[BG_TRBL]

Ashlar,
I am very sorry to hear that it had come to that with your friend. I luckily have not had that situation present itself to me. I applaud you for your strongly held conviction, however it doesn't make it any easier I am sure.

Molly, I appreciate the support and wholeheartedly agree with your principles, unfortunately I have found that, even when armed with the truth, and discussing the general tennets of freemasonry, they are ultimately my truths. I say this because regardless of the topic, if 2 or more individuals disagree with each other, they hold their own "truths" close to heart. No one wants to be told they are wrong, or proven wrong, Most will fight to the end even if the beliefs they are fighting for are filled with gaps. I calmly and intellectually try to offer the information that I am willing to give. It ultimately is up to the individual if they are open minded enough to accept it. I truly wish all individuals were as open to information as they should be. The world would be a much more intellectually advanced place.

Lastly, after that comment, don't forget about the Darwin awards which Jason has offered to you. They in effect do tend to limit the fish swimming out of the shallow end of the gene pool.