R for Revolution

While the world oohs and ahs over sexy librarian Gov. Sarah Palin and the stirring socialist speech of equally inexperienced Sen. Barack Obama, the disenfranchised followers of Rep. Ron Paul roll on.

WASHINGTON (Aug. 30) — There's no room at the Xcel Energy Center for maverick Ron Paul, so his acolytes have packed their cars, hitched rides on "Ronvoys" and will pitch tents at Ronstock '08 in Minneapolis in defiance of next week's GOP convention in St. Paul, Minn.

More than 9,700 tickets had been sold for the Rally for the Republic, which seeks to bring together activists who are anti-war, anti-government regulation, anti-immigration, anti-taxes, anti-Federal Reserve, anti-outsourcing, pro-individual liberty, pro-civil liberties and pro-Paul.

The Ronvoys — fleets of buses and vans carrying Paul's loyalists — were to begin arriving Saturday. A few rally-goers planned to walk from Green Bay, Wis., and join up with Paul for the final miles of their Walk4Freedom. Other attendees are driving, carpooling or flying in for the convention alternative.

Paul, a Texas congressman who failed in a bid for the Republican presidential nomination, considers the rally a celebration of traditional Republican values of limited government — and a poke in the eye of the GOP. They don't plan to crash the Republican party, but to show they and their Campaign for Liberty are not going away.

"No matter how much our message is ignored or ridiculed, as was done in the campaign, no matter how much they did to us, it only energized our grass roots," Paul said.

The rally builds on Paul's presidential bid, in which he set a record for single-day fundraising on the Web and touched a nerve with some disaffected voters, largely in the Republican Party.

In a few Western states, Paul was a serious contender for votes, placing second ahead of Republican John McCain in Nevada and Montana. He drew 14 percent from McCain in New Mexico, a battleground state.

But Paul has no speaking role at the GOP convention. He said his staff made overtures to the party, but nothing came of its efforts.

Republican Party spokeswoman Joanna Burgos said she had to research whether Paul was invited to speak when asked about a convention role for Paul.

"Our focus is really on this side of the river," Burgos said. "We think there's enough excitement and energy on this side." McCain's campaign spokesman did not return a phone message.

Paul's faithful still hope to permeate the ranks of the establishment by winning local and state races and pulling in disenchanted party members. There are a couple dozen Paul delegates attending the GOP convention, though some loyalists say there are more delegates who support Paul.

Meanwhile, their focus is on their own political convergence in Minneapolis.
"We only want to cause noise in the sense of letting people know there are other movements out there that other people believe in," said Kathleen Buchholz, 28, of Denver.

Unable to take time off from school for the rally, Buchholz is attending Tuesday's events, when Paul will speak. She's bypassing sleep to save on hotel costs and flying out early Wednesday.

Rally organizers reported last week they sold all 500 tickets priced at $85 each for their Real Politics Training School scheduled for Sunday. Attendees will learn political-organizing skills and "how to compete and win at the political game," organizers said on the rally Web site.

Speakers at the Paul rally include former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, tax activist Grover Norquist, former California Rep. Barry Goldwater Jr., political commentator Tucker Carlson, former two-term New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson and the baby-delivering doctor supporters call Dr. Paul.

A few entertainers also are joining in, such as country star Sara Evans; pop singer Aimee Allen, known for the song "Cooties" from Hairspray but whose favorite song among rally-goers is "Ron Paul Anthem"; and Texas blues guitarist Jimmie Vaughan.

Paul backers who aren't staying at the Minneapolis hotel or a budget motel planned to bunk in group cabins at Camp Ihduhapi on Lake Independence, park RVs or pitch tents at campgrounds or head to a Goodhue, Minn., dairy farm for Ronstock '08, an imitation of the 1960s Woodstock counterculture festival. Organizers there say a neighbor of the farm's owner is donating a cow to feed the flock.

Sonny Thomas of Springboro, Ohio, plans to drive 12 hours to attend the rally, leaving Sunday. He was offering in a Web posting to fit one or two others in his car.

"I feel as one person who stands up, I have a voice and letting it be heard sends fear to the establishment," said Thomas, a gas station manager who was laid off a previous job.

