to think that Freemasonry should not be allowed to exist?

[StickMeToTheMan]

... or that members should declare their membership - especially those in positions of power - police, SS, politicians etc?

I am just flabbergasted that this is allowed in this day and age. Take a look at the JS scandal and the potential involvement of the masons, and surely no-one can dispute that this old boy network is dangerously shady.

Can anyone explain to me what it is really for, and if membership to any secret society is justifiable in this day and age?

AIBU?

(Namechanged as have been discussing on FB)

[Spuddybean]

i love a good conspiracy theory, but i just don't think the ones about the masons hold water. Unfortunately the reality is far more mundane. Makes for good copy tho i suppose. But sadly just perpetuates the myths. And they do not dress up and dance around as far as everyone i know that is in the masons tell me. Unless it's a massive cover up. Isn't it true masons faked the moon landings to cover up that the pyramids were built by aliens? ;)

[StickMeToTheMan]

And not just at council. I really can't illustrate this properly but I know of serious vendettas waged against local businesses, backed up by other members. I am sure this is not coincidence.

[DreamsTurnToGoldDust]

Garlic, I was thrown out of the Guides so I cant see the Masons letting me in

[Spuddybean]

like groucho said i wouldn't want to be in a club that would have me as a member - such low standards!

I think it is human nature to club together, and yes i'm sure a lot of people are twats who think they are in some elite club and offer favours. But I don't buy all the conspiracies and i thin those people would be twats and find other ways to do so without joining a club which i think by and large is benevolent at best and irrelevant at worst.

[LineRunner]

Actually quite a few of the masons I know are quite young, in their thirties, and are both employed and self-employed in a number of professions, jobs and trades. The very thing that unifies them is masonry - so they say themselves.

I just don't see why masons who are councillors don't declare it openly, as it's all so harmless and fun. The one I know quite well has told me openly that his first loyalty is to other masons.

[MardyBra]

It may well be benevolent or irrelevant, but because it goes on behind closed doors, we can't ascertain that.

[StickMeToTheMan]

That's the nail on the head LineRunner. Loyalty.

If I were a member of a tennis club and also a police inspector, and I found a tennis partner had stolen money, I would still do something about it. Would a mason? I don't know. This is the issue.

[Spuddybean]

I think that is odd Line. If someone said that to me, meaning over their family and profession i would think they were very strange. It is certainly not the case of all the masons i know.

I do see what you are saying Mardy and yes i also agree they should declare their interests.

[MoreBeta]

No one has ever asked me to be a mason but have had the dodgy handshake a few times to 'check me out'.

Fact is that men of influence getting together in whatever club, society or group will tend to promote each others interests. That is what it is fundamentally about. Forget the whole mason thing. Its not important. What matters is groups of men getting together for mutual benefit.

Linerunner - I know where you are coming from. Our town is similar. It shows up in strange planning decisions mainly. No idea if it haas anything to do with masons, or just a bunch of mates who help each other.

My FIL, refused to join the masons as he was a catholic. Not sure why being a catholic made a difference but apparently it did.

[Spuddybean]

Well Stick, all the masons i know are in the police and forces and i defo know they would not give a shit whether someone was a mason if they were committing a criminal offence. They would do what they had to do.

I think the concept plays on our fears that something could be conspiring without our knowledge. I always hated the idea of it before DP was one. Then they replaced me with a carbon copy and everything is just fine now :)

[LineRunner]

Yes, I do accept the 'bunch of mates' thing is a big factor.

[Spuddybean]

I agree MoreBeta, at work there was a football team, only the male colleagues were invited to play. Managers were in it as well as entry level juniors. They all played then went for a drink together after once a week. The managers got to know the juniors well and discussed career stuff with them and unsurprisingly despite 'transparent' interviews the male colleagues always got internal promotions. I don't think it was machiavellian just human nature and dreadfully unfair. Which is why i don't think work should encourage these groups. However, you can't stop what people do in their own time.

[OneMoreChap]

I'm the mason from the other thread. Ask away...

[LineRunner]

Why, have you got all the answers?

[SaurenLaurensonsMum]

What degree are you OneMoreChap?

How old is your Mother?

[LineRunner]

1. Which MPs are masons?
   

1. Which city councillors are masons?
   

1. Should there be a limit on the number of masons sitting together on licensing and planning committees where the attending police, licensing and planning officers, or the applicants, are also masons?

[StickMeToTheMan]

As I asked above:

Why do they often refuse to disclose their membership?

Why are there rituals that they are not allowed to disclose?

Why do you have o be invited to join?

Why do new members and their families have to be vetted?

[LineRunner]

What percentage of lord mayors and mayors of English cities have been masons, compared to the general population, over the past 50 years?

[StickMeToTheMan]

Same as LR's last question but for government ministers

[LineRunner]

And senior civil servants.

[Spuddybean]

Stick - can you clarify what you mean by 'vetted'?

[StickMeToTheMan]

And judges. And senior police.

[LineRunner]

Are masons allowed to be openly gay and take their same-sex partners to lodge dinners?

[StickMeToTheMan]

I have heard (obviously not first hand) that wives of potential members are asked a series of question prior to membership. Is this not true? I gather not fro a couple of responses above.

[StickMeToTheMan]

Can you categorically say that you (OMC) have never suspected a high profile case being construed by masonic links?