Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Border Restrictions

It's all about stomping out dissent. Not to mention discouraging movement, actual tourism, exploring, freedom of travel and our beaten to damn near DEATH civil rights. People ... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Read this carefully. There's more here than meets the eye although Col. Ann Wright does a good job exposing the border regulations of the BUSH WORLD for what they are.

I've been told by those in the know that if one makes it TO Canada, one may not be able to come back. It's all coming to a head here shortly, of course. Frankly, who would CARE? NO ONE should be allowed to tell another human where to live out the span of their life. They want to keep you in the same place so that they can move about freely. Trafficking humans and etc.....

Please read all of this.

Banned From Canada for a Year for War Protest
By Ann Wright
Tuesday 30 October 2007

The invitation said six members of the Canadian Parliament were to speak October 25 on Canada's Parliament Hill as members of a panel called "Peacebuilders Without Borders: Challenging the Post-9/11 Canada-US Security Agenda." I arrived at the Ottawa airport on the morning of October 25 expecting to be met by three members of Parliament and to hold a press conference at the airport.

Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Codepink Women for Peace and Global Exchange, was also invited by the Parliamentarians, but had been arrested the previous day for holding up two fingers in the form of a peace sign during the US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing in which Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice testified on Iraq, Iran and Israel-Palestinian issues. The October 24 committee hearing began with Codepink peace activist Desiree Fairooz holding up her red, paint-stained hands to Rice and shouting, "The blood of millions of Iraqis is on your hands." As Capitol Hill police took her out of the House hearing, Fairooz yelled over her shoulder, "War criminal, take her to the Hague." Shortly thereafter, two Codepinkers were arrested for just being in the room, and brutally hauled out of the hearing by Capitol police. An hour later, Medea and a male Codepinker were arrested for no reason. Four of the five had to stay overnight in the District of Columbia jail; Medea was one of those and missed the trip to Ottawa.

I presented immigration officials our letter of invitation from the Parliamentarians that explained Medea and I had been denied entry to Canada at the Niagara Falls border crossing on October 3, 2007, because we had been convicted in the United States of peaceful, non-violent protests against the war on Iraq, including sitting on the sidewalk in front of the White House with 400 others, speaking out against torture during Congressional hearings, and other misdemeanors. The Canadian government knew of these offenses as they now have access to the FBI's National Crime Information database on which we are listed. The database was created to identify members of violent gangs and terrorist organizations, foreign fugitives, patrol violators and sex offenders - not for peace activists peacefully protesting illegal actions of their government.

The immigration officer directed me to a secondary screening, where my request to call the members of Parliament waiting outside the customs' doors was denied. My suggestion that the letter of invitation from the Parliamentarians might be valuable in accessing the need for me to be in Canada was dismissed with the comment that members of Parliament do not have a role in determining who enters Canada. I suggested the laws enacted by the Parliament were the basis of that determination. I added that the reason I had been invited to Ottawa by Parliamentarian was to be an example of how current laws may exclude those whom Canadians may wish to allow to enter. I also mentioned Parliament might decide to change the laws immigration officials implement. I also suggested, since the Parliament provides the budget to the Immigration Services, they might notify the Parliamentarians awaiting my arrival that I had been detained. The officers declined to do so citing my privacy, which I immediately waived. The Parliamentarians were never notified by immigration I had arrived and was being detained. Only when my cell phone was returned to me by immigration officers four hours later was I able to make contact with the Parliamentarians.

After nearly four hours of interrogation, I was told by the senior immigration officer I was banned from Canada for one year for failure to provide appropriate documents that would overcome the exclusion order I had been given in early October because of conviction of misdemeanors (all payable by fines) in the United States. The officer said that to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for entry for a specific event on a specific date, I must provide to a Canadian Embassy or consulate the arresting officer's report, court transcripts and court documents for each of the convictions, an official document describing the termination of sentences, a police certificate issued within the last three months by the FBI, police certificates from places I have lived in the past ten years (that includes Sierra Leone, Micronesia, Afghanistan and Mongolia), a letter acknowledging my convictions from three respected members of the community (the respected members that I will ask to write a letter all been convicted of similar "offenses") and a completed 18 page "criminal rehabilitation" packet.

Additionally, besides obtaining the TRP, since I was being banned for a year from Canada, I would have to obtain a "Canadian Government Minister's consent." The officer said the TRP and the Minister's consent normally took from 8-10 months to obtain. In the distant future, to be able to enter Canada without a TRP, I would have to be "criminally rehabilitated" and be free for five years of conviction of any offense, including for peaceful protest.

The senior immigration officer took my fingerprints for Canadian records, escorted me to the airport departures area and placed me on the first plane departing for Washington, DC. In the meantime, the members of Parliament conducted the press conference and the panel without my presence, but certainly using the example of what had happened to me, and previously to Medea Benjamin, as incidents that the Parliamentarians are very concerned about, specifically their government's wholesale acceptance of information on the FBI's database, information that appears to have been placed there for political intimidation.

A participant on the Parliamentary panel I was unable to attend was Monia Mazigh, the wife of Canadian citizen Maher Arar, who, when he transited New York's JFK airport, was sent by US authorities to Syria where he was imprisoned and tortured for 10 months. The day before I arrived at the Ottawa airport, Rice acknowledged the United States had "not handled his case properly." But Rice did not apologize to Arar on behalf of the Bush administration during testimony to the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. The previous week during a video conference, both Republican and Democrat members of Congress offered apologies to Arar. Arar, an Ottawa telecommunications engineer, still has a lawsuit pending against American officials. Arguments are scheduled for November 9 in New York.

Many countries have succumbed to the behind-the-scenes, 9/11 pressure of the Bush administration to enact extensive and expansive anti-terrorism laws to increase "harmonization" and integration of security measures among countries. Unfortunately, the Canadian government is mirroring the Bush administration's use of security measures to increase control over dissent in their country - and in other countries. Most of the new security measures are done through administrative agreements, international joint working groups, regulations and the use of international organizations such as the G-8 and the International Civil Aviation Organization. By using administrative regulations, the US and Canadian governments avoid opening up the proposed restrictions of personal privacy to public scrutiny and debate by preventing such regulations from being enacted in the Congress or Parliament.

Through these agreements with Canada and other G-8 countries, the Bush administration is setting up a global infrastructure for the registration and surveillance of populations worldwide, looking at every person as a suspect and a risk, whom must, in their opinion, as a precaution, be identified and tracked. Ordinary legal protections fundamental to democratic societies such as the presumption of innocence, rights against unreasonable search and seizure and rights against arbitrary detention and punishment are greatly threatened by these precautionary measures.

Countries are accepting the "precautionary principle" and are gathering and sharing information not only to track suspected "terrorists," but to stop dissidents from flying and/or entering other countries, to stop activists and intellectuals at borders, - the Bush administration has refused visas for numerous academics from all over the world who have been invited to teach at American universities, but whom have spoken and written against the Bush war in Iraq, torture. and other violations of international law - to detain persons without reasonable grounds and to send persons to third world countries and prisons operated by the US government, where they are detained indefinitely without charge, tortured and sometimes murdered.

The Canada-US Smart Border Agreement and Action Plan, an administrative agreement signed in December 2001, is the master document for security integration between Canada and the United States. The agreement calls for biometric standards for identity cards, coordinated visa and refugee policy, coordinated risk assessment of travelers, integrated border and marine enforcement teams, integrated national security intelligence teams, coordinated terrorist lists, increased intelligence sharing and joint efforts to promote the Canada-US model internationally.

After 9/11, the Bush administration, under the National Security Entry-exit Registration System (NSEERS), registered and took biometric identifiers (fingerprints) of all males age 16-45 with links to Muslim and Arab countries visiting or traveling though the United States. Next, persons applying for visas to visit the United States had to submit biometric data (fingerprints) that will be stored in a US database for 100 years through the new US Visitor and Immigrant Status Indication Technology (US-VISIT) program.

The Bush administration expanded its biometric round-up on a global scale in 2002 by requiring all countries that want to retain their visa waiver status with the US to require, by 2004, biometric passports through the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002. In 2004, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) set a face recognition standard with fingerprint and iris scans as optional standards. Beginning in 2005, the United States and Canada have biometric passports with facial recognition.

