Food for Thought
by
Steve Osborn, SD Camanio Lodge No. 19

In an on line discussion recently the question came up of famous Masons and Masonic participation in the founding of the United States. There have been a number of books published on the activities of Freemasons in the foundation of the United States. Whether apocryphal or not, the fact remains that many, if not a majority, of those involved in beginning the revolution against England were Freemasons. Most had tried for years to get a redress of grievances from England to heal the breach, but when it became obvious that there would not be anything forthcoming save more oppression, they took a lead in declaring our independence.

I have heard that, during the Revolutionary War, there were instances of Freemasons, Washington amongst them, who crossed the lines to attend Lodge together with their brethren on the English side and vice versa. That is supposed to be affirmed by signatures in the various Lodge's Tyler's Registers. This is, in itself, a testimony to the strength and integrity of our fraternity.

Whether or not Freemasons took the lead, the system of morals and the ideals which formed our nation were Masonic and we can take great pride in that. If our nation were still dedicated to the values of Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love that were espoused by our Founding Fathers, perhaps we would be living in a different world than we find ourselves in today.

Here is a proposal. Masons are found in all walks of life, in every corner of the world. Kings and beggars can meet upon the level and part upon the square. Let every Mason, wherever placed, consciously keep before him his Masonic obligation and act upon it. Base his actions in whatever his field of endeavor, on the values we espouse, not profit or power, but how it will benefit our brothers and our fellow man. Assume, in fact, the stewardship we talk about, to leave this poor beleaguered planet a better place than we found it. Weigh our decisions not upon gaining maximum power or profit, but how our fellow man can be alleviated in his distress. If we can all do this in our private, corporate, political and public lives, we cannot help but better the world in some small way.

Just keep our obligation before us at all times and act as though we truly meant it. Many Masons were involved in the creation of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, for instance. The values expressed in those documents are all Masonic values.

Perhaps we can dust off those documents and use them as a stepping off place to continue to build, not destroy this wonderful planet. It is beautiful and fragile. The human race has so much potential, it just needs guidance. Isn't that what we try to do? To lead by example?

Think about it.

Fraternally,
Stephen M. Osborn, MPS

SD Camanio Lodge No. 19

Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281