Editorial And Letters

Letters 12.31.04




Freedom isn't free

Editor, Index-Tribune:

The Freemasons have been getting some renewed attention in the wake of the Disney blockbuster movie "National Treasure," but the treasure they seek in the movie is a physical one. Masonry offers more of a spiritual reward for those who seek the truth. Many of the patriots who built this great nation were Freemasons, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere. Nine of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and thirteen of the signers of the Constitution were Masons.

At the Alamo, Freemasons like Sam Houston, Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie were in the middle of it once again. At least 11 of the brave men who led the Bear Flag Revolt right here on Sonoma's Plaza were Freemasons, living between here and Benicia, and declared California an independent republic in 1846. Finally, some of the great leaders during World War II and the liberation of Europe and the Pacific Rim from the tyranny of Hitler and Hirohito were Freemasons, including Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Audi Murphy and our own Sonoma resident General Henry "Hap" Arnold.

Today, Freemasons are supporting the cause for our liberation from terror and a return to stability around the world.

Freedom is not free. It was bought and paid for by the brave men and women before us. It is this spirit of freedom that is America. This holiday season and throughout the coming year, please do your part and make your contributions felt. Support the troops, the Red Cross, USO and countless other programs like Soldiers Angels, Anysoldier.com, and Adopt a Platoon. If you have trouble finding a cause that suits you, give me a call (933-0717), I'd be glad to help point you in the right direction.

Ralph Hutchinson

Freemason

Sonoma Index Tribune