Freemasons Play a Stereotypical Role in the New Nicholas Cage Movie

Mark Hazlin, in USA Today (12-1-04):

The Free and Accepted Masons, a fraternal organization whose roots may stretch back to the Middle Ages, has long been a popular target of conspiracy theorists. It figures prominently in the movie National Treasure.

Nicolas Cage's character learns about a legendary treasure protected by the Freemasons, the location of which is hidden in a map etched on the back of the Declaration of Independence.

The movie perpetuates both good and bad stereotypes about the group, including the notion that it has been involved in a centuries-old plot to run the country.

.. Freemasons are now trying to change those perceptions with advertising and public relations campaigns. And, for the first time, some Masonic lodges are engaging in recruitment drives.

Historians say the modern era of Freemasonry began in England in the early 18th century as a union of stonemasons. Others link the Freemasons' origins to medieval times, as far back as the Crusades and the infamous Knights Templar.

Conspiracy theorists often cite circumstantial evidence to support their belief that Freemasons secretly wield great power and influence. According to Freemason Web sites, nine of the Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence were members, as were 14 U.S. presidents, eight vice presidents and at least 35 Supreme Court justices.

Members have historically shunned publicity; they use symbols and rituals that members vow not to reveal; and they hold closed meetings. The story goes that President Theodore Roosevelt, a member, couldn't even get his Secret Service agents in.

"We prefer to use the word 'private' instead of 'secret,' " says Robert Leonard, a public relations specialist hired to help recruitment efforts. "Secrecy came from the initial thing where a password or secret handshake was exchanged so people would know they were professional stonemasons. Now we use it as part of our tradition."

Grand Master Richard Fletcher, executive secretary of the Masonic Services Association in Washington, D.C., points to the organization's charitable work. He says Freemasons raise about $750 million annually nationwide for nursing homes, day care centers, educational facilities and other programs. "That's a lot of money (just) to lull somebody into thinking you are a good person," Fletcher says....