tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24190349.post7542068041760608409..comments2023-10-24T10:21:46.456-04:00Comments on Tubal Cain: On the Duty of Civil DisobedienceTubal Cainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24190349.post-66031571578560244182011-03-04T08:47:58.091-05:002011-03-04T08:47:58.091-05:00Dear WBS,
the picture and article pre-date the tim...Dear WBS,<br />the picture and article pre-date the time when "the several of them no longer belong" left?<br />Are you suggesting I need to edit my writings and pictures to be current?<br />Too much work. <br />You need not worry about Che and his involvement.<br /><br />You do not sound skeptical, just one who has pent up anger and are directing towards GOUSA and Halcyon, which is fine. The address of the GOUSA headquarters and Halcyon are the same. So, that would be the place to send one...<br /><br />Thanks for the interest in our little org., also thanks for having passion towards the GOUSA. We must be doing something right to garner such passion and interest.<br />Travel safely WBS, and may you one day find inner harmony that will quench your "skepticism/passion" towards a group of men minding their own business and trying to grow a new entity.<br />SMIBTubal Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24190349.post-13082549821194319422011-03-02T01:44:13.684-05:002011-03-02T01:44:13.684-05:00Nice pic of Halcyon/Gousa members.....except that ...Nice pic of Halcyon/Gousa members.....except that several of them no longer belong to those groups.Is Che your newest EA? If I sound sceptical there is a good chance it is because your "Grand Secretary" tried to blow smoke up my a** on the phone. So many members and lodges and growing! That was about 2 months ago. When I questioned about visiting or speaking with them he could not come up with a single name,number or address excepting Halcyon.WBShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01877211401737556508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24190349.post-15435076071271430932010-01-21T14:33:49.734-05:002010-01-21T14:33:49.734-05:00As far as your regular condemnation of “American F...As far as your regular condemnation of “American Freemasonry” I contend that there is no such thing. Every Grand Lodge is autonomous and different. Hell, every individual lodge is different. True change comes from within and those of us in mainstream Freemasonry the might share some of your ideals regarding basic human rights work under this premise. To hold a belief that all American Freemasonry is the same is no different than holding a belief in any other generalization or stereotype.<br /><br /> You seem have very strong and passionate beliefs as to what is right and wrong. Subsequently you can’t believe that Freemasonry doesn’t take a stand against those injustices that seem so evident to you. While you intentions might be good, through your defense of Che and the like you are not just decrying those injustices you see: you are subscribing to a political dogma and ideology that puts itself above the sanctity of human life and the freedom of the individual. Something that is contrary to Masonic philosophy. <br /><br />I leave you this from Morals and Dogma to consider in relation to you most strongly held beliefs:<br /><br />Toleration, holding that every other man has the same right to his opinion and faith that we have to ours; and liberality, holding that as no human being can with certainty say, in the clash and conflict of hostile faiths and creeds, what is truth, or that he is surely in possession of it, so everyone should feel that it is quite possible that another equally honest and sincere with himself, and yet holding the contrary opinion, may himself be in possession of the truth, and that whatever one firmly and conscientiously believes, is truth, to him--these are the mortal enemies of that fanaticism which persecutes for opinion's sake, and initiates crusades against whatever it, in its imaginary holiness, deems to be contrary to the law of God or verity of dogma. And education, instruction, and enlightenment are the most certain means by which fanaticism and intolerance can be rendered powerless.<br />No true Mason scoffs at honest convictions and an ardent zeal in the cause of what one believes to be truth and justice. But he does absolutely deny the right of any man to assume the prerogative of Deity, and condemn another's faith and opinions as deserving to be punished because heretical. Nor does he approve the course of those who endanger the peace and quiet of great nations, and the best interest of their own race by indulging in a chimerical and visionary philanthropy--a luxury which chiefly consists in drawing their robes around them to avoid contact with their fellows, and proclaiming themselves holier than they.<br />So I contend the only things that we as Freemasons should feel compelled to stand up to defend are our freedom of speech and representative government. In this country neither is as yet in denied anyone. Such it were the case my homeland. <br />Peace<br />JAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620930628051716792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24190349.post-71788057407771134302010-01-21T14:33:35.319-05:002010-01-21T14:33:35.319-05:00You speak of the French revolution. Yes there were...You speak of the French revolution. Yes there were many Masons involved, but many a Masonic scholar would argue that the revolution itself was not planned, executed or sanctioned by any organized body of Freemasonry. The ideas of Equality, Fraternity and Truth that Freemasonry exemplifies are what really subverted the French monarch not the Craft itself. <br />Conspiracy theorists claim that Freemasonry was secretly behind both American and French revolutions (not such a bad thing when you think about it), but what is more likely is that although this idea is seemingly plausible (and agreeable) ; It was constructed upon very selective reasoning designed to "prove" that something unmentionable has been going on under the table all along. <br /><br />Now I can see how anyone can look at the Masonic symbols in Washington D.C. or the paintings of George Washington that hang in every Masonic Lodge in this country and deduce that the Masons were or are on a mission to establish a New World Order to control the world starting with the United States. These claims however are easily discounted.