— Suzanne Gamboa, AP

Thanks to Burning Taper reader Diogenes for sending this story.

Ron Paul | Ronstock | Grass Roots Campaign | Campaign for Liberty | Burning Taper | BurningTaper.com

Superstar Justin Timberlake announced as Shriners' new poster boy

Please note: This article contains one of the late George Carlin's "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television," as well of a photo showing a nearly bare female breast.

Despite the negative Masonic publicity from the Michael Richards racial flap and the failure of the Scottish Rite's NASCAR publicity, the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, or Shriners, seem as ready to tie themselves to celebrities as the Scottish Rite has.

Today the fez-heads announced that former Mouseketeer and current Las Vegas pretty-boy Justin Timberlake, the man who allegedly popped Britney Spears' cherry back around the turn of the century, has agreed to be the front man for the Shrine's Las Vegas Professional Golfers Association (PGA) event.

The golf tournament has been renamed the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Part of the PGA tour, the event will take place in Vegas Oct. 13-19, 2008. Timberlake will play in the tournament, as well as perform a concert on Oct. 17 at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino for the event.

"We couldn't be happier that Justin Timberlake will be a part of the tournament beginning in 2008," said Ralph W. Semb, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Shriners Hospitals for Children. "Justin's involvement will bring an unprecedented amount of attention and interest to the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, which will assist us in our work to help young people receive the quality medical treatment they deserve, at no cost. We look forward to the bright future of this event."

Last month The Burning Taper wrote about a story that appeared in The New York Times that discussed a 23-page internal report issued by a committee formed by the joint boards of the Shriners of North America fraternal organization and the Shriners Hospitals for Children, which found that Bro. Ralph Semb, chairman of the Shriners Hospitals Board of Trustees, and Bro. Gene Bracewell, the Imperial Treasurer of the fraternal Shriner organization, violated both organizations' conflict of interest policies as well as their ethics codes and recommended that they be "reprimanded."

Timberlake appeared on stage with his pal Madonna in March, where he took a swipe at his former girlfriend Britney, and Madonna called her fans "motherfuckers."

Timberlake, of course, was the man who exposed Janet Jackson's star-studded breast to a world-wide audience during a Super Bowl a few years ago. Imagine the publicity had he been wearing a red fez.

Yes, I'm sure Timberlake being the new celebrity endorser of the Shriners charity hospitals will do great things "for the children" and enrich the organization (though reports since the 1980s indicate that only two to 25% of the donations the Shrine receives ever makes it to the hospitals).

But even discounting the weird conspiracy tie-ins of Disney and Freemasonry and the destructive personalities of many former Disney kids, something seems out of kilter having Timberlake as a front man of a Masonic-related organization such as the Shriners. While blue lodge Masons attempt to maintain a "squeaky-clean" image of "morality" and hold as heroes legendary "founding fathers," the Shrine seems eager to tie us all in (by inference, at least, since many people think the Shriners and the Masons are the same organization) with ultra-cool sex symbols.

Hardly a good role model for "the children," huh?

Check out the lyrics to this song, and then tell me you would want your daughter to dance with Justin Timberlake.

"(And She Said) Take Me Now" (featuring Janet Jackson)

Uh...
Uh...
Uh...
What you waiting for?
I know you're watching me
Hey boy, come on and take me now

What you waiting for?
I know you're watching me
Hey boy, come on and take me now

Can I talk to you for a minute
You've been looking all night for your shining star
Well baby here I am, so why you waiting?
Step on over, let me show you how bad you are

Just let me take the lead
All you gotta do is let your mind be free
Lets hit the floor and cause a scene
Get real wet if you know what I mean
What you say baby?

(And she said)
Take me now
I'm hungry for your loving
(And she said)
Show me how
You got me working, honey
(And she said)
Right now
I'm hot just like an oven
(And she said)
So take me now
Boy you make me feel like I gotta dance

I gotta dance, gotta dance baby, I gotta dance...

I feel good to you, you try to hide it
And I can tell by the way you push up close to me
Your body temperature, is arising
Something's going down as far as I can see

Just let me take the lead
All you gotta do is let your mind be free
Lets hit the floor and cause a scene
Get real wet if you know what I mean
What you say baby?