We all want our countries to be safe from criminal actions. However, the unnecessary curtailment of civil liberties and purposeful targeting of those who disagree with government policies must end.

I call on the US Congress to conduct hearings to determine who ordered the FBI to place peaceful, non-violence protest convictions on the international data base, and for what purpose.

It feels to me like purposeful intimidation to stop dissent - but I can guarantee you, it won't work!

To all those concerned about free speech, freedom to travel, ending an illegal war, stopping torture, and other violations of domestic and international law, come to Washington and help us!!!

(For more extensive information on security agreements that unnecessarily jeopardize our civil liberties, please see "Americanizing the Restriction of Canadians' Rights - Security Overtaking Trade as a Driver of 'Deep Integration'," by Maureen Webb, Canadian centre for Policy Alternatives.)

--------

Ann Wright is a 29-year US Army veteran who retired as a Colonel, and a former US diplomat who resigned in March, 2003, in opposition to the war on Iraq. She served in Nicaragua, Grenada, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Sierra Leone, Micronesia and Mongolia. In December, 2001, she was on the small team that reopened the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. The US Department of State has delayed publication of her new book, "Dissent: Voices of Conscience," for over three months. It will be published whenever the State Department finishes its search for classified materials.

-------

Thursday, June 28, 2007

firefighter marijuana grow op

Marijuana grow-op busted, firefighter arrested
Last Updated: Monday, April 16, 2007 9:15 AM PT
CBC News
A veteran Vancouver firefighter has been arrested in connection with a marijuana grow-op near an elementary school in suburban North Delta.
Police seized 380 marijuana plants after searching a home in the 9100 block of 112th Street last Thursday. Annieville Elementary School is on the next block.
Police say they discovered hundreds of marijuana plants in this house in North Delta.(CBC)
They say the plants and equipment in the home were worth about $140,000.
A 44-year-old man was arrested and later released on a promise to appear in court.
No charges have been laid, but police say they are recommending charges of production of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
The suspect, a firefighter with 24 years on the job, is expected to appear in court this week.
Continue Article
// ');
// ]]>


A spokesman for the Vancouver fire department says the arrest comes as a complete surprise.
Capt. Rob Jones-Cook also told CBC News he hopes the drug arrest won't tarnish the department's reputation.
"We want to be shown, of course, in a positive light and this does not help that quest at all. It is an allegation at this point, and should it be true, then appropriate action would be taken at the conclusion of any court case that may arise from this."
Jones-Cook noted Vancouver firefighters routinely tear down grow-ops, as they're considered a major fire hazard.
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Friday, June 15, 2007

State Raises Poker Stakes

State raises poker stakes

Come July 1, players can make bigger bets at parimutuel facilities.

By Scott Long, Times Staff Writer
Published June 15, 2007
Jim Rising (left) and Allen Lechner play poker in the crowded card room at Derby Lane. Small-stakes poker is being credited with saving dog and horse tracks from continually declining profits.
photo

[Times photo: David Zentz]
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While betting limits will jump to $5 from $2 in poker games with betting limits, one of the biggest changes is that "no limit" Texas Hold'em - the game popularized by TV shows such as World Poker Tour - is now allowed.
Business News Video

Poker stakes are going up in Florida.

Gov. Charlie Crist allowed Senate Bill 752 to become law on Wednesday without his signature, and the changes that take effect July 1 amount to the biggest expansion of poker in the state since betting limits were raised to $2 four years ago.

"Wonderful," Dick Ouellette of Lakeland said after learning the state will begin allowing bets up to $5 at rooms run by licensed parimutuel facilities. Casinos he visits in Las Vegas, Mississippi and Connecticut allow bets of $5 or higher and it's about time Florida upped the cap, he said.

"I thought that it was important that the Legislature had adopted it," Crist said. "You know, I'm not a big fan of gambling, so I thought it was appropriate to respect their work and let it become law."

The changes please David Tiano, chief operations officer at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg.

"We're going to offer similar to what we offer now, and expand other offerings based on the limits," he said.

While betting limits will jump to $5 from $2 in poker games with betting limits, one of the biggest changes is that "no limit" Texas Hold'em - the game popularized by TV shows such as World Poker Tour - is now allowed. Players may buy $100 in chips, but with no limit to how much they can win, they could soon be vying for pots worth hundreds of dollars.

"The $1-$2 no-limit is going to be the popular one," said Patrick Murphy, manager of Tampa Bay Downs' Silks Card Room in Oldsmar, which will move to the track's clubhouse from its smaller grandstand location.

Rules for tournaments, which have been contentious between card rooms and the state in the past, are spelled out in the bill and entry fees will escalate. Sam Minutello, who runs the One-Eyed Jacks card room at Sarasota Kennel Club, says his room will offer $225 qualifiers for the World Series of Poker early next month.

For Greg Geylon, vice president of finance at Tampa Bay Downs, the law means his room will be allowed to reopen July 1.

"It's good for all the workers," said Geylon, whose room was allowed to open only on live racing days, meaning a sporadic schedule between December and May and fewer employees.

"Every year when the season is over," he said, "I feel really bad when I see all the dealers and cocktail waitresses and bartenders and I say 'if you're still around in December, we'd love to have you back.' Now, with being open year-round, if they work the minimum number of hours, they'll be able to get health insurance."

Derby Lane will reopen its poker room on Sundays.

"We raced seven days a week, but it became a strain on our facility and employees," Tiano said. "But now that we can just open the poker room and the simulcast operations, we know we can run an efficient operation and won't have that strain."

Gambling rules at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino are set by the Seminole Tribe's gaming commission, which hasn't addressed raising the betting limit, said John Fontana, president of the Tampa facility.

"But we always want to be able to have the greatest array of offerings," he said.

Fast Facts:

Here's the deal
What Senate Bill 752 changes for licensed card rooms in Florida:
- Betting limits increase to $5 from $2 in limit poker games.
- Allows "no limit" Texas Hold'em cash games, but players can't be required to buy any more than $100 in chips.
- Allows for higher buy-in tournaments.
- Allows card rooms to open on nonracing days.
- Allows jackpots and other giveaways.
- Increases the fee that card rooms must pay to license poker tables.

Times staff writers Steve Huettel and Steve Bousquet contributed to this report. Times staff writer Scott Long can be reached at long@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8556.

[Last modified June 14, 2007, 23:07:50]


Comments on this article
by voxpop 06/15/07 10:51 AM
I LOVE how they carefully avoid any discussion of the TAMPA DOG TRACK where my property is now worth OHhhhh MILLIONS. Could that be why the city is trying so hard to chase me OUT of it for NOTHING?? Meanies !! Cheaters !!! CROOKS!!!!! CONMEN!!!!!!!!!

Monday, May 14, 2007

Spontaneous combustion in tampa

Family Finder:






Wauchula High School

By Spessard Stone



The predecessor of today’s Hardee County High School originated on August 4, 1903 when the school on South 8th Avenue and Bay Street, Wauchula, which had built by the Masons in 1895 and consisted of a two-story frame building with the school on the ground floor and the Masonic Hall above, became a county high school. The first commencement class, consisting of three girls and one boy, graduated from Wauchula High School on March 20, 1906. (1)

In 1909 a new brick building, which faced east on the corner of West Oak Street and North Seventh Avenue, was constructed and housed all grades, including the Wauchula High School. In 1915 the west wing of the high school was opened. (2)

The Tampa Morning Tribune of January 7, 1915 reported:

New High School

“Wauchula, Jan. 6, 1915--Monday the contractors turned the new school building over to the County Board, which was accepted.

“Prearrangements having been made for a short dedicatory service, a large crowd of the patrons assembled on the grounds at 9 o'clock (and) were escorted through the building after which they assembled on the east front of the old building where Prof. Shaver introduced architect of the building, Long, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Wright and member of County Board Mr. Hogan, who made short talks.

“The contractors Marshall & Sanders of Lakeland were congratulated by the patrons for the manner in which they completed the job.”

The Tampa Morning Tribune of January 8, 1915 further noted:

Wauchula High School

“Wauchula, Jan. 7---The Wauchula High School resumed work Monday morning after a fortnight for Christmas vacation. There were a number of new pupils and two new teachers. The faculty now consists of twenty-one able teachers. A crowd of patrons attended the opening as it was an auspicious day in the history of the school.