<br /><br />Yes, George Washington the father of our country was a Mason as were many but not all of the founding fathers. What most conspiracy theorists fail to, or choose not to, notice is this: So was Benedict Arnold and many of the British generals that fought so hard to crush this new idea of representative government fomenting in their colonies. Let’s not forget that there were Masons on both sides of the American Civil war as well.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620930628051716792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24190349.post-55538485808896491352010-01-21T14:33:01.476-05:002010-01-21T14:33:01.476-05:00The Grand Lodge of Cuba that Castro allows to exis...The Grand Lodge of Cuba that Castro allows to exist is recognized by the UCLE and all American GL’s . So contrary to what you might think; American Freemasonry does bend a knee with the same system that Castro allows to exist. And here, once again here we have a good example of the weakness in your arguments. You said that every year Castro makes the Grand Master affirm that Freemasonry is apolitical. A) It would be unthinkable in this country that the government would limit any organization’s right to political discourse. And B) the fact the Cuban Freemasonry abstains from politics meets with those requirement concerning partisan politics found in the Ancient charges. By your reasoning Cuban Freemasonry should stand up for their freedom of speech and fight for liberty as an organization. If they even hinted at the least amount of dissidence I guarantee you they would be shut down and their members jailed. This is something that, once again, would be unthinkable in this country. <br />You keep on mentioning the need for Freemasonry to “take a stand” on political and social issues. I believe that Freemasons should and will always fight for what they believe in, but the Craft itself should always be above politics. To take any public partisan stand would be contrary to the purpose and mission of Freemasonry:<br />“Masonry unites men of every country, sect, and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.” –Ahiman Razon<br />Consider this if you place a group of men "who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance” because of their beliefs or socio-economic status together in a room and don’t allow them to discuss the differences that kept them at said distance, what you engender is fruitful dialogue. They are more apt to regard each other as brothers regardless of their circumstances or propensities outside the lodge. They will undoubtedly work on what they have in common instead of the differences that separate them, especially since that is what they are entreated to do in the first place. This is key to understanding the role of the Craft in society because honesty, integrity and good character are not traits exclusive to any race, religion, or political ideology and Masons have known that for hundreds of years.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620930628051716792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24190349.post-24269099874695258742010-01-21T14:32:09.775-05:002010-01-21T14:32:09.775-05:00See this is what I mean, not even in the United St...See this is what I mean, not even in the United States of the 1950's were gays being rounded up and put in work camps. To compare the US to Cuba in this (or any) respect is not just ludicrous but insulting to those gay men that died in prison. The murder of homosexuals might occur in this country but it has never been a government program like it was in the hands of Che. <br />As I have heard it told there was a brother among Castro’s men when he was captured in the failed attack on the Moncada Barracks. One of Batista's soldiers was going to shoot him on the spot when said brother interceded. The soldier also being a brother spared Castro’s life. Right there Castro saw firsthand one of the greatest virtues of Freemasonry; brotherhood among men regardless of their political views. Something you seem to be against.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620930628051716792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24190349.post-82326707257486129482010-01-21T07:58:23.604-05:002010-01-21T07:58:23.604-05:00Brother, I understand your passion now, and am tru...Brother, I understand your passion now, and am truly sorry for any sorrow done to you and your family.<br /><br />I agree that the avatar could have a negative effect on one such as yourself.<br /><br />For that, I apologize. <br /><br />Homosexuals in America are still being treated poorly. Youths getting murdered by their peers because of sexual preferences. So, to the Cuban homosexual that perished, I too feel for them, but where are the American Freemasons taking any kind of stand for anything here in America?<br /><br />An American Freemason takes any kind of stand, politically, socially or internally(within the org), they get beat down. We do not have freedom of speech or freedom of association within the Craft, how is that different from Castro's regime? Try and exercise you basic American Freedoms with the Craft and tell me what happens?<br /><br />What has happened to our Craft from raising men who fought and defended the basics Rights of Man, to being loyal sheeple, obligated to shut up and ostracize "Freemasons" of masonic bodies that one's Grand Lodge does not deem worthy?<br /><br /><br />Whether Che' was right or wrong. Whether or not his motives were good or bad. He believed in something enough to put his life on the line for a change. Whether the change was right or wrong, is again, not up to me, I like men of passion, like you, who take a stand against their present tyrannical surroundings for a perceived improvement.?<br /><br />The masses of France were a little over zealous too, but for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. <br /><br />Balancing of the pendulum.