There are numerous "tomes" written about the Masons, and their alleged involvement in all kinds of conspiracies. What I write here is merely a summary of the basics as I have read about them them, and more or less believe them.

What is missing is not a symbol, but the fact that in the teaching of world history, from the American Revolution to the French Revolution and in places you would not even imagine, one truth has been totally squelched.

That is that most -- but not all -- of the high and mighty people involved on either side have belonged to the Masonic Order. A lot of the rank-and-file belonged to the Order as well, but looked upon it as a way to have a night out "with the boys", away from the house, the missus, and the kiddies. Still, most of the plotting and planning, such as for the Boston Tea Party, was carried out by this "inner group" at the American lodges where members of the Order always met -- usually some ale house, but the ale house sufficed.

Even today, it is no secret that the Masonic Order is used as a place to make contacts for business. Once you are invited to join, your success in the world is almost absolutely guaranteed, although not always. You can make mistakes and fail. Nevertheless, you have an "inside track" that others do not.

A lot of upper-up people who control the communities in which they live are members of the Order. So are kings, presidents, military leaders and artistic geniuses. Some people, when invited, will nonetheless refust to join. It is significant to note that among the British royals, in the 21st century, there have been refusals to join.

I must point out that through various allied groups, such as the Shriners, the Masons do an incredible amount of good work for charity and the betterment of their communities.

Where things begin to really fall apart is when you learn that the Masonic Order was active on both sides of whatever conflict was underway. In the American Revolution, the Order set up "field lodges" for their members on both sides of the battle lines! The French Revolution was "husbanded" by the Masons, some of whom came over to observe and counsel from America!

In other words, the Masonic Order works on two levels: That of the ordinary working guy, and that of an elitist group with money. It is alleged that the Bilderbergers got their start through a secret, ultra elite group within the Masonic Order, a group that -- as it is preached in the various conspiracy books -- uses the Order as a cover for their own Machiavellian plots and plans.

To sum it up, if you want to know who rules wherever you are, listen to hear if there is any mention of their belonging to the Masonic Order, and as to who belongs. I could go on at length about how this set-up affects every facet of life in New Orleans, but that is for another essay at another site for another time.