“Architect Long turned over to the trustees the keys of the handsome new $15,000 school building.”


In the spring of 1926 a new two-story red brick $50,000 high school, bounded by Bay Street on the north, west by Dixie Highway and east by 11 Avenue, was opened. It burned in 1945. (3) In the late 1930s or early 1940s the school’s name was changed to Hardee County High School.

The Florida Advocate (Wauchula, Fla.) of Friday, April 27, 1945 reported of the fire on April 20, 1945 which burned the school at the southeast corner of Bay Street and Florida Avenue :

High School Completely Gutted

“Fire of unknown origin destroyed the Hardee County High School building in Wauchula on last Friday morning, the county sustaining a loss of approximately $150,000. The building was gutted and the entire contents, including school books, library and all equipment, were destroyed.

“The alarm was turned in about 10:40 and the fire department responded promptly but the fire had gained such headway that the one engine was unable to do any effective work.

“Chief Peeples stated that when he arrived on the scene he realized that his department would be unable to handle it and calls were placed summoning help from Fort Meade, Avon Park and Arcadia, but even when help arrived hose was hurriedly hooked up with the fire hydrants and some nine lines were playing streams on the fire.

“Wauchula's engine broke down shortly after it arrived and was unable to take part in fighting the fire.

“Local volunteer fireman worked like Trojans fighting the fire but the heat was so severe they had to retire.

“The arrival of the fire fighting apparatus from the neighboring cities kept the fire confined in the building; there being no wind, none of the nearby residents were seriously threatened.

“All of the records of students who have graduated since the building was erected in 1925 were in the vault in the building and it is not known whether or not they were destroyed as the vault has not been opened; the authorities were waiting for the vault to cool.

“It is not known what part of the building the fire started and the fire chief states the entire building was filled with smoke when he arrived, but it is believed to have originated on the first floor near the center of the building. It might have been caused by defective wiring or spontaneous combustion.

“The building cost approximately $65,000 and with the equipment and additions the loss is conservatively estimated at $150,000 with only $20,000 insurance.

“The walls left standing were dynamited and torn down Friday afternoon and Saturday morning by the county authorities. The building was destroyed just a week before the new term was scheduled to start April 26.

“The county school board, which was in session on the morning of the fire, met again in the afternoon and discussed plans and arrangements to carry on the high school.

Plans For 1945-46 Term

“As the county is fortunate in that an ample high school building is located at Zolfo Springs, the school board passed a resolution authorizing County Superintendent Blackburn to immediately contact the trustees of the Zolfo Springs school district and secure permission from them for the use of the Zolfo Springs school building to house the county high school for the 1945-46 school term.”

The newly constructed Hardee High School on Florida Avenue, Wauchula, opened in the fall of 1949. The first graduating class was in 1950. (4)

A new high school, located at 830 Altman Road, Wauchula, was opened in 1981. The former site on Florida Avenue became the home for Hardee Junior High. (5)


Endnotes



(1) Margaret Stringer, Watch Wauchula Win, 1979, pages 70-72.

(2) Ibid, pages 73-74.

(3) Ibid, page 77.

(4) Edward Terrell to Sue Bryan Jackson, e-mail by Jackson to author, May 24, 2001. Edward Terrell was a member of this class.

(5) Hardee Senior High School Web Site, 2001.


May 25, 2001
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Tuesday, April 24, 2007

ACLU Says Crist's Plan To Restore Felons' Rights Falls Short

ACLU Says Crist's Plan To Restore Felons' Rights Falls Short


TALLAHASSEE, FL - The American Civil Liberties Union has expressed disappointment with the announcement by Florida's Governor Charlie Crist and the Board of Executive Clemency regarding Florida's new rules for restoration of civil and voting rights.
Please read the remainder of the article at North Country Gazette. An awesome read from an awesome newspaper.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

FreeMasons Phallic Worship

APPENDIX



Masonic Symbolism

The Masculine Journey

The Legend of Hiram Abiff



MASONIC SYMBOLISM



SOURCE: THE DEADLY DECEPTION

James Shaw & Tom McKenney, Huntington House Inc., Lafayette, LA, 1988, Appendix B, pp. 142-144.

1. THE ULTIMATE DECEPTION

Masonry is, according to its own philosophers, a system of pure religion expressed in symbols, one which cannot be understood without a knowledge of the true meaning of them. This makes a proper understanding of those symbols terribly important. For the Christian Mason, accepting and guarding those symbols and their "secrets" with his physical life at stake, he must understand them to know that he is doing right.

For the many zealous Masons, trusting their obedience to their obligations to gain them entrance into that "Celestial Lodge Above," those for whom "the Lodge is a good enough religion," the correct understanding of these symbols is the key (they believe) to their eternal destiny. They are trusting in the teachings of the Lodge concerning these symbols with their eternal redemption, or damnation, at stake.

Herein lies the most terrible manifestation of Masonic morality, that philosophy of the elite, which makes whatever they do "right" because it is they (the elite) who do it. Having established and taught the sincere but deceived masses of Masons (the Blue Lodge Masons) that everything depends upon their proper understanding of the symbols of Masonry, they have then deliberately deceived them as to the true meaning of those symbols. Hear the arrogant words of Albert Pike, Supreme Pontiff of Universal Freemasonry, that preeminent Masonic authority:

"The Blue Degrees are but the court or portico (porch) of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to the initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them; but it is intended that he shall imagine that he understands them… their true explication (explanation and understanding) is reserved for the Adepts, the Princes of Masonry (those of the 32nd and 33rd Degrees)." (Morals and Dogma, page 819).



2. THE FOUNDATION OF MASONIC SYMBOLISM: PHALLIC WORSHIP

Since the true meaning of Masonic symbols (and thus, the true meaning of Masonry itself) is to be known only by the Prince Adepts of Masonry, we must hear what they say concerning them. They (Albert Pike, Albert Mackey, J. D. Buck, Daniel Sickles and others) teach that Masonry is a revival of the Ancient Mysteries (the mystery religions of Babylon, Egypt, Persia, Rome and Greece).

These Ancient religions had two meanings, or interpretations. One was the apparent (exoteric) meaning, known to the uninitiated, ignorant masses; the other (esoteric) meaning was the true meaning, entirely different, known only to a small, elite group, initiated into their secrets and secret rituals of worship. These mystery religions were forms of nature-worship, more specifically and most commonly the worship of the Sun as source and giver of life to the Earth. Since Ancient times, this worship of the Sun (and of the Moon, stars and of nature in general) has been sexual in its outworkings and rituals. Since the Sun’s rays, penetrating the Earth and bringing about new life, have been central to such worship, the phallus, the male ‘generative principle,’ has been worshipped and the rituals climaxed with sexual union in the mystery religions of Isis and Osiris, Tammuz, Baal, etc. (1) In summary, then, since the Ancient Mysteries (especially those of Egypt) are in fact the Old Religion of which Freemasonry is a revival, the symbols of Masonry should be expected to be phallic in true meaning. This, in very fact, is the case. A thorough treatment of this unpleasant reality is beyond the scope of this brief summary; however, some examples, with references to the Masonic authorities, will suffice to illustrate this astonishing fact.

a. The Square and Compass

Blue Lodge Masons are taught that the Square is to remind them that they must be "square" in their dealings with all men, i.e., to be honest. The Compass, they are taught, is to teach them to "circumscribe their passions," i.e. to control their desires and to be temperate. The real meaning of these "great lights," however, is sexual. The Square represents the female (passive) generative principle, the earth, and the baser, sensual nature; and the Compass represents the male (active) generative principle, the sun/heavens, and the higher, spiritual nature. The Compass, arranged above the Square, symbolizes the (male) Sun, impregnating the passive (female) Earth with its life-producing rays. The true meanings, then are two-fold: the earthly (human) representations are of the man and his phallus, and the woman with her receptive cteis (vagina). The cosmic meaning is that of the active Sun (deity, the Sun-god) from above, imparting life into the passive Earth, (deity, the earth/fertility goddess) below and producing new life (2)

b. The Letter "G"

The Blue Lodge Mason is taught that the "G" in the Masonic symbol represents God. Later on, he is told that it also represents "deity." Later still, he is told that it represents "geometry." In reality, this letter represents the "generative principle," the Sun-god and, thus, the worshipped phallus, the male "generative principle…" In its position (along with the Square and Compass) on the east wall over the chair (throne) of the Worshipful Master, it is the representation of the Sun, thus of the Sun-god, Osiris. Its earthly meaning, then, is of the sacred phallus; its cosmic meaning is of the Sun, worshipped since antiquity by pagans while facing the East. (See c, below).

c. The "G" and the "YOD"

The English letter "G" in Masonic symbolism is inseparable from, and identical with, the Hebrew letter "YOD." This "YOD" is the symbol on the Scottish Rite ring. "YOD" represents deity in general (its cosmic meaning), and the worshipped phallus in particular (its earthly meaning). Albert Pike wrote that the "G" displayed in English speaking lodges is merely a corruption of the "YOD" (with which it should be replaced), and that "the mysterious YOD of the Kabala" is the "image of the Kabalistic Phallus." (3) The "Kabalah" he refers to here is a medieval book of the occult, a highly mystical and magical interpretation of the Bible, (4) and important sourcebook for sorcerers and magicians. (5)

d. The Point Within a Circle

The Masons of the Blue Lodge are taught that the Point within a Circle represents the individual Mason (the Point), contained and restricted by the boundary line of his duty (the Circle). Its real meaning, however, is that of the phallus, positioned within the female generative principle (sex organ), the climactic act of Sun-god worship. (6)

Dr. Albert Mackey, already quoted herein, also writes in his classic work "Symbolism of Freemasonry," page 352, "Phallus, a representation of the virile member which was venerated as a religious symbol… It was one of the modifications of sun worship, and was a symbol of the fecundating power of that luminary. The Masonic point within a circle is undoubtedly of phallic origin."

e. The Vertical Lines

The two vertical lines touching the sides of the circle are represented to the Blue Lodge Mason as "the Holy Saints John." By this is meant John the Baptist and John the Apostle. In reality, the two vertical lines represent the Summer and Winter Solstices, the shortest and longest nights of the year, respectively. These nights are, and have been since antiquity, important periods for pagan worship.

Concerning these two lines, Albert Mackey has written ("Symbolism of Freemasonry," page 352), "The lines touching the circle in the symbol of the point within a circle are said to represent St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, but they really refer to the solstitial points, Cancer and Capricorn, in the Zodiac."

f. The Bible

The Bible, only one of the "Three Great Lights" of Masonry (along with the Square and Compass), is represented to Blue Lodge Masons as symbolizing truth. In reality, the Bible may be replaced with the Koran, the Book of the Law, The Hindu scriptures or any other "holy book," depending on the preferences of the men in the Lodge. In most American Lodges, the members are told that all the Masonic system and its rituals are "based on the Bible." Such, however is not the case. In Chase's "Digest of Masonic Law," pages 207-209, it is clearly written that "Masonry has nothing whatever to do with the Bible," and that "it is not founded upon the Bible, for if it were it would not be Masonry, it would be something else."

Albert Pike, in writing on the subject of Masonry's source-book said, "Masonry is a search after light. That search leads us directly back, as you see, to the Kabalah." (Morals and Dogma, page 741). The Kabalah, then, seems to be the actual sourcebook of Masonry and the Bible merely (as it is spoken of in the ritual) a piece of the "furniture" of the Lodge.

NOTE: For more information concerning Masonic symbols and their true meanings, see McQuaig, C.F., "The Masonic Report," Answer Books and Tapes, Norcross, GA, 1976; Storms, E.M., "Should a Christian Be a Mason?," New Puritan Library, Fletcher NC 1980; and Mackey, Albert G., "Symbolism of Freemasonry," Charles T. Powner Co., Chicago 1975.

Footnotes:

"Phallus: a representation of the virile member (male sex organ) which was venerated as a religious symbol very universally… by the ancients. It was one of the modifications of Sun-worship, and was a symbol of the fecundating (impregnating) power of that luminary. The Masonic point within a circle is undoubtedly of phallic origin." (Mackey, Albert G., "Symbolism of Freemasonry," p. 352)
Pike, Albert, "Morals and Dogma," pp. 11, 839, 850, 851.
Pike, Albert, "Morals and Dogma," pp. 5, 757, 758, 771, 772.
Cabala (Kabalah) is a medieval and modern system of theosophy, mysticism and thaumatology (magic), "Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary." P. 53.
Baskin, Wade, "The Sorcerer's Handbook," New York, Philosophical Library, 1974.
"These two divinities… were commonly symbolized by the generative parts of man and woman… The Phallus and Cteis (vagina), emblems of generation and production, and which, as such, appeared in the Mysteries. The Indian Lingam was the union of both, as were the Boat and Mast, and the Point within the Circle… Pike Albert, "Morals and Dogma," p. 401.





THE MASCULINE JOURNEY

by Robert Hicks



WATCH UNTO PRAYER DISCLAIMER:

We apologize for the offensive content of this material, the inclusion of which was sorely debated; however Masculine Journey is still published and sold as a Christian book and therefore requires examination by Christians.



Chapter 3 ~

The Phallic Male - Zakar: The Mysterious Taskmaster

The Phallus as the Organ of Gender Discrimination

The second word used for man or male is the Hebrew word zakar, which is usually translated as "male" in opposition to woman. (1) This word is used eighty-two times in the Old Testament, but when the Semitic roots for the word are examined, the primary verbal idea is "to be sharp, or pointed." (2) Now, the connotation is not that of being a "sharp" dresser or such. The meaning has to do with the male protrusion, hence the male penis or phallus. When Arabic (also a Semitic language using the same three consonantal bases for words) is consulted, the word for male (dakar) and the word for penis is the same word. (3) In other words, the Scriptures root male identity and sexuality firmly in anatomy, rather than psychology or sociology. Male identity, as determined by modern psychology, says, "You are a male if you feel like one." Sociology might say, "You are a male if you do the kinds of things that the given culture says you should do to be considered male." Obviously, in this rapidly changing culture mixed with the garden variety of pop psychologies, male identity can mean virtually anything.

The Bible simply defines manhood by the phallus, the very way the doctor did when my son was born. I am a male, whether I feel like it or not, or whether I ever do anything considered masculine by the culture in which I am living. This is the fixed point on the male journey that roots my identity as a man in something that will never change. Yes, sex-change operations take place, but they only illustrate the complete rebellion and perversion of the concept. The entirety of the Scriptures reflect the simple twofold division of the entire human and animal kingdom into male (zakar) and female (neqevah). The female term likewise has anatomical overtones in meaning, namely having the ideas of being "bored through, and pierced." (4) This roots the essential identity of both sexes in the equipment they show up with at birth. Such equipment we know has been developing differently from the time of conception.

On the day my son, Graham, was born, he did not know what it meant to be phallic. This awareness, with all its associated ideas and problems, came later with puberty. But for now let me continue to address how the Scriptures use this word zakar.

The Phallus as Determiner of Religious Service

The feminist era has made all gender differentiation into political discrimination. Therefore, when some feminists read the Bible all they see is the sexual discrimination that they believe dominated the biblical writers' instruction. However, the Bible says only what it says, and often what we see in it is what we want to see. It is very easy to view the Bible through the cultural or political glasses that we have already embraced as correct. Therefore, we go to the Bible to justify our own political or theological correctness. And we make our modern agendas lord, rather than going to the Bible and seeking to understand its message in a radically different time and place. There are many things in the Bible that seem unfair, but the reason they seem unfair is because modern standards of fairness differ radically from what we read in the Bible. The real question I need to ask myself as a Bible reader is, "Where did I get my current standards for fairness?" We get them through the agency of our modern cultural perspectives and influences. Therefore, the fact that spiritual service in the Old Testament was regulated by gender seems offensive to modern readers. I can't answer why this is so or what it really means to the church today, but I do know there are differences. So what are the differences?

First, the celebrative animal offerings made during Israel's feasts were made on the basis of gender. Heads of households on Passover were to bring a male lamb (Exodus 12:5). For a guilt offering only a female sheep or goat was allowed (Leviticus 5:6). Peace offerings could be either male or female (3:1,6), while all freewill offerings had to be male (22:19). Why? I have no idea! No reason is given in the text for the differences. But what it does reveal is that each individual was required to worship God in specific ways. I don't believe there was any preference toward maleness or femaleness in this system. However, some feminists have noted that only the male was required to bring a sacrifice (Exodus 23:17, 34:23; Deut 16:16). This is true. It was also true that only males could be priests (Exodus 28:1; Lev. 8:1-3). Furthermore, only males could be killed in mass murder and used as cannon fodder in war, while women and children were often allowed to live (Deut. 20:13-14). (5) Men also got to pay far more money than women for making the same vows (Lev. 27:3,5-6).

