2V, I want to tell you that I really like your new avatar.

I thought it was impossible to shock me into speechlessness by this late hour, but.................. I mean did these two men actually say this in public? If I hadn't heard it from their own mouths, I might be reluctant to believe it. What they said is certifiably clinically insane (psychotic break with reality), categorically irrational (the first principles and operations of reason are not operative in the minds of these "knowers"), and flagrantly stupid (as in manifesting essentially bovine brain function).

Phew!!!!!!!!!!!

Can one actually ever be an "ex-freemason"?Sincere question .

To appreciate de Maistre in his writings as a whole, one may remark that his ideas are bold and penetrating, and his views so clear and accurate that at times they seem prophetic. An enthusiastic believer in the principle of authority, which the Revolution tried to destroy, he defends it everywhere: in the State by extolling the monarchy, in the Church by exalting the privileges of the papacy; in the world by glorifying the rights and the conduct of God. His style is strong, lively, picturesque; animation and good humour temper his dogmatic tone, and he might even be deemed eloquent. It is true he does not disdain paradox in his thinking or violence in his language: he has neither the moderation nor the serenity of Bossuet. But he possesses a wonderful facility in exposition, precision of doctrine, breadth of learning, and dialectical power. He influenced the age that followed him: he dealt Gallicanism such decisive blows that it never rose again. In a word, he was a great and virtuous man, a profound thinker, and one of the finest writers of that French language of which his works are a distinguished ornament.

Thank you for the kind reply.

There are many novus Ordo Catholics who are members of Knights of Columbus and Freemasons.  Many kind people thinking free masons is just a group who does charity for the community.

I’m disappointed that the Knights of Columbus and even Ancient order of Hibernians are very similar to free mason groups with secret initiations, degrees and plain worldly silliness.  For years the Knights of Columbus wore tuxedoes like free masons.