Not 4 Everybody:

“If our fraternity began to get as exclusive as you suggest, I might just demit. If I want exclusive, I'll join a country club.” - CT (my response)

“Your article is legitimate and valid. You might have struck a sensitive nerve in some people. If so, it will not reflect on you but on them... Your article reflects your love, concern and respect to the Craft. That is what counts.” -Philippines

“Initially, my take on your discussion was that you felt that smaller numbers are not such a bad thing... the whole "quality vs. quantity" thing.  I couldn't agree more…. What disturbs me is the manner in which you have chosen to respond. … learning more about us rather than just telling us about what your opinions of Masonry are, might be the better course of action for the time being..” – CT (My response)

“ agree sir. a very good one. more of these...” - Philippines

Exclusive or Not Exclusive

“I just want to thank you once again hitting the target.  Keep up the good  work…” - CA
 

“For what it's worth, I'm a bit disappointed. Not at the response itself-- everyone is entitled to their opinion, and everyone knows that old saying about opinions. I'm disappointed that you would post my response outside of the (closed) forum in which it was presented without asking my permission. And I'm further disappointed that you quoted me completely out of context. That's a breach of internet etiquette at best, and intellectually dishonest at worst….” - CT (my response)

“I agree with the sentiments you have of the higher work of lodges. Perhaps the word "exclusive" has been captured or contaminated by other uses and users. Thus "exclusive" may give undertones of arbitrary acceptance or rejection by human societies.” -Australia

“I like your writing... And I like your spirit... However I'm smiling at your innocence...  While the practice of freemasonry may be somewhat universal in its teachings and ritual I find it far from universal in its practice.  But that may be just my opinion.” - Washington DC

“…While I support your position as I understand it, there are some things you might want to think about: …However - on balance - I agree with you.  If we strive for quality, we will always have those who call us "elitist".  If we strive for a spiritual understanding of Freemasonry, there are those who will accuse us of making Freemasonry into a religion.  If we hold out for a Freemasonry that can be better than it is today there will always be those who think we are hijacking "their" fraternity.  We must be firm in our beliefs - while also trying to understand (and love) those who fail to understand us.” - CA

 
“I think the bro over re acted so don't be disturb he will come around bec he will realized that word you have spoken is the right word to choose. “ - Georgia

“Having been stationed there 3 times for a total of 6 years, I believe I can describe the "culture" to which you have been formally introduced... It is a culture of elitism, a culture that breeds narrow horizons, a culture that requires "years" not "months" to openly welcome a newcomer, ….  a culture that is as cold at its heart as a December Noreaster. “ - CA

sometimes, a simple word could make other master masons miscontrue or misconclude what we are really trying to imply. Where were the five points of fellowship then?” -Philippines

“…However...as far as scholastic standards go, I feel that your paper is a bit short. The grammar needs some serious work. It appears to be more of a rough draft of an idea or direction with which to proceed in composing a contribution to the beehive. But, for AMD...an invitational body, I would ccertainly expect a work in a more finished state.” - New Jersey (my response)