These differences seem just as unfair to me as a man when I view them through the lens of my modern "enlightened" society. Why should I as a man have to pay more money than a woman for making the same religious vow? Or why should I have to risk my own life in warfare, when at least women have the option of being servants of the winning army and staying alive? These stipulations do not seem fair. One can view these differences as one would examine the bark of trees while missing what is going on in the forest. Even though I don't know exactly why these differences exist -- since no explanation is given -- it is my generalization that what it says about the phallic male is that there is no conflict between sexuality and spirituality. We are called and addressed by God in terminology that describes who and what we are -- zakar, phallic males.

Possessing a penis places unique requirements upon men before God in how they are to worship Him. We are called to worship God as phallic kinds of guys, not as some sort of androgynous, neutered nonmales, or the feminized males so popular in many feminist-enlightened churches. We are told by God to worship Him in accordance with what we are, phallic men.

The Phallus as the Symbol of Dedication and Connection

Years ago we moved our family to the beautiful isle of Hawaii. Like all newcomers we toured the outer islands and took in the ancient Hawaiian culture. On one occasion I remember staring at various ancient artifacts. As my wife noticed the same statue I was looking at, she questioned, "Why is it so large?" Her question was not related to the size of the statue but the size of its protruding phallus. I laughed and answered, "Nothing ever changes." Feminine puzzlement appeared on her face as she quickly moved to the next display. I could tell she really didn’t understand what I was getting at. To me there was very little difference between this Hawaiian idol/image and the artifacts that are sold regularly in "adult" bookstores. I'm sure some day archaeologists will dig up the adult toys from our current society and view them as elements of our religious worship. They will be right, because that's precisely what they are and always have been. The phallus has always been the symbol of religious devotion and dedication. Professor George Elder notes,

"Phallus, like all great religious symbols, points to a mysterious divine reality that cannot be apprehended otherwise. In this case, however, the mystery seems to surround the symbol itself. . . . It is not as a flaccid member that this symbol is important to religion, but as an erect organ." (6)

The Hawaiian phallus was, of course, as described!

The first thing we learn about the phallus in the bible is that it is the male organ that is singled out as the unique site for the first wound and bloodletting a man will face -- circumcision (Gen. 17:10, 14). Some have debated whether this first circumcision was nothing more than a bloodletting done by Zipporah, Moses' wife, on her own son, in order to appease God's wrath against Moses (Exodus 4:25). Whatever the origin, the ceremony became a male marker for both the child's dedication to God and his being linked to the community of Israel. It was also a symbolic recognition of God's faithfulness in the provision of male offspring who could, in turn, produce more offspring to continue the covenant. Circumcision, placed upon the organ of regeneration, created both a symbolic and physical wound that was a daily reminder to the boy and man of who he was. Every Israelite, when looking at himself naked, was reminded of how different he was from the Gentiles and for what purpose. In this sense, his sexuality took on spiritual significance. Every time he used his penis, he was making a spiritual statement about who he was and who he worshiped and why. It has always been this way, for every Jew in every culture!

In modern culture the phallus has been separated from spiritual categories. In some of the religious circles I have traveled in, men and women view the phallus as a spiritual liability. Women sort of tolerate or joke about the phallus functions in men, and in the church it is a rare cleric who gives any clarification to men on how the phallus should be understood and used. The silence says as much as the overt messages. The phallus is not a spiritual subject to be discussed alongside God, the Church and more "spiritual" doctrines.

This division of sexuality and spirituality is rather recent in the history of religious experience. In most pagan societies, sexuality is seen as an important aspect of uniting the spiritual with the physical and with the worship of gods and goddesses. In may cities, sacred prostitutes "served" at the temples in order to be the mediatrix between the gods and humans. One writer notes,

"The 'heiros gamos,' the sacred prostitute was the votary chosen to embody the goddess. She was the goddess' fertile womb, her passion and her erotic nature. In the union with the god, embodied by the reigning monarch, she assured the fertility and well-being of the land and the people. . . she did not make love in order to obtain admiration or devotion from the man who came to her, for often she remained veiled and anonymous; her raison d'être was to worship the goddess in lovemaking, thereby bringing the goddess love into the human sphere. In this union -- the union of masculine and feminine, spiritual and physical -- the personal was transcended and the divine entered in. As the embodiment of the goddess in the mystical union of the sacred marriage, the sacred prostitute aroused the male and was the receptacle for his passion . . . . The sacred prostitute was the holy vessel wherein chthonic and spiritual forces united." (7)

Now certainly I am not suggesting that true sexuality and spirituality should be untied in this way. After all, this was what the Apostle Paul was trying to straighten out in the Corinthian church because some of the believers were apparently still having intercourse with sacred prostitutes (I Cor. 6:15-20). In order to correct this perversion, he encourages the cultivation of a sexual relationship in marriage as a prevention from this abundant "sacred sex." Apparently, even the married couples had become abstinent as an overreaction to the Corinthian extremes and had thrown the sexual relationship totally out of marriage. To this problem, Paul tells them to "stop depriving themselves," and to recultivate the sexual area of their marriage lest they be severely tempted by the culture (or Satan). In similar fashion the Church has been reacting and overreacting on the relation of sexuality to spirituality ever since.

Current Christianity cannot openly deal with or talk about the male phallus in its full sexuality or fantasy. Much of the original manuscript for my book Uneasy Manhood, on the subject of men's sexuality, was edited out because it was too frank and honest, even about a Christian man's sexuality. On the other hand, modern psychology has become so sexually oriented that if a client is holding back anything of a sexual nature, he is viewed as one who has not fully disclosed, or is not being clinically honest, or must be manifesting psychological denial about his sexuality. At the same time, most secular therapists have not given much attention tot he adjacent spiritual issues that surround a full understanding of the phallus. Thus, they deal with sexual addictions and dysfunctions without considering the larger and deeper connections that might relate to issues of worship, spiritual bondage, or demonic activity. Monick observes this oversight by both psychology and the Church. He writes,

"People are uneasy with the correlation of sexuality and religion. Christianity, especially has separated the two in a way that would make them appear to be irreconcilable. Psychiatry continues the disjuncture, emphasizing it with pathological labels. The church elevates religion, devaluing sexuality. Psychiatry does the opposite -- elevating sexuality and devaluing religion. The union of sexuality and religion is like and electrical connection. Wrong joining leads to disaster. No joining produces no energy. Proper joining holds promise." (8)

A scriptural theology of sexuality joins them properly. I believe until the church sees men for what they are, phallic males with all their inherent spiritual tensions, it will not begin to reach men where they are living. Without proper teaching on the phallus, men will carry around in the psyches a spiritual god-hunger so mysterious and powerful that when driven underground, it will seek spiritual fulfillment only in the secrecy of motel rooms, adult videos, and in the bragging and joking about sexual exploits in athletic locker rooms. For many men in our culture, the secrecy has driven them to gay bars, topless nightclubs, and endless affairs. This sexual energy, which is essentially spiritual, takes place under the cover of darkness, perhaps because the Church has not shed enough light on the spiritual nature of our sexuality. Therefore, our sexual compulsions, addictions, and aberrations have become our expressions of worship -- worship of a false god.

Chapter 8 - A New Male Journey

Seeing Jesus as the Voice of God

The second most often-asked question I get at men's retreats is, "Where does Jesus fit into all this?' Well, He fits very nicely as the One who moves us on from one stage to the next. He is the only One who can genuinely empathize with where we are because He also has experienced the same stages on the masculine journey (Heb. 4:15). Jesus, of course, was the second Adam (Rom. 5:14), and as the second Adam was very much human, He experienced the full range of human emotional and physical life, yet did not sin. But the Hebrews passage affirms for us that He was sincerely tempted to sin. I believe He was truly tempted without compromising His deity.