(And she said)
Take me now
I'm hungry for your loving
(And she said)
Show me how
You got me working, honey
(And she said)
Right now
I'm hot just like an oven
(And she said)
So take me now
Boy make me feel like I gotta dance

You know
Don't I
Say don't I make you feel like you gotta dance

Once I get to know ya
(No)
I'm gonna show ya
(No)
That there's no better way
(Yeah)
Lets dance the night away
(Yeah)
I wanna control ya
(No)
Just wanna hold ya
(No)
Dance the night away
So what you say baby, what you say
(What you saying to me)

(And she said)
Take me now
(Oh)
I'm hungry for your loving
(Hungry for you)
(And she said)
Show me how
(Oh)
You got me working, honey
(Got me working)
(And she said)
Right now
(Oh)
I'm hot just like an oven
(Hot just like an oven)
(And she said)
So take me now
Boy you make me feel like I gotta dance

(And she said)
Take me now
(Oh)
I'm hungry for your loving
(Hungry for you)
(And she said)
Show me how
(Oh)
You got me working, honey
(Got me working)
(And she said)
Right now
(Oh)
I'm hot just like an oven
(And she said)
So take me now
Boy you make me feel like I gotta dance

Like you gotta dance, like you gotta dance, like you gotta dance, no...
Like you gotta dance, like you gotta dance, like you gotta dance, no...

Here we go now
Oh, oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh

I'm like a hurricane
Just coasting along
You better grab me girl
I hope you take me now

I'm like a hurricane
Just coasting along
You better grab me girl
I hope you take me now

I'm like a hurricane
Just coasting along
You better grab me girl
I hope you take me now

I'm like a hurricane
Just coasting along
You better grab me girl
Ttttttake me now

Take me now
I'm hungry for you loving
Show me how
You got me working, honey
Right now
I'm hot just like an oven
So take me now

Take me now
Take me now

Take me now
I'm hungry for you loving
Show me how
You got me working, honey
Right now
I'm hot just like an oven
So take me now
Boy you make me feel like I gotta dance

Masons | Justin Timberlake | Shriners | Freemasonry | PGA | Burning Taper | BurningTaper.com

We all shine on: Bro. Trevor Twining

This is our 21st installment of "This Is Who I Am," our never-ending series of essays by and about readers of "The Burning Taper."

My name is Trevor Twining. I'm 35, and I am a father, husband, and Freemason.

I work for a Drupal consulting firm called CivicActions. My current project is a pending redesign of Amnesty International.

I came into Freemasonry after learning about it from my father-in-law. While not married at the time, my then-to-be wife and I were quite serious. During a conversation about 'my intentions' towards his daughter, the subject came up of how he came to be the man I respected (seriously, it happened like that, I wasn't schmoozing).

Growing up in a single-parent family, I didn't have much in the way of male role models, and I had made a promise long ago to make sure I succeeded in raising my family where my father had neglected those responsibilities. My father-in-law told me that Freemasonry was a big part of who he was, and I got interested at that point. When I get involved in something, I go whole-hog, and so the time demanded of an involved mason was such that I decided I wasn't ready to get involved at the time, but I kept involved by attending various socials, picnics, and other functions as I was able, so that I could meet the men involved and learn more about them.

Five years later my first son was two when I finally decided that the time was right. I did some digging online about Freemasonry, and immediately cast aside any of the anti-masonic information, as it just did not fit the view of the men I had already come to know and respect.

I was initiated into Adoniram Lodge No. 573, in Niagara Falls, ON, under the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario on May 13, 2004.

My story continues like many others my age that are finding their way through the Craft. Learning a lot online about the classic works of Mackey, Wilmshurst, and reading more controversial Masonic Authors like Lomas and Knight, and seeing all the media interest in the Fraternity at the time made one feel really excited to be a mason. Culture clashes abounded however as many younger masons' ideas of the Craft conflicted with the experiences of the older brethren. I started reading up on many of the staples we all have, and in some ways became more confused than clear on many of the issues.

