The Tincture of Masonry

Tincture:  a slight trace of something

So power is the elixir of masonry that it has effect on men. Is it self-serving?  In the sense that carrying out an act of true charity- with an understanding of a masons five levels, brings on a deep level of self-satisfaction, one could argue  that yes it is self-serving.  That would take a cynicism undeserved by a gentleman  of the craft.  It would confuse many to wonder if altruism exists only as a state of mind.

Masonry has its share of critics, rather sophomoric to my way of thinking but nevertheless influential.  Always we have been at risk for not being politically correct. Today- a resurgence of populism and nationalism is gripping the Politik tightly. So be cautious. Beware my brethren.  Those obvious old white men are up to something.   New terms have entered our lexicon.  I am fascinated by the term post-truth. 

Post-truth politics is a political culture in which debate is framed largely by appeals to emotion disconnected from the details of policy, and by the repeated assertion of talking points to which factual rebuttals are ignored.Wikipedia

It doesn't matter what we actually are, we will be condemned by what others say we are.  Repeat it enough, appeal to the emotional state of disconnected people, need to blame someone for their suffering and masonry becomes an attractive target. Collateral damage.  Are we better holding our confusing unsatisfactory course- head down?  Do we recommit to spiritual, character growth? Do we prepare for an inglorious martyrdom and weather the storm?   

Low moments are coming.