Jesus was very much zakar, phallic. As much as the feminists try to ignore this issue, Jesus was very much masculine, and masculine means being male, and being male means having a penis. There's no way around it. some in church history could not tolerate the exposure of the Son of God's genitalia. Therefore, you will never find a portrait of the crucifixion of Jesus with penis exposed, even though it was a common Roman custom to crucify criminals naked. Even the gospel writers tell us that Jesus outward garment was torn into four pieces, leaving the inner tunic, which was then gambled for intact (John 19:23-24). That left nothing. No underpants. Nothing. And I seriously doubt that the soldiers would have wrapped a towel around Him for the sake of the portrait!

I believe Jesus was phallic with all the inherent phallic passions we experience as men. But it was never recorded that Jesus had sexual relations with a woman. He may have thought about it as the movie Last Temptation of Christ portrays, but even in this movie He did not give in to the temptation and remained true to his messianic course. If temptation means anything, it means Christ was tempted in every way as we are. That would mean not only heterosexual temptation but also homosexual temptation! I have found this insight to be very helpful for gay men struggling with their sexuality.

THE MASCULINE JOURNEY, Robert Hicks, NavPress, 1993

Pp. pp. 47-55; 180-181.

Footnotes

William L. Holladay, ed., A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids:Eerdmans, 1971), p. 89.
See Brown, Driver and Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament; and G. Johannes Botterwick and Helmer Ringgren, ed., Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament, vol. 4 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974), pp. 82-87.
Botterwick and Ringgren, p. 83.
Ibid.
Women were killed in the conquest of Canaan, but it seems this was not the intent of what was declared in Deuteronomy.
Quoted in Eugene Monick, "Phallos and Religious Experience," in Keith Thompson, ed., To Be a Man: in Search of the Deep Masculine (Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, 1991), p. 127.
Nancy Qualls-Corbett, The Sacred Prostitute: Eternal Aspect of the Feminine (Toronto: Inner City Books, 1988), pp. 39-40.
Monick, p. 127.




THE LEGEND OF HIRAM ABIFF

(The Egyptian Connection)



THE DEADLY DECEPTION

Jim Shaw & Tom McKenney

Appendix D

The heart of Freemasonry is the Blue Lodge with its three degrees. The climactic degree (and the final one for most Masons) in the Blue Lodge is the Third, or Master Mason Degree. The heart of the Master Mason Degree, the thing that gives it both meaning and substance, is without any doubt the reenactment of the Legend of Hiram Abiff. It is this central figure in the legend, this Hiram the "Widow's Son," the "Tyrian Architect," this 'First Grand Master' who is impersonated by every man who is initiated as a Master Mason. It is Hiram who is at the very heart of the foundation of all of Masonry. His true identity and nature become, then, matters of extreme significance. Just who -- and what -- was this man, Hiram Abiff?

1. The Masonic Tradition

According to the Masonic legend, Hiram Abiff was a man of Tyre, the son of a widow, and the chief architect of the Temple built by King Solomon. He was the central character in the building of the Temple and one of three leading characters along with King Solomon and Hiram, King of Tyre. Hiram Abiff, Masonry teaches, was the only one on Earth who knew "the secrets of a Master Mason," including the most important secret of all, the "Grand Masonic Word," the name of God (the "ineffable name"). Since, in occult lore, knowing the name of a spirit is a key to having its power, there was a very great power in knowing this word. Knowing the other "secrets of a Master Mason" would enable the masons/workmen working on the Temple project to go out on their own, working as Master Masons and earning Master Mason's wages."

This Hiram had promised to reveal the "secrets of a Master Mason," including the name of God ("Grand Masonic Word"), upon completion of the Temple, and to make the workmen Master Masons, able then to go out on their own as masters (they were, as yet, only "fellowcraft" Masons). One day Hiram went, as was his custom, into the unfinished Holy of Holies at noon ("High Twelve") to worship and to draw up the work plans (on his "trestleboard") for the workmen to follow the next day. The workmen were outside the Temple for their lunch break ("…the craft were called from labor to refreshment…")

As Hiram was leaving the Temple he was accosted by three "ruffians," in succession, who demanded that they be given the secrets immediately (without waiting for the Temple to be completed). He was handled roughly by the first ruffian (Jubela), but escaped. Accosted and handled roughly by the second ruffian (Jubelo), he again refused to divulge the secrets and again escaped. The third ruffian (Jubelum) then accosted him and, when Hiram again refused to divulge the secrets, killed him with a blow to the forehead with a setting maul. The body was hastily concealed under some rubbish in the Temple until midnight ("low twelve") when it was taken out to the brow of a hill and buried. The grave was marked by a branch of Acacia (an evergreen tree common in the Middle East), and the three ruffians attempted to escape the country. Denied passage on a ship out of the country, they retreated into the hills to hide. Meanwhile, back at the Temple, it was noticed that Hiram was missing and King Solomon was notified. Solomon immediately ordered a search in and about the Temple with no success. At this point 12 "fellowcrafts" reported to the King that they and three others (the three "ruffians") had conspired to extort the secrets of Hiram Abiff but they had repented and refused to go through with the murderous plan. They reported that it was those other three who had murdered Grand Master Hiram and King Solomon then sent them out in groups of three to search in all directions.

After questioning the sea captain who had refused the murderers passage, three of the searchers then followed the murderers' path and discovered the grave with its Acacia at the head. Digging down and recognizing the body, they reported back to Solomon. Solomon sent them back to locate the grave, positively identify the body as Hiram and to attempt to raise it from the grave with the grip of an Entered Apprentice. They relocated the grave but were unable to raise the body because decomposition had caused the flesh to cleave to the bone.

Reporting back to Solomon, they were told to return to the grave and attempt to raise the body with the grip of a Fellowcraft. When this failed because the skin slipped away, they reported back to Solomon who, himself, went to the grave and raised the body up with the grip of a Master Mason, the "Strong Grip of a Lion's Paw." Hiram was not only brought up out of the grave, but restored to life. The first word he spoke was the replacement for the "Grand Masonic Word" lost at his death and that word is the one passed down to Master Masons to this day. (1) This, then, is the Masonic legend of Hiram Abiff, and most Blue Lodge Masons believe that it is a factual, scriptural and historical account. It is generally believed, in spite of the fact that the Masonic authorities and writers of doctrine agree that it is not only a myth, unsupported by facts, but acknowledge that it is but a retelling of Isis and Osiris.

2. The Bible Record

Does the Bible record such as person as Hiram Abiff? Definitely not, although part of his identity is taken from the Bible. The Scriptures record two men named Hiram concerning the building of the Temple by King Solomon; one is Hiram, King of Tyre, who was supportive of Solomon and who provided materials and workmen for the project. The other Hiram, called "a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali," was a worker in brass, not the architect of the entire Temple. He made the brass pillars, the brass lavers, shovels and basins. The Scriptures record that this Hiram, the widows son, completed all the work that he had come to do on the Temple. Presumably, he then returned to his home in Tyre, safe and sound (there is no indication in the Bible of anything to the contrary). (2) Concerning the Masonic claim that Hiram, the widow's son, was chief architect of the Temple, the Bible is clear in establishing that he was no such thing. The Bible reveals that God, Himself, was the designer and architect of the Temple, that He gave the plans in minute detail to David and that David gave them to Solomon, (3) along with most of the materials. To claim that anyone but God was the Chief Architect of the Temple is unfounded and, I believe, blasphemous.

3. The Egyptian Connection

It is the consensus of opinion among Masonic authorities, philosophers and writers of doctrine that the legend of Hiram Abiff is merely the Masonic version of a much older legend, that of Isis and Osiris, basis of the Egyptian Mysteries. The following is a brief summary of that legend, and a comparison with the Masonic legend of Hiram Abiff. This comparison is supported, beyond doubt, by the conclusions of the Masonic authorities.

a. The legend of Isis and Osiris

Osiris, both King of the Egyptians and their god, went on a long journey to bless neighboring nations with his knowledge of arts and sciences. His jealous brother, Typhon (god of Winter) conspired to murder him, steal his kingdom and did so. Isis, sister and wife of Osiris and his queen (as well as Egypt's Moon-goddess) set out on a search for the body, making inquiries of all she met.

After certain adventures, she found the body with an Acacia tree at the head of the coffin. Returning home, she secretly buried the body, intending to give it proper burial as soon as arrangements were made. Typhon, by treachery, stole the body, cut it up into 14 pieces and hid them in as many places. Isis then made a second search and located all the pieces but one; the one missing and lost part was the phallus.