At first I contributed to this strife, headstrong and opinionated that my way was the only way. This helped me learn one of the great lessons of Masonry. Harmony. Not the "gloss over the argument" kind of harmony, but that 'my way,' even if I feel it's the best way, doesn't need to be the only way. I learned that one could be 100% correct, and still be an a--hole.

Over the last two years, however, I have begun work to eliminate this in my lodge and in the Craft in general, however small and localized the effort might be. I look for ways that we can work together, and dreams and ideas that we hold in common, and then promote activities that highlight those attitudes.

Our most successful activities have been what we term 'Lodges of Exploration.' These are walkthroughs of symbolism in each degree and provide as much of an opportunity to discuss the 'why' in Freemasonry as Lodges of Instruction serve to explain the 'how and when.'

This year, I'm the Worshipful Master of my lodge. I'm passionate about showing them the Masonry that I've come to love; the development of an inquisitive mind, ever searching for answers, and discovering in his researches the Wisdom, Strength and Beauty that the Great Architect has spread throughout the physical and spiritual world. I've learned about the many paths to the Divine in the form of different expressions of faith, and my own journeys are richer for having learned of them. I've learned what it means when we say that when a brother joins our ranks, he never again walks alone in this world. I've watched other men flourish from the humbling exposure to the light that I've found in Masonry, and with them I've found my companions in the Light. I know, however, that many brethren might not be ready to experience this kind of Masonry, and so if only I can help them consider the many facets of a Masonic life, then I'll have discharged my duties to employ and instruct the Brethren in Masonry.

Here are some basic thoughts about the craft and its direction that clarify the objects of my researches over the next two to three years.

• Freemasonry and open source. Open source software will have as much societal impact as Gutenberg's press did. The ideas of the open source movement fit nicely with those of the Fraternity, and as builders of code and data, the symbolism of the Craft still strikes a note with those who use their brains to build new ways for us to communicate with each other. Concepts like agile development, code as law and commons-oriented licensing can all serve to inspire and strengthen future generations of Freemasons worldwide. Similarly, organizational structures being developed by people to communicate effectively across distances can provide many opportunities for learning.


• Freemasonry and Darwinism. It can be argued that Freemasonry is in a decline because its leaders refuse to adapt in the name of preserving the heritage of the order. Using the theory of evolution, we can highlight the traits we want to keep that preserve the identity of the order. But we can also identify which traits are undesirable and discard them or change them to become a stronger entity. This isn't the archetypal "Survival of the fittest" evolution so many people associate with Darwin, but a series of slow, iterative improvements that allow us to survive and adapt.


• Masonic Mutations. One of the main principles of Evolution is that of mutation. Once a mutation is introduced, it must either give the organism an advantage or fall into obscurity. As Freemasons, we need to establish more lodges with a greater degree of frequency than we do now, in order to really put these ideas in the crucible of real life. The only way we can generate sufficient diversity to save the craft is through a mass spawning of new, small, adaptable lodges.

It has been great to learn about so many of you. I hope some of these words might help you find something new and beautiful, or even rediscovered, about the Craft we all love.

Yours in Service,
W. Bro. Trevor Twining

Bro. Twining operates the Masonic blog "Square. Level. Plumb."

To submit your own "This is Who I Am" essay, read this. You do not have to be a Mason to participate.

Masons | We All Shine On | This is Who I Am | Freemasonry | Burning Taper | BurningTaper.com

The Old Netmaster and hot dogs

The Old Netmaster's ancient office chair squeaked as he lifted his hip to scratch his ass.

"Ahhhh," he said, and the chair groaned under his weight as he sat back down.

The lodge's new Junior Steward suddenly appeared in front of the Old Netmaster's cluttered desk, holding a package of hot dogs in each hand.

"I love my lodge and all the brethren, Old Netmaster, but for the life of me, I sometimes just don't understand the lack of peace and harmony when it comes to what we'll serve for supper before our meeting," he said.

The Old Netmaster caught himself picking his nose, then stopped, hoping the fresh-faced young Mason hadn't noticed.

"What do you mean, son? Our wonderful Worshipful Master has laid out our Masonic dinner menus for his entire year. I've read it; he should be proud. I think he's done a splendid job of rotating the schedule between hot dog suppers and hobo bean suppers.

"That's just it," the young Steward said. "He's done an awesome job. For example, I know that tonight we're having hot dogs, and that's a good thing, because hot dogs are, of course, a Masonic staple and the true mark of an American. And one website I read said that hot dogs represent the Masonic pillars of Boaz and Jachin.

"But he didn't specify what kind of hot dogs I should buy! A couple of brethren say they're watching their cholesterol and they want me to serve turkey dogs, but most of the brothers insist we have those bright red artificially-colored hot dogs filled with unidentified pork parts like we always have!"

The Old Netmaster rolled his eyes, cleared his throat, fidgeted around until his chair gave that certain squeak that gave him goosebumps. "Son," he began, "I've eaten hot dogs at Masonic dinners for longer than you've been alive. There is only one kind of hot dog a real Mason will eat.

"You've been surfing the Internet again, reading those blog sites showing the Masonic menus of those left-coast liberal Masons with their uppity ideas about health foods and Masonic symbolism, haven't you?

"Son, serve the pork hot dogs," he said in that pseudo-gravelly voice he had convinced himself impressed the parade of new Masons who kept presenting themselves in front of his desk. "Throw the turkey dogs away. I wouldn't even give those to my retriever dog Princess."

The Junior Steward nodded in agreement, knowing that he'd made the right decision in asking the Old Netmaster what to do. After all, he thought, this man has been aggressively monitoring the Internet for over ten years, feverishly jotting down, cataloging, cross-referencing, and then posting online every little nuance about the menus of Masons, pseudo-Masons, quasi-Masons, fake Masons, bogus Masons and even anti-Masons. If anyone knew what was acceptable and unacceptable in the wide world of Masonic dietary digestion, it was the Old Netmaster.

The Old Netmaster read the young man's mind, and as if to signal his not-so-silent agreement, he farted.

The Steward smiled and pretended not to notice the Old Netmaster's flatulence.

"And another thing," the Old Netmaster said. "Don't get any ideas about serving French's mustard. We real Masons don't want anything to do with those French posers."

The Junior Steward's eyes widened. ”Well, I'm going to the kitchen now and get these hot dogs a-boilin'. The brethren will be so happy, and those two guys who wanted turkey dogs can just enjoy eating buns soaked in the generic ketchup I bought. It will be great enjoying the friendship and fellowship of traditional Freemasonry!"

The Junior Steward turned to leave, and then thought of something clever to say.

He turned back to face the Old Netmaster, and politely pretended not to notice the Old Netmaster was already engaged in digging his index finger into his ear.

"Old Netmaster," the young man said, grinning widely. "I guess that means we'll never have French fries in our lodge, right?"

Masons | Masonic Festive Boards | Masonic Dinners | Freemasonry | Burning Taper | BurningTaper.com

How GOUSA got its patent from and amity with GOdF

In March, 2008, several members of the Grand Orient of the United States of America traveled to Washington, D.C., for a historic meeting with officials of the Grand Orient de France and other Masonic bodies.

GOUSA's Grand Master Bro. Aaron Peavy, Grand Treasurer Bro. Brian Roper, Grand Orator Bro. Chris Michalek, and Grand Junior Warden Bro. Jeff Peace had several meetings in Washington, DC, with GOdF Grand Secretary of External Affairs Bro. Avelino Valle and Assistant Grand Secretary of External Affairs Bro. Patrice Billaud, along with George Washington Union's Grand Master Bro. Jean-Louis Petit and GOdF's Guarantor of Amity and Worshipful Master of GOdF Lafayette Lodge No. 89 Bro. Jean-Francois Mefort. The officers from the Grand Orient de France presented the GOUSA with a medallion and letter congratulating GOUSA on its formation on behalf of the Grand Master of GOdF, Bro. Jean-Michel Quillardet.

The visiting French and American brethren then sat in a tyled lodge meeting at Lafayette Lodge with members, visitors and visiting officers from the Grand Lodge of Luxembourg, the Feminine Grand Lodge of Belgium, and Le Droit Humain. Afterwards, a pleasant festive board was enjoyed. Later that month the GOUSA's petition to the GOdF was received and accepted unanimously by its Council of the Order.

On June 27, Bro. John Slifko, the new Grand Master of GOUSA, Grand Orator Bro. Chris Michalek, and Bro. Joel Michalek, past master of Halycon Lodge in Ohio, traveled to Paris, France, to meet with GOdF officials. There they were presented with a patent from the Grand Orient de France granting GOUSA permission for use of the Scottish Rite and Modern Rite degrees, along with other lesser known degrees.

While in France, GOUSA representatives also met with officers of the Feminine Grand Lodge of France, the Grand Lodge of France (not to be confused with the Grand Orient of France), the Grand Orient of Spain, and French members of the George Washington Union. Another very festive festive board followed the meeting.

At the meeting, GOdF previewed an article slated for publication in their upcoming official magazine, not only about the new bonds between GOdF and GOUSA, but about how France and the United States have traditionally helped each, such as during world wars as well as during the American Revolution.

On July 4, 2008, the Grand Orient of the United States of America officially announced their new patent and treaty of amity with the Grand Orient de France.

GOUSA has or will soon have lodges in New York City; Washington, DC; Savannah, Georgia; Cleveland, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Los Angeles; Phoenix; Atlanta; Mobile, Alabama; Patras, Greece; and Paris, France. Treaties of amity with several grand orients across the globe are pending, and will be announced on the GOUSA website as they are finalized.

GOUSA sees Freemasonry as a secular fraternity dedicated to the brotherhood/sisterhood of all humanity. By secular they do not mean non-spiritual, but rather non-religious, as opposed to "mainstream" American Freemasonry, which has over the years taken on a distinctly sectarian religious character in many parts of the United States.

GOUSA and its constituent lodges have chosen to support through financial donations and personal involvement organizations that are involved in human rights and the pursuit of science and knowledge. These groups include Amnesty International, NOVA, the Nature Conservancy, Free Speech TV, and BOINC, a computer time-sharing system used in many scientific endeavors.

The Grand Lodge of the United States of America's website is at http://grandorientusa.org. The English version of the Grand Orient de France's website is at http://www.godf.org/foreign/uk/index_uk.html.

— By The Widow's Son based on information provided by Bro. Jeff Peace, August 13, 2008

Masons | GOUSA | Grand Orient of France | Freemasonry | Grand Orient of the United States of America | Burning Taper | BurningTaper.com

The Grand Orient of the United States: Facts & Fictions

The Grand Orient of the United States: Facts & Fictions by Bro. Jeff Peace

There are many facts and fictions floating around the Internet regarding the new Grand Orient of the United States. Unfortunately, some brothers are simply striking out in fear against the new Masonic body because of what they read somewhere on the Internet. Others are simply speculating and drawing wild conclusions based on bits and pieces of information. I thought it would be helpful to provide some factual answers to the many questions being asked.

The Grand Orient of the United States is a part of the Traditional Cosmopolitan Masonic movement that began in Europe in the eighteenth century. It shares many things in common with Anglo-American Freemasonry but there are also significant differences between the two. Both forms of Freemasonry evolved out of the speculative Masonic movement that began in London, England in 1717.

Many Masons want to argue over which system mostly closely represents the original Freemasonry established in 1717. The answer to this question has eluded historians for almost two centuries because there is so little evidence available. Good arguments can be made for both sides but neither possesses enough evidence to convince modern university historians.

Others want to argue about whose Masonry is best. I think a better question to ask might be “which Masonry is best for whom?” It’s a similar case with Democrats and Republicans; people tend to side with the party that bests reflects their own ideas of what’s best. Unfortunately, American Masons haven’t had an alternative masculine Masonic obedience up until now.

The primary differences between Traditional Cosmopolitan and Anglo-American Freemasonry can best be summed-up in their perspective of the institution of Freemasonry itself. The Anglo-American Masons view Freemasonry as a religiously oriented fraternity dedicated to brotherly love, relief and truth. The Anglo-American Mason Albert Pike once stated that it was “the handmaid of religion.” The Traditional Cosmopolitan Masons perceive Freemasonry as a secular but spiritual fraternity dedicated to the Enlightenment principles of human liberty and equality resulting in the universal brotherhood of all mankind. This is expressed in their motto: “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.”

The oaths and obligation of the two groups are quite different as well. The Anglo-American tradition is to swear allegiance to the Grand Lodge and agree to its various rules. The Traditional Cosmopolitans are obligated to preserve human liberty and equality while striving for the universal brotherhood of mankind.

There are organizational differences between the two groups as well. The Anglo-American system is based on the election of a benevolent dictator (the Grand Master) who oversees the Craft for a specific term. The Lodges are represented at the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge and pass laws for the benefit of the Craft.

The Traditional Cosmopolitan system is governed by an Executive Board consisting of the Grand Officers. The Grand Master is the Chairman of the Board but cannot act without consensus of the Board. The Executive Board is elected by the Lodges to serve for specific terms (usually 1 or 2 years). The Lodges convene once a year to pass laws for the benefit of the Craft. There is also a “Supreme Court” in the Traditional Cosmopolitan system that has the power to pass judgments on Constitutional issues and to hear appeals related to Masonic trials.

Ritual-wise the Anglo-American system in America primarily utilizes various forms of the Preston-Webb ritual with a small number of lodges (less than 20) that utilize various forms of the Scottish Rite. The Traditional Cosmopolitan system practices a wide variety of rituals including the Modern Rite, Scottish Rite, and Emulation, just to name a few. All are held to together by an agreed upon universal recognition system.

The Anglo-American Masonic system is engaged in various charities and community projects. The Traditional Cosmopolitan system is engaged in human rights, environmental sustainability, scientific advancement, and issues that relate to freedom of speech and the press.

In regards to Masonic education the Anglo-American system utilizes a system of Research Lodges and their publications. In the Traditional Cosmopolitan system each lodge is a “research lodge” and all members are required to write both proficiency and research papers as a condition of membership.

The Anglo-American system does not recognize women as legitimate Freemasons. The Traditional Cosmopolitan system recognizes women as legitimate Freemasons and is divided into three distinct groupings: Masculine, Mixed-Gender, and Feminine. Each group is represented by its own Grand body and all are recognized and in amity with one another.

Thus far I have tried to cover the differences between the two systems to foster a better understanding of the differences between the two systems. Now, I would like to focus specifically on the Grand Orient of the United States.

The Grand Orient of the United States was started by progressive Anglo-American Masons that had many ideological and moral objections to the Anglo-American Masonic institution. They found themselves more ideologically and philosophically aligned with the Traditional Cosmopolitan system of the Grand Orient of France. After forming a new Grand Orient they approached the Grand Orient of France for recognition and a treaty of amity. This was granted on June 27, 2008, and the Grand Orient of France gave them Patents for the various Rites and degrees of Traditional Cosmopolitan Freemasonry.

The Grand Orients of France and the United States are masculine Masonic obediences that initiate men into Freemasonry, but their lodges are open to both men and women from both mixed-gender and feminine lodges. This is a reflection not only of their progressive nature, but of their commitment to equality among all human beings. It also recognizes the need for people to be able to form groups (lodges) based on their own social needs.

The Grand Orient of the United States is still in its infancy and is a small organization when compared with its Anglo-American counterparts, but it is becoming actively engaged in the community and the world. Its members are discovering ways by which they can contribute to the betterment of humanity around the globe. Some examples of this include participating in the BOINC computer sharing project sponsored by the university at Berkeley and the National Science Foundation, along with support for NOVA, Amnesty International, the Nature Conservancy, and LinkTV. These organizations reflect the ideology and philosophy of the Grand Orient, and were selected by its lodges.

Obviously the new organization won’t be contributing a million dollars to any of these organizations this year, but these organizations need the help and support of people who believe in what they are trying to accomplish. By helping them the Grand Orient furthers the cause of Universal Masonry.

Some have accused the Grand Orient of being overly secular or atheistic. This simply isn’t true. While every member is afforded absolute freedom of conscience as it relates to religious and spiritual matters, this is not indicative of the promotion of atheism. The Grand Orient is open to men regardless of their beliefs about god and religion so long as they are good moral men. It focuses on the character of the man, not his personal beliefs. The vast majority of Grand Orient Masons are religious men but they exercise tolerance in not judging the beliefs of others.

In conclusion, American Masons now have the ability to choose a form of Freemasonry that most closely indentifies with their own personal values. Both systems were born out of the same speculative Freemasonry than began in 1717, and both seek to better the individual as well as society. Neither system is perfect nor will it ever be, but both strive for perfection. The future of American Masonry will be built through diversity, tolerance and understanding. It is much like America itself with a growing diversity of cultures and people all working together to form one great union.

— Jeff Peace

Masons | Masonic Trial | Grand Orient of the United States of America | Freemasonry | Jeff Peace | Burning Taper | BurningTaper.com

Second Jester pleads guilty in prostitution case

Micheal Stebick, former prosecutor for the Erie County, New York district attorney's office, former New York State Supreme Court law clerk, Freemason, Shriner and former Impressario of the Jesters Buffalo Court #18, has pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiring to violate the federal Mann Act after admitting to driving a prostitute from New York to Kentucky in a motor home so she could be "rented out" for sex to members of the Royal Order of Jesters at one of their weekend "meetings."

Stebick is the second Jester to enter into a plea agreement with federal prosecutors for Mann Act violations. Last March, retired police captain John Trowbridge pleaded guilty to one felony count of violating the Mann Act by transporting prostitutes to Jester parties in Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

Ronald Tills, the former New York Supreme Court judge, is also under investigation for violations of the Mann Act, but has not made any pleas or agreements with federal officials.

As part of his plea agreement, Stebick forfeited his motorhome which was used to take the prostitute to a Jester party in Kentucky.

This matter goes deeper than just some horny old guys taking a hooker to a party, according to Sandy Frost's article at Newsvine. Government documents show that Stebick, Trowbridge and (so far allegedly) Tills hired the prostitute from Len Wah Chong, owner of massage and acupressure businesses, who in April pleaded guilty to Sex Trafficking of Persons by Force, Fraud and Coercion. Chong allegedly used the businesses as fronts for prostitution and had up to 11 illegal alien women kept as "sex slaves."

I can hear the Masonic apologists' even now.

"The Shriners and/or Jesters do great things for 'the children,' and Widow's Son is painting the entire group with a broad brush based on the actions of a few 'bad apples.'"

The three "bad apples" could have had, and probably did have, their way with the woman in the motor home without transporting her from New York to the Jester party in Kentucky. They took her to Kentucky to service the sexual appetites of many "bad apples" waiting there. I'm sure those Jesters were just as anxious and then happy to see the guys with the girl arrive at their party as elderly blue lodgers are to see their young Junior Warden show up with a box of donuts before a meeting.

Image: A 2000 Challenger 335 MHA motorhome, similar to the one forfeited per Michael Stebick's plea agreement.

Masons | Shriners | Michael Stebick | Freemasonry | Grand Lodge of New York | Burning Taper | BurningTaper.com

'Knights Templar' try to shake down the Catholic Church

First, it was black descendants of American slaves, wanting reparations from the U.S. and state governments.

Now, it's a group of so-called Knights Templar trying to shake down the Vatican for untold treasures in repayment for 700-year old memories of medieval torture.

Next, it will be me trying to get back the lunch money that bully in the sixth grade stole from me.

At least they're trying to shake down a group — the Catholic Church — that has loot to spare.

The Register says:

The Daily Telegraph reports that The Association of the Sovereign Order of the Temple of Christ has launched a court case in Spain, demanding Pope Benedict “recognise” the seizure of assets worth €100bn.

The Spanish-based group of Templars apparently says in a statement: "We are not trying to cause the economic collapse of the Roman Catholic Church, but to illustrate to the court the magnitude of the plot against our Order."

This might come as a surprise to those who believe that the order of warrior monks — also credited with possessing the Holy Grail and laying the foundation of the European banking system — was smashed in 1307 by Pope Clement V and Philip IV of France.

Masons | Knights Templar | Vatican | Freemasonry | Catholic Church | Burning Taper | BurningTaper.com