Reply #285: Given your signature line...

[IdesOfOctober]

... drawn from the Declaration of Independence, you may be surprised to know how many of the "architects" of the Declaration - and of the Constitution - were proud to be Masons.

The numerous letters that George Washington wrote dealing with his Masonic ties help tell the tale (e.g., the two slabs on either side of the door at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial are carved with two of his letters dealing with his proud affiliation with "the craft"): http://www.gwmemorial.org/

See also the virtual tour, if you're unable to get to DC: http://www.gwmemorial.org/Tour/

The Scottish Rite Supreme Council temple, located at *1733* 16th Street (just up from the White House) is also worth a visit, and will figure prominently, no doubt, in Dan Brown's upcoming book, The Solomon Key: http://www.scottishrite.org/visitors/vtour.html

1733 is a significant address, in that it is the date that the first Freemasons lodge opened in the 13 colonies: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1733

(Apologies to Dan Brown for spoiling some of what will no doubt be in his book.)

The ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone of the original U.S. Capitol was impossible to mistake for anything other than a Masonic one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Capitol#History

http://www.gwmemorial.org/Tour/MemorialHall/MemorialHall.htm (cornerstone laying ceremony mural)

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=masonic+cornerstone+capitol+washington

Freemasonry in America came under fierce suspicion and distrust in America after The Morgan Affair in 1826, which decimated many Lodges' membership: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Morgan_%28anti-Mason%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry

Even so, the Lodges that survived still teach the same principles that George Washington and so many of the other key Founders found so compelling, as to build an entire nation upon them: http://www.pagrandlodge.org/programs/masedu/signersdeclaration.html

http://www.pagrandlodge.org/programs/masedu/signersrumored.html

For a further discussion of Freemasons who signed the Declaration, the Articles of Confederation, and the "more perfect Union" replacement, the Constitution: http://freemasonry.org/psoc/masonicmyths.htm

That isn't to say that all Masons throughout America's history have been exemplary members; but it is to say that the organization strives to teach its members that true patriotism surpasses all bonds of party or other loyalties. Indeed, it was this fraternal nature that enabled people from differing religious viewpoints to gather, socialize, and discuss how to throw off the British tyranny.

As for October 13th - well, any October 13th is special. This year's just happens to be moreso, since it synchs up with the 1307 calendar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1307.

Next year will be 700 years since Phillip the Fair of France and Pope Clement V ordered the Templars rounded up on trumped-up charges. In 700 years, weak-minded would-be despots haven't changed very much.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_de_Molay