
   Parts of The Scottish Rite Journal
are especially interesting to me. 
However, like most of the Breth-
ren, I am no longer a kid.  My
eyesight is not as good as it was
when I became a DeMolay in
1926.
   I can read best when the mate-
rial is printed in nice black type
with maximum contrast to the
white background.  Lately, I have
noticed colored backgrounds and
drawings under the text of The
Journal.  Is it possible to omit
these?
           Clarence Schmarje, 32
     Davenport, Iowa, S.R. Bodies

Editor's Note: Several Brethren have
voiced similar (and stronger) criti-
cisms of The Journal's changed ap-
pearance in recent months.  In addi-
tion to highlighting attention-getting
portions of each article, larger, more
colorful and varied graphics, some
extending under the text, have been
added to brighten and lighten the
magazine.  Generally, these innova-
tions have been welcomed by the
Brethren.  In the future, however,
hard-line illustrations and strong
colors under text will be avoided in
order to maintain clear readability
while still retaining attractive graphic
design.  To all those who write into
The Journal, thank you!  Your com-
ments help us improve the magazine. 
Keep them coming!

      

    What a magnificent article
("Mouth to Ear," May 1990) by
Ill Brother and actor Ernest
Borgnine, 33!  His article effec-
tively counters the concept that
Freemasonry is losing good candi-
dates due to the memory work
involved.  Who can argue Brother
Borgnine is not as busy as any of
us?  God bless him for his courage
to step forward and proclaim
proudly, "I AM A MASON!"
              David L. Recob, 32
      Topeka, Kansas, S.R. Bodies

Editor's Note: Brethren who enjoyed
this article will be glad to know
Bro Borgnine's essay "Mouth to
Ear" is being reprinted by The Su-
preme Council for distribution to all
new Scottish Rite Masons and any
other interested parties.

                 

   The Masonic Bible illustrated by
John Wesley Kelchner is well
known to many Brethren.  To
date, however, no one has been
able to recover any of the original
sketches, paintings, drawings and
plans developed by the author to
illustrate the Bible.  If you have
any information regarding the
location of Kelchner's original
materials please contact:
                  Ed Murdock, 32
   Honolulu, Hawaii, S. R. Bodies
              USAFRAO, 3CSG/CDR, 
        APO San Franscico, 96274.

                 

   The May Grand Commander's
"Frankly Speaking" Message enti-
tled "Rated R" found a sensitive
spot in this household.  Regarding
the contemporary crumbling of
"the barriers of decency," my wife,
Elinor, often repeats the quotation,
"Crime is a monster of hideous
mein that to be hated is but to be
seen, but seen too often and famil-
iar with its face, we first endure,
then pity, and then embrace."
            Lee D. Ough, 32
            Clinton, Iowa, S.R. Bodies

     

  Regarding the article on the
Pledge of Allegiance (June 1990),
was there some reason for not
calling attention to the fact the
Pledge's author, Francis Bellamy,
was a member of Little Falls, New
York, Masonic Lodge No. 181?
  Thomas C. Ryther, 33
  Lawrence, Kansas, S.R. Bodies

Editor's Note: Not mentioning
Brother Bellamy's Masonic affilia-
tion was unintentional, and we regret
this oversight.

    

  The sad story of Brother Ray-
mond Dragseth, 33, told in the
article "Victim in Panama" (May
1990) should reach someone in
the national media who will tell
the world.  Such action will not
bring our Brother back, but it
might help silence those who
think we were wrong with our
rescue of the people of Panama.
         James E. Holder, 33
         Tulsa, Oklahoma, S.R. Bodies

