:002007-10-04T18:39:00.000-04:00To the Anonymous poster above:I have given much ca...To the Anonymous poster above:<BR/><BR/>I have given much careful thought to what you had written.<BR/><BR/>One issue I would have with a GL that encompassed, (pardon the pun), the entire United States, is: what would happen if that governing body was ruled by those who woul perpetuate what we would like to see changed? Therein, to my mind, lies the danger.<BR/><BR/>Be Well,<BR/><BR/>TMTraveling Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13965508897438794269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-18785127363614937292007-09-23T12:28:00.000-04:002007-09-23T12:28:00.000-04:00I'm glad the Widow's Son had such a good time in C...I'm glad the Widow's Son had such a good time in Connecticut, and it's refreshing to know that Masonry in some areas, apparently is still what it's supposed to be.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, the contrast also brings to mind a question: If Masons in jurisdictions like Connecticut, realize how corrupt and morally bankrupt mainstream Masonry is in jurisdictions like Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama, West Virginia, Arizona, and probably a lot of other places, why don't they stand up for that they believe is right, and attempt to do something about it?<BR/><BR/>As Master Masons, didn't we all take an obligation not to "wrong, cheat, or defraud" our fellow Masons, or "knowingly suffer it done?" Isn't it a violation of that obligation to be aware of wrongs committed against our brothers, yet do nothing to help rectify those wrongs? <BR/><BR/>I recall the old adage, "no man is an island," and I suggest it applies equally well to Masonry: despite what many may claim, "no grand lodge is an island."<BR/><BR/>When Masons in New York shoot other Masons in the head, it affects the perception of Masonry everywhere. Likewise, when Masonic leaders anywhere ignore their Masonic constitutions and bylaws, and treat their fellow Masons in unconscionable ways, that too affects the perception of Masonry everywhere.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps this is where a good argument for a "national governing body" can be made. In many (if not most) private sector companies, a national governing body exists to maintain the company's standards and image in all areas. <BR/><BR/>For example, many national restaurants are owned by private franchisees, but the parent companies won't allow their franchisees to do things that might harm the reputation and image of all their restaurants everywhere. If a restaurant in Alabama, decides to no longer serve black customers, there's no doubt that its parent company will immediately pull the franchise. Likewise, if one serves sub-standard food, or allows the grass to grow two-feet tall, and trash to pile up in the floors, the parent company will soon take action to revoke the franchise.<BR/><BR/>Why should Masonry be so much different? Why should Masons in Connecticut, be forced to watch wrongs committed in other places, realizing that their own reputation is tarnished thereby, but having absolutely no power to do anything about it?<BR/><BR/>That hardly seems fair.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-59630714454123083702007-09-22T20:32:00.000-04:002007-09-22T20:32:00.000-04:00Our experiences in Freemasonry are all too often (...Our experiences in Freemasonry are all too often (and all too unfortunately) other than as you described this wonderful evening. <BR/><BR/>I wish all our meetings were conducted with such dignity and fraternity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-23722904991536208582007-09-21T18:03:00.000-04:002007-09-21T18:03:00.000-04:00It was a pleasure to sit with you in Lodge and hos...It was a pleasure to sit with you in Lodge and host you in my home Brother. If you find yourself up this way again, please give us a call.<BR/><BR/>I have to say I blushed to my ankles because of your kind words. I find myself presented with Master's Wages pressed down and running over.<BR/><BR/>I'm still going to be very busy until Sunday afternoon, so I may not get to post again. Until then, be well.Traveling Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13965508897438794269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-33734711546568035272007-09-21T17:34:00.000-04:002007-09-21T17:34:00.000-04:00WS.I am glad you had a wonderful time. I wish you ...WS.<BR/><BR/>I am glad you had a wonderful time. I wish you many many more!<BR/><BR/>Br. Arthur PetesonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-76982812455141227202007-09-21T17:25:00.000-04:002007-09-21T17:25:00.000-04:00awesome bro W.S..It is nice to travel and feel the...awesome bro W.S..<BR/>It is nice to travel and feel the hospitality of brothers.<BR/>Bro Tom Coste<BR/>HalcyonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-37824077480859012402007-09-21T14:43:00.000-04:002007-09-21T14:43:00.000-04:00Dammit, dammit, dammit!I was really hoping to hook...Dammit, dammit, dammit!<BR/><BR/>I was really hoping to hook up with the two of you earlier this week, but I got sucked into doing my purple duties. The worst of it is that I explained a while back that <A HREF="http://masonictao.blogspot.com/2007/09/ritual-certification-at-sequin-level.html" REL="nofollow">Tuesday night </A>was booked, but at the last minute the officer canceled his certification. I ended up at that lodge filling in as SW while the SW took the East for a rehearsal (and last night again for the actual degree.) Had he called me the day before, I could have gotten up to that area to see you. <BR/><BR/>And it's really too bad that you missed an EA at Friendship - it was a move-up night, with our JW taking the East. I conducted him during his EA, and he was at my right hand for the last 4 years. Despite first-time jitters, he did an awesome job.<BR/><BR/>Be that as it may, I'm glad that you at least met up with Bro. Don; I can't think of anyone else who would have given you a better look-see into Masonry in central Connecticut. <BR/><BR/>Bro. Simon, our Grand Marshal, is a real character. He's the head of our Masonic Publications, and is fun to work with. He and I share a love for good ritual, and it was to <A HREF="http://masonictao.blogspot.com/2006/06/estuary-degree.html" REL="nofollow">his lodge </A>that we traveled in my year to put on an MM degree with the added Hiramic drama.<BR/><BR/>More importantly, though, is that you had the opportunity to see that, while the forms of Masonry may be universal, sometimes the practices vary in the jurisdictions. Up Nawth - at least in Conn, Mass and NY - we do tend to be more formal at meetings, and we try (well, most of us do) to be more serious about degree work, because that's what passes along those moral teachings that we're supposed to be so into. <BR/><BR/>At least now you know that I wasn't trying to snow you when I kept insisting that your experience of Masonry didn't seem to be anything like my own. And look, not that I'm claiming that things are perfect here in Conn, 'cos they're not; but certainly things seem to be quite a bit different from what you've described. <BR/><BR/>Looks like Bro. Don and I will have to find some excuse to get down to your neck of the woods.Tom Accuostihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07005315193581153959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-5364016242297754232007-09-21T14:07:00.000-04:002007-09-21T14:07:00.000-04:00I just attended my first "Traditional Observance" ...I just attended my first <A HREF="http://www.masonicrestoration.com/tomasonry.html" REL="nofollow">"Traditional Observance" lodge</A>.<BR/><BR/>It's incredible. Just awesome. Find one. Go to one.<BR/><BR/>Next time you're in Minneapolis/Saint Paul, drop me a line (my contact info is on <A HREF="http://enfranchisedmind.com/blog" REL="nofollow">my blog</A>). I'll take you to Saint Paul Lodge #3, and it'll blow your mind!Robert Fischerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17844778275497805797noreply@blogger.com