She made a substitute phallus, consecrated it, and it became a sacred substitute, and object of worship.

This, in extremely abbreviated form, is the Egyptian legend of Isis and Osiris. It is without doubt, the basis for the Masonic legend of Hiram Abiff. To support this "Egyptian connection," let's consider two things: a brief comparison of key elements in both stories and the conclusions of the Masonic authorities in Masonic source-writings.

b. A Brief Comparison of the Legends of Hiram Abiff and Osiris

The fundamental similarity between the two stories may be seen in many respects; the following are some of the most important:

(1) Both men went to foreign lands to share their knowledge of arts and sciences.

(2) In both legends there is a precious thing possessed: Hiram has the secret word; Osiris has the kingdom.

(3) In both legends there is a wicked conspiracy by evil men to seize the precious thing.

(4) In both legends there is a struggle and a murder of the virtuous leader.

(5) Both are murdered by their brothers (Osiris by Typhon; Hiram by Jubelum, his brother Mason).

(6) Both bodies are buried hastily, with the intention of a later, deliberate burial.

(7) Locations of the bodies are both marked by Acacia at the head.

(8) In both legends, there are two separate searches for the bodies.

(9) In both legends there is a loss of something precious: in Hiram's death, the secret word is lost; in Osiris' death, the phallus is lost.

(10) In both there is a substitution for the precious thing that has been lost; concerning Hiram it is the substitute for the secret word; concerning Osiris it is the substitute phallus.

c. Conclusions of the Masonic Authorities

A few statements from the most authoritative Masonic writers will suffice to express the doctrinal consensus:

(1) "The legend and traditions of Hiram Abiff form the consummation of the connecting link between Freemasonry and the Ancient Mysteries." (Pierson, "Traditions of Freemasonry," p. 159)

(2) "We readily recognize in Hiram Abiff the Osiris of the Egyptians…" (Pierson, p. 240)

(3) "Osiris and the Tyrian Architect (Hiram Abiff) are one and the same." (Sickles, Daniel, "Freemason's Guide." p. 236)

(4) "That part of the rite (Master Mason initiation) which is connected with the legend of the Tyrian Artist (Hiram Abiff)…should be studied as a myth and not as a fact…outside of Masonic tradition there is no proof that an event such as is related in connection with the "Temple Builder" ever transpired and, besides, the ceremony is older by more than a thousand years than the age of Solomon… It is thoroughly Egyptian." (Sickles, Daniel, "The Ahiman Rezon," p. 195)

(5) It (the Legend of Hiram Abiff) is thoroughly Egyptian, and is closely allied to the Supreme Rite (highest degree) of the Isianic Mysteries (Mystery religion of Isis and Osiris)." (Mackey, Albert, "Lexicon of Freemasonry," p. 195)

CONCLUSION

Thus, it seems clear, the Hiram Abiff of Freemasonry is not an historical character and certainly not a biblical one. Rather, he actually represents Osiris, the Egyptian Sun-god, and the reenactment of the Legend of Hiram Abiff is actually the reenactment of the legend of Isis and Osiris.

Thus, each sincere man who is initiated into the Third (Master Mason) Degree of Masonry impersonates Osiris, the Sun-god of Egypt, and enters into his life of good deeds, his death, his burial and is "raised" in his resurrection from the dead. With this understood, it is then easy to understand the statement in the Kentucky Monitor (handbook for all Blue Lodge Masonry in the Grand Lodge of Kentucky) that, while the Christian's Messiah is called Jesus, the Mason's Messiah is called Hiram (Kentucky Monitor, "the Spirit of Masonry," xv).

(1) It puzzles me that no one has questioned the necessity for a "substitute" for the lost Grand Masonic Word. If it was lost at the death of Hiram because only he knew it, then why, when Hiram was raised back to life, didn't Solomon just ask him what the real, original one was? All Solomon needed to do was say something like, "Hiram…praise the Lord that you are no longer dead! Now what was that word all this fuss has been about?"

(2) I Kings 7:13-47

(3) I Chronicles 17;1-15; 22:11-29:9 (especially 28:19)



A Sacred Assembly

Masonic Foundations of the United States

Friday, April 13, 2007

litbrit: Florida's Statewide Vigils For Hate Crime Murder Victim Ryan Skipper

This is such a great looking open faced sweet guy. It's really a damn shame.

litbrit: Florida's Statewide Vigils For Hate Crime Murder Victim Ryan Skipper

I'm glad there are so many vigils in FL and glad there is one in DC. I'd like to see one in Tampa ...
Pleas to 911 for aid ignored
As a woman chokes to death, a supervisor in Pasco refuses to offer help, records say.
By Camille C. Spencer
Published April 11, 2007


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NEW PORT RICHEY - The call came in to Pasco's 911 center at 9:14 p.m. March 24.

Jennie Montanino, dispatcher: 911, what is your emergency?

Chris Cooper: My girlfriend's choking.

Cooper didn't know how to do the Heimlich maneuver. Montanino, who is not yet certified in emergency medical dispatch, was not qualified to talk him through it.

Montanino asked three times for a trained dispatcher to help, according to Pasco County records released Tuesday. Several co-workers heard dispatch supervisor David Cook respond:

"I am not getting on with a hysterical caller."

Seven minutes after the distraught boyfriend first called 911, Cook picked up the line and talked Cooper through the Heimlich maneuver. It didn't work.

Paramedics arrived a few minutes later. Nancy McGhee, 37, was dead.

---

McGhee had choked on a piece of steak at Cooper's home in Land O'Lakes.

According to county documents, while Cooper begged for help and Montanino was asking for assistance, Cook was on the phone joking with someone from the Sheriff's Office.

Montanino "yelled out for emergency medical dispatch and no one responded," co-worker Judie Faille wrote. Montanino "repeatedly threw her arms up in the air in frustration."

Pasco County has 29 dispatchers and supervisors. Only 18 have certification in emergency medical dispatch, or EMD. The state doesn't require all dispatchers to have EMD training. Local requirements vary from one county to the next.

Pasco's other 11 dispatchers, including Montanino, will be certified after completing a course that ends April 27. In the meantime, when a 911 call requires that level of assistance, they are supposed to ask for help from someone with the training.

According to written employee accounts, Montanino asked for help three times. One of her co-workers, Dan Dede, echoed her calls for help twice.

According to a letter Montanino wrote about the incident, lead communications officer Maureen Thomas said, "I am not getting on."

Thomas' written response: "I do not remember being asked to do (emergency medical dispatch) or saying that I would not get on the phone."

But several co-workers distinctly remember Cook, the dispatch supervisor, declining to help because he didn't want to deal with a "hysterical" caller.

Eventually, Cook got on the phone and explained the Heimlich maneuver, which can help dislodge items from a choking victim's windpipe. Cooper put down the phone to try it.

"He left the freakin' phone," Cook muttered, according to the 911 tape.

When that didn't work, Cook passed the caller back to Montanino. Several dispatchers said Cook slammed the phone on his desk and said, "I'm over this already."

Cooper was sobbing as McGhee died, frustrated that nothing he did was working, and help wasn't coming fast enough.

The ambulance came 11 minutes after Cooper called 911. The closest units were fighting a house fire, according to county records, so responders had to come over from another district.

John Fatolitis, a shift supervisor who later reviewed the 911 tape, urged his bosses to investigate.

"Since our training program puts call takers live without EMD training," he wrote, "it's up to supervisors and (lead communications officers) to monitor these employees and give priority assistance when needed and requested.

"Could we have made a difference? We will probably never know."

---

Pasco officials began investigating the day after McGhee's death. Cook was placed on paid leave. Then, before officials concluded their investigation last week, Cook, 58, announced he would take an early retirement.

He didn't return calls Tuesday for comments.

His 18-year tenure with county dispatch has been a mixed bag, according to his personnel file.

He received mostly positive performance evaluations, although a 1993 evaluation said he "can sometimes be short with public and field (personnel)" and has "little patience with stupidity." He was promoted to supervisor in 1996, only to be demoted a few months later without any explanation in the file.

He was promoted back to supervisor in 2003. Earlier last month, however, he received a verbal warning for falling asleep twice during a shift.

