I weep

Yesterday was a crazy day to say the least. It started with a brief conversation with a Brother over messenger. He mentioned the idea of “Taking politics out of Freemasonry but putting more Freemasonry into politics.” We sent a couple of thoughts back and forth and ended on the idea of finding “Middle Ground”. Not so much for me and this Brother. I am sure there are things we agree and disagree on. But he has always been willing to sit and listen to my ideas, and I his. Funny how that works.

I do not know if he knew about yesterday’s happening that would make National News. I know I didn’t when I read his thoughts. I sure know he knew about events that have happened in recent past.

His words, like most things he says, gave me something to chew on a bit. There is a reason we have and should continue to purge the topic of politics from our lodge. Is that saying the Masons are not politically minded? Oh, for the love of all that is Holy, they are. But there is a time and place, the Temple room is not it.

Why is that topic forbidden in our most sacred of places? Well, look at CNN, FOX, MSNBC, The BBC, etc and I am sure you can find your answer without me having to say it. Politics is a divider of people. Because I am right and you are wrong, because you are wrong, I must belittle you and make you feel somehow less, and unworthy.

Now before I go any further on my thought and ramblings. I want to say this, and I will say it till my last breath. I believe in the 1st Amendment right of free speech. I may not like what you have to say, I may not agree with it and I may stand up with a sign and protest what you are saying. I after all did that a couple of time against the Westboro Baptist Church. Which honestly are neither. But, I will defend your right to stand in the middle of the town square and say what you feel.

Why do I feel this way? A number of years ago I help found and run an even called “Kansas City Pagan Pride”. We promoted the idea that people of those faiths are just that people. In fact you may know a few and not know it. We also during my tenure raised about $20,000 and gave it all away to local charities. You see we felt, and I still do that if you are not a part of the solution, we are part of the problem. We could have been protested and shut down. I enjoy my right way too much to lose it. If you lose yours, I lose mine. It’s just that simple.

Let me say real quick that if you use your voice through violence, you are not using it at all. I will always condemn the use of violence in any form. No matter the side, view or reason. If you have to go down that road. Well, your opinion, view and you as a person are weak.

Now back to my Brothers point of injecting Masonry into politics. I am a very firm believer that if we can slow down, take a breath and focus we can find way to “shine the light of Masonry in to a darkened world”. I also end my prayers in Lodge with that. I honestly believe down to my core that if given the chance Masonry (and the entire Masonic Family…OES, Shrine, etc.) can save a very darkened world.

But how and why? Well, first and foremost by looking and understanding that we all come from different cultures, ideals, faith-based groups, social standings, economic back groups, and countries. But we all share one thing. Our humanity. We understand that we are all products of The Master Craftsman. Or we should anyway. Each one as unique as the aspects of Spirit that created us.

It’s our tools that can change the world. How we use them properly to build ourselves and our portion of the world. Being upright and honest. Being Square with those around us. Staying with in “Due Bounds” and knowing where we stand with ourselves and those we come in contact with. The tools of our Craft are not just there to remind us. But, for us to support our Brothers and those we encounter too. Have you ever seen a building made from one stone? That stone we see rests on another, it rests on another and so on until we have a properly erected and useable edifice.

So, while we need to continue to banish Politics from our Temples and Lodges. Maybe he is right and we should properly find ways to inject the tools of our “Gentle Craft” into the political arena. As long and we can use them properly.

Again, I have had friends touched by recent events and my heart breaks for them. I may not be able to do much. But I will do my best to shine the light of Masonry into a darkened world. I feel it is the only thing that can save it.



I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly