Otley Freemasons make a hearty donation

Nice to have a local story.

http://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/news/10763353.Otley_Freemasons_make_a_hearty_donation/

MLive reader realizes connection to 3,000-pound Masonic stone; see what was found

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/10/mlive_reader_discovers_connect.html

Masons link ‘problematic’

http://www.newsinenglish.no/2013/10/23/masons-link-problematic/

This news item has popped up from Norway. Yet another example of 'Craftaphobia' and selective telling of facts. The 'oaths' (or obligation as we actually call them) specifically says there "is nothing incompatible with your moral, civil or religious duties". Furthermore other obligations have specific caveats that exclude acts that are contrary to or subversive of good order in society.

I liked Thommessen definition... a "voluntary organization and called it “an environment for learning and personal development” in which he wished more people would get involved." Indeed, rather than subscribing to outdated and rather ridiculous superstitions, being a Freemason means one subscribes to values that are compatible with good citizenship behaviour.

The Freemason conspiracy theories

There seems to be an endless cycle of 'churnalism' in masonic conspiracy theories. The same old same old being repeated (as I have shown time and time again). It is easier to kill a dragon than slay a myth, it seems.

The article ends with the assertion:

"These conspiracy theories are only theories after all. But within every speculation there’s a little truth, isn’t there?"

No, there isn't. There isn't a shred of evidence. It's all complete bunkum.

http://www.kensingtonandchelseatoday.co.uk/lifestyle/blog/xp3735kiaq.html

Video: House stenographer goes on freemason rant during shutdown vote

More craftaphobia, this time from the United States:

http://voices.suntimes.com/early-and-often/politics/video-house-stenographer-goes-on-freemason-rant-during-shutdown-vote/

Sarkodie is a Small Boy to Join the Freemasons – Monte Oz Says

http://vibeghana.com/2013/10/15/sarkodie-is-a-small-boy-to-join-the-freemasons-monte-oz-says/

I don't know anything about Ghanian culture, but what an amazingly well-informed article reporting the views of someone who is (probably) not a freemason. If people were as well informed as Monte Oz obviously is.... well I would have very little to write about. Good on you Monte Oz!

63 Years Sentence Recommended for "Bulletinman"

More on the activities of masonic "conspiracy theorists"

http://www.mymoinfo.com/pages/17505008.php?contentType=4&contentId=13967567

Hillsborough: Freemason cops banned from working on criminal probe into cover-up

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/hillsborough-freemason-cops-banned-working-2366200#ixzz2hcntGpQW 

If this is true this will unfortunately add fuel to the fire of the conspiracy theorists. Freemasons have been 'banned', therefore they must be guilty. If we were an ethnic minority, this would be racist. If we were a religion, this would be illegal. Whilst not wishing to detract from the tragic event that took place, anyone with the slightest amount of common sense would realise this is negative stereotyping of the most outrageous kind.

Anybody who knows anything about Freemasonry (and clearly the IPCC do not) knows that Masons promise NOT to be involved in plots or conspiracies and to uphold the law of the land. (Third Degree obligation, Charge to the WM elect). This is like going back to the 1970s. Shame on you, IPCC.