Thomas, the lead communications officer, has been on sick leave since April 4. Officials are also looking into her role in the March 24 call, human resources director Barbara DeSimone said.

DeSimone said Montanino did everything she could.

Dispatchers, who work 12-hour shifts, routinely deal with the stressful task of handling other people's crises, said Scott McDermid, deputy chief of the state's Emergency Medical Services.

"That is a very, very difficult job to have," he said. "Some people are good at it, and some people aren't."

---

McGhee's family has not yet heard the tape, but they wonder whether anything more could have been done to save her life.

"It sounds to me that somebody dropped the ball here," said McGhee's older brother Richard, 38, of Mount Vernon, Ill. "They shouldn't have lost their patience."

After paramedics arrived at Cooper's home, word reached dispatch that McGhee had died.

According to written accounts from several coworkers, Cook responded:

"She must have bitten off more than she can chew."

Camille C. Spencer can be reached at (727) 869-6229 or cspencer@sptimes.com.

[Last modified April 11, 2007, 07:43:28]



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Comments on this article by kerrie 04/13/07 08:03 AM
Well, THIS ought to make people feel all comfy and secure! Pasco had TWO cold, calloused supervisors working 911? Perhaps the PTB ought to consider a nice long series of supervisor in-service. Looks as if ANYTHING would be an improvement.
by Karen 04/13/07 07:34 AM
If this is an accurate portrayal of the events, then in our society you can be tried for negligence. Personally, I think he should be tried for involuntary manslaughter.
by Mel 04/13/07 07:03 AM
If these events happened as stated, it is appaling. Mr. Cook should be let go immediately, no retirement & Thomas given proper training. But, according to the reply from "Kelly" I ask, "So, what really happened? What is the other side to the story?"
by Siomara 04/13/07 06:21 AM
How can he sleep at night? Why was he a supervisor? What was he thinking? He was very insensitive. He needs to pay for what happened adn also give a public apology. If he did not like his job he should have quit a long time ago.
by Brian EMT-P 04/13/07 03:16 AM
Cook should be fired. He did nothing to help this pt or the family. They got rid of Imus, and he didn't kill anyone
by David 04/13/07 01:59 AM
What can I say that hasnt been said already? Training for ALL dispatch employees, and FIRE Cook, no retirement pension, and charges of involuntary manslaughter. He knew full well his actions COULD result in a death.
by Cheryl 04/12/07 06:57 PM
That SOB Cook should go to jail then to Hell
by Fred 04/12/07 06:43 PM
Why is someone who answers 911 medical, not EMD cert? Total of approx 15 mins. from the Icall to ALS being on scene. This is why the fire departments should not transport. County operated EMS service would of been there for Nacy in under 8 mins.
by Jesse 04/12/07 03:46 PM
What in the name of creation was this person doing handling 911 calls? They're unfit to work at a fast food place. Make certification required, and then you won't have idiots like this in place. I hope other people who call get good assistance.
by Jenny 04/12/07 03:17 PM
It's unfortunate that it takes an event like this to get people thinking. 911 operators are expected to work overtime, at short notice, 24/7 no matter the weather, handle bad news calls all day & still function afterwards. Takes a toll eventually.
by Kelly 04/12/07 11:52 AM
If I read this and didn't know someone involved I'd be apalled..but I know someone involved in this, and i just want to say you can't believe all you read...2 sides to every story....
by Aida 04/12/07 10:08 AM
I agree with all the comments about Cook's punishment, but I also believe that NO ONE should be taking those calls that are not CERTIFIED! God forbid had it been one of my family members I would have choked Cook to death myself...
by Saddenedbutnot surprised 04/12/07 09:31 AM
Providing Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)instructions is a standard of care throughout Florida and the United States. As far as I am aware, Pasco does not utilize any EMD protocol. This situation has been a matter of when it happens, not if....
by Chrissy 04/12/07 09:00 AM
Im Nancy Mcghee's daughter and I think he should pay for what he did to my mother! Ive forgivin' him but he needs to pay. Now my brother's and sister have no mother to grow up with! I'll be fine I know she's in a good place! I LOVE MY MOM!! RIP MOMMY
by Pam 04/12/07 08:02 AM
Unbelievable! This guy (Cook) needs to be punished-severely. Early retirement is not a punishment! I hope he gets his someday!
by Annonymous 04/12/07 07:57 AM
It is easy to catch the attention of the public with negative and shocking news. Please do not forget the thousands of lives that are saved each year by proper medical dispatching. Try a positive follow up story of a life being saved. There are many.
by Linda 04/12/07 06:49 AM
Take Cook's pension away, reverse his retirement to firing, bring him up on charges of homicide, and subject him to humiliating community service for the duration of his life - which isn't worth very much!!
by Annonymous 04/12/07 06:45 AM
As a Communications Supervisor in a 9-1-1 center (different agency) I totally agree that both Cook and Thomas should be fired and that any pension or other monies owed to them should go towards training and to the family of the victim.
by Annonymous 04/12/07 05:58 AM
I hope our citizens realize that there are personnel that can handle these situations and really do care about the people in our Community. This is a very stressful position and it is a shame that you only hear about the mistakes and never the good.
by PAT 04/12/07 01:07 AM
WOW THAT GUY WAS COLD, REMINDS ME OF THAT GUY RUSTY! HE TOOK EARLY RETIREMENT TOO!!
by Ted 04/11/07 10:06 PM
There is no way David Cook should be allowed to receive any kind of a pension and Maureen Thomas needs to be fired.
by Gary 04/11/07 07:55 PM
He should be charged with manslaughter. His pension revoked.
by Nettie 04/11/07 07:53 PM
I can't believe this Mr. Cook..how can he live with himself!! I believe he should be reprimanded for his actions and be fired. I know from my own experience with 911..my father died. Took them 2hrs to get there. The population 2,000. Makes you think.
by Jackie 04/11/07 05:56 PM
It seems like rewarding this insensitive JERK with early retirement is a slap in the face to taxpayers and the McGhee family and friends. Fire his lazy butt.
by Christine 04/11/07 04:42 PM
If Mr. Cook's nerves and frustration level were this frazzled he should have been on R and R. He neglected to perform his duty-He should be fired. No pension. After all, Ms. McGee won't reap any benifit from his actions-Why should he.
by Shawn 04/11/07 04:35 PM
The incompetent city officials who shuffled this moron around should be sued. The city failed this this couple, and should pay dearly. Maybe the good ol boys will think twice before sweeping glaring incompetence under the rug. Disgraceful!
by Sal 04/11/07 04:18 PM
In response to "Leanne", 911 is not a privlede at all it is an important emegency SERVICE that our taxes pay for. The idea that it is a privledge is ridiculous.
by Sal 04/11/07 04:13 PM
I think this is a travesty! Of course quicker action could have possibly saved this woman's life. Typical Florida incompetance!
by ll 04/11/07 04:01 PM
David Cook should be 'fired' w/o the benefit of collecting retirement. his actions were criminal, if not just callous. his job is to provide emergegency assistance at all times he is on duty -- his personal business be dammned!
by Teresa 04/11/07 03:31 PM
Yes Cook deserves to be punished but it is also a message that everybody needs to be trained in basic CPR. You can't depend on someone else especially if it takes them 11 minutes to respond to a call.
by Frank 04/11/07 03:15 PM
I HOPE MR.COOK DO NOT GET ANY PENSION...
by christina 04/11/07 03:08 PM
How can a emergency medical person answer a 911 call and can not assist the caller in an emergency? People get a job that you are qualified for like at your local super market or mortuary! Saving lives is sourious business.911 is for saving lives.
by Diane 04/11/07 02:19 PM
I don't feel any taxes should be used for this useless man's retirement. He basically murdered her by not helping. Can we say criminally liable? He didn't do his job when it was MOST important-put him in jail w/couey! He's no better!
by Jennifer 04/11/07 02:13 PM
This is such a tragedy that may have been prevented had Cook done his job. I feel Cook should be charged with either wrongful death or negligent homicide for his actions. He should definitely be held accountable for her death.
by Dale 04/11/07 02:05 PM
The county needs to terminate this man's employment immediately, so he's ineligible for the retirement. His actions reflect poorly on the county and the department. Oh yeah, I hope the boyfriend and her family all SUE


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Thursday, April 12, 2007

TRIB MAKES IT UP AS THEY GO ALