[Pharmboy]

While feel similarly to you about secret handshakes and such, I am more positively disposed to the Masons. First, George Washington was a Mason and I am a devoted Washingtonian. Second, as an amateur historian of the American Revolution, it is enlightening to learn how much the ideas of 18th century Freemasonry contributed to the founding of this Republic.

The secret stuff does keep me from applying for membership however.

[SR71A]

First, George Washington was a Mason and I am a devoted Washingtonian. Second, as an amateur historian of the American Revolution, it is enlightening to learn how much the ideas of 18th century Freemasonry contributed to the founding of this Republic.

The majority of the Founding Fathers were Masons. The majority of the Presidents were Masons. One large advantage of becoming a Mason is that you move in very "connected" circles, both at the local level, and regional and national levels. As you saw by my smileys, I was being facetious -- don't underestimate the political and financial power of FreeMasonry. I just never had the interest to "push" myself forward that much.

[Brad C.]

Actually, you can walk into almost any public library or large bookstore and find books with all of the "secret stuff" written down in plain english, and probably any other language. Many of us Masons say our best kept secret is that we have no secrets.

It is the application of the things that are frequently inculcated to us inside the lodge room that make Masonry special. Most Masons will tell you that the purpose of Masonry is to make good men better. It's not magic, and its not a cure all for everyone, but it is something that works very well for me and my brothers, every where in the world.