<br />Ying and Yang.<br /><br />I believe Freemasonry was allowed by Castro as long as every year, the grand master would affirm that they would never discuss politics or religion within the Lodges. If true, that sounds like American Masonry, and if that type of masonry is acceptable to Castro, why would any American bend knee within that same system that Castro has found acceptable?<br />Peace and LoveTubal Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24190349.post-50853502734981445652010-01-20T17:47:05.647-05:002010-01-20T17:47:05.647-05:00Excuse my excessive passion on the subject. You ar...Excuse my excessive passion on the subject. You are right I should be discussing the topic at hand. It is hard though since it is seems somewhat abstract to me in the context that of your blog.<br /> <br />You are quoting an essay that proposes that the conscience of the people overrules the authority of government. <br /><br />The reason I find this abstract is that for all practical purposes the people have to come to an agreement as to what their collective conscience is demanding of them and large groups of people often tend to disagree on what is fair and just <br /><br />For example; In the United States about half of the population feels that their conscience demands that abortion be illegal. The other half holds the right of the individual woman to make any choice that would ostensibly involve her own body above that of any "collective conscience" regardless of their sincerity in the belief that abortion is the destruction of human life and thus murder.<br /><br />Do you propose that the right-wingers take up arms against the government and by force the law so that it can be reconciled with their conscience? Or are you merely suggesting that they lie in the streets and block entrances to the clinics? <br /><br />The former would amount to treason against the United States government and they would rightly be met with serious jail time. Who is the terrorist and who is the the freedom fighter in this scenario?<br /> <br />Now my reaction although harsh, and I hope you accept my apology, is based on what to me is an obvious disconnect on your part as to the meaning of liberty. <br /><br />The idea that "One man's terrorist is another's freedom fighter is simplistic to say the least. <br />Che Guevara was a murderer that executed and tortured prisoners without any due process whatsoever. He sent homosexuals to prison camps based on their sexual preference.<br /><br />I am not arguing that the Batista regime was just, or fair or even legitimate. What I am saying is that to replace tyranny with tyranny does not a freedom fighter make. <br /><br />The mistake that most people make is that when they find a charismatic leader that champions two or three of their most strongly held beliefs they jump to the conclusion that the leader in question is acting upon just motivations while more often nothing could be further from the truth. <br /><br />To hide Che Guevara behind Thoreau's concept of liberty and propose that he was a freedom fighter while thousands of prisoners of conscience rot in Cuban prisons is ill informed to say the least. <br /><br />To suggest that this monster is a true Freemason is an insult to the Craft regardless of what obedience you adhere to. <br /><br />Not that it is any excuse for the rudeness on my part, but the root of the hostility in my previous post comes from personal experience. <br /><br />I am a Cuban national, born in Havana. My family was poor in Cuba, we were not "capitalist oppressors of the working class" we were in no way involved with the Batista government. As a matter of fact, my mother spent six months in prison for attending a pro-Castro demonstration and wearing his colors (red and black). In the end like millions of my countrymen we fled the country to escape the oppression that exists there. Without freedom of speech there is no liberty regardless of how you slice it. Today we have both exercised our freedom of speech on your blog. We disagree with each other, yet tomorrow no government official will show up at either of our homes and arrest us for what we wrote here. It is not this way in Cuba.<br /><br />Once again I apologize for my remarks earlier but when I see your avatar it makes it difficult for me to believe that you know what you are talking about. Communism is no less a mindless dogma than religious fundamentalism and its adherents are no less impervious to truth or reason when it conflicts with their dogma. A zealot is a zealot is a zealot,<br />Peace<br />J.LuisAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620930628051716792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24190349.post-1964507152785717522010-01-20T15:37:09.332-05:002010-01-20T15:37:09.332-05:00Major Bullshit?
OK..... on what?
One man's ter...Major Bullshit?<br />OK..... on what?<br />One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.......<br /><br /><br />Freemasons today have lost their way when it comes to fighting tyranny and standing up for less fortunate. The Freemason of the 1700's fought and killed a many a man to gain some Rights for mankind..<br /><br />It is a shame that a Picture can distract you from discussing the topic at hand!<br /><br />Instead of discussing civil disobedience, you attack an avatar!<br /><br />Typical American Masonic attitude and approach.<br /><br />So, Dude, whether or not you take me seriously really does not mean a thing, but avoid the topic and attack the messenger instead.<br /><br />I am so glad I left the American Grand Lodge system and this type of attitude!<br />Thanks for the Love J.Luis.Tubal Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24190349.post-64468676729458424832010-01-20T14:44:11.757-05:002010-01-20T14:44:11.757-05:00Dude I would take you more seriously if you didn&#...Dude I would take you more seriously if you didn't have a picture of that homophobic murderer on your with a caption saying that he was a real Freemason, according to who? you? I call major bullshit.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620930628051716792noreply@blogger.com