   According to W. Hardy Davis,
32, author of The Journal's Au-
gust, 1990, article relevant to the
national drug debate, we all
should "Just Say No!"  Of course! 
What a logical solution!
   The unpleasant fact remains,
however, that under current law
and the criminal justice system,
the illegal drug problem is wors-
ening daily.
   Of course, heroin, cocaine and
other hard drugs should not be
made available like aspirin at the
local convenience store; but they
should be decriminalized so that
all of our anti-drug resources can
be directed toward education,
prevention, and rehabilitation
rather than toward apprehension,
conviction, and punishment.  
   What benefit would we derive
from such a reversal of our pres-
ent position?
   1. Illegal dealing in drugs
would be eliminated or abated;
without the profit motive, dealers
would have little or no incentive
to continue peddling drugs.
   2. Crimes connected with drugs
would also be eliminated or signif-
icantly abated.
   3. The quality of government-
distributed drugs and drug para-
phernalia would be far superior to
the questionable quality of street
drugs; consequently, fatal doses
and dirty needle transmissions of
disease, such as hepatitis and
AIDS, would be eliminated.
   4. Because 50 percent of prison
inmates in the United States are
convicted for drug-related crimes,
we would not have to build more
prisons, thereby resulting in tre-
mendous tax savings not only in
construction costs but also in
incarceration and maintenance
costs.
   5. Law enforcement authorities
could direct more time and atten-
tion to solving other crimes.
   6. Money now expended on
drug-related crime could be spent
for education and prevention so as
to neutralize the desire to experi-
ment with drugs.
   If, therefore, we must say any-
thing, let us just say "No" to the
retention of our current anti-drug
laws, and say "Yes" to their repeal
and modification.
         Jack Bennett Lee, M.D., J.D.
         San Antonio, Texas, S. R. Bodies

           

   Grand Commander Klein-
knecht's lead in several "Frankly
Speaking" messages regarding
getting publicity about Masonry
and Masonic doings is a very good
idea.  We all should do our best to
follow through.  I have always
been a firm believer that if you
have a good product, it pays to
advertise it, and Masonry is a
good product!
          Robert E. House, 33
          Lake Charles, LA, S.R. Bodies
   Regarding the September article
"We Become What We Condone"
by Senator Jesse Helms, 33, it
occurs to me we would have done
much better for the Fraternity had
we used the picture of John Car-
penter, 32 ("A Cowboy Who
Cares," August) as the front cover. 
By my standards, his work for
handicapped children at the Heav-
en on Earth Ranch has done more
to improve life than any act by a
politician.
   Legislating morality can't be
done.  I don't disagree with Broth-
er Helms' aversion to pornogra-
phy; however, even at my age, 83,
his restrictive approach does not
sit well.  I like staying away
fromnot giving  personal support
toobjectionable material.  I even
turn off my TV if I don't like the
presentation, but don't tell me
when!  Puritanism is long dead.
          William G. Goldsmith, 32
          Fort Smith, Arkansas, S. R. Bodies

[Editor's Note:  This is one of the
more moderate and reasoned com-
ments among many fiery letters and
telephone calls received in response
to the above-mentioned article.  At
the same time, we received letters
praising Brother Helms and request-
ing permission to reprint the Sena-
tor's article.  Obviously, beneficial
disagreement is alive and well in the
Scottish Riteas it should be if our
Order is to be a vital part of con-
temporary America. Also, see p. 59.]


      WHY I BECAME A MASON

   My grandfather was a Mason from
Effingham County, Illinois.  His
daughter (my mother) as a young lady of
fifteen or sixteen, had serious eye
problems requiring treatment at an eye
clinic in Springfield, Illinois. As the
clinic was far away, my mother had to
travel by rail to receive therapy.
Although my grandfather could not go
with her, he always fastened his Masonic
pin to the lapel of my mother's coat.
He told her as long as she wore that pin
she would be looked after throughout her
journey, and she always was.

   As a child, this story impressed me
greatly.  As an adult, I encountered
several men who would not hesitate to
help a person in need.  All of them were
Masons.  It was my desire to associate
with these honorable and benevolent men
which caused me to become a Mason.

      Elden C. Amesbury, 32, KCCH
      Santa Ana, California, Scottish Rite Bodies

