Masonic Musings from ME!

“Would you have a problem, Worshipful, if I skipped out of the officers meeting in two weeks? As you probably know, there’s a big rally down at the state capital and a bunch of supporters are heading down there to show our enthusiasm for this candidacy. This is one heck of an election year in this country and I’m trying to make sure that the best person wins. I’ve already talked with the Junior Warden and he’ll give me a call afterwards to let me know what I’ve missed – and to make sure we’re coordinated for the upcoming supper we’re doing when the Grand Master visits.”

“I don’t have any problems with that, Brother Senior Steward. I don’t get involved in partisan politics but I do get out to vote at every election.” replied the lodge’s Master.

“Well let me give you a brochure to help you make your decision then. I’ve been giving some of these out to other lodge members but I’m not sure everyone is as excited about politics as I am.”

“I have had some complaints about your doing that, I should mention….” The Master knew he was treading on very thin ice broaching this subject with a young man with such extraordinary zeal for political campaigns.

“Why should anybody complain? I’ve been doing it outside in the parking lot mostly and I’ve never brought it up in lodge. Why are these guys so sensitive? Everybody should feel free to talk about such things outside of the lodge environment. After all, we should all be proud citizens of our country and we’re taught in our ritual….”

“Whoa, Brother!” said the Master, holding his hands up. “I’m not trying to get you upset but I think you’re missing the point here.”

“What do you mean? I’m a darn good officer – or at least that’s what I’ve been told – and I’m a strong supporter of the fraternity. I even have a blog about Masonry for cryin’ out loud.”

“And it’s where you’ve made your political views very clearly known.” said the Master. “The problem is that when you put on your ‘Masonic garb’ so to speak – with Freemasonry as part of your very visible ‘identity’, it gives the appearance that you are speaking FOR Freemasonry. You know you aren’t. I know you aren’t. Our Webmaster standing quietly against the wall over here knows more than either of us, perhaps, that you aren’t – but what does the PUBLIC see? They see a Mason supporting a particular political candidate. This, ipso facto, becomes a Mason supporting a particular political party and train of thought. It’s very much like the conundrum faced when candidates have police officers standing with them at their rallies: there’s a public perception that ALL people of that grouping feel that way – which is great if you do too but if you’re on the outside looking in, it’s not so good.”

“Worshipful…” A vigorous reply was started but then there was a pause and a much more subdued tone. “Worshipful, I mean no disrespect to either your office or yourself but I think you’re just plain wrong. That blog is my own. Masonry has nothing to do with it. I defer to our resident online expert though: Brother Webmaster, what do YOU think?”

The Old Webmaster continued his casual lean against the wall. He cleared his throat and began slowly. “My Brother, if your blog was titled ‘Oliver’s Opinions’ or ‘George’s Gripes’ and you posted some stuff about Masonry on there, I could easily accept your view – as would, I’m sure – the Master. But your blog is titled ‘The Active Freemason’ and frankly, that means that whatever you write is going to be seen by others as being somehow connected to Freemasonry. You can argue that it shouldn’t be but you’ve put on the uniform, so to speak, and your actions are now judged with that background. It’s just the reason that military personnel aren’t allowed to campaign for someone while wearing their uniform – or to take political stances while on duty. It’s somewhat the same for police officers. They’re held to a high standard in our society and their conduct in or out of uniform is judged by the same very high standard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They get no ‘time off’ from being a police officer. I’d argue that neither does a Freemason. It’s the same high standard, reinforced in that image by what is, ostensibly, the primary purpose of your blog.”

“But look at our country’s patriots. They were Masons. They were involved politically – to the hilt!”

The Master replied quickly: “Ah, but here’s the difference, my Brother: they were careful not to wear their ‘Masonic mantle’ on their sleeve as they engaged in those political acts. They behaved as Masons always but they didn’t flaunt their membership so that the public would see them as such whenever they saw them. You won’t find political speeches published in newspapers with large Masonic emblems beside the text as we see today on blogs, for example.”

“And what you feel is right for our city, state or nation may be completely opposite of what your Brother Mason might feel. And who really knows?” interjected The Old Webmaster.

“I’m not sure I fully agree with all this – but let me think about it a bit. Maybe we can go out for a beer or something after the officer’s rehearsal next Wednesday night?”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll put it on my calendar.” replied the Master quickly and with a broad smile.

“And maybe we can try that new pizza place over near where you live. I heard it’ll be opening this weekend. Might be worth a try….” suggested The Old Webmaster.

It would be – they all knew – a very interesting get-together.

Technorati Tags: The Old Webmaster, freemasonry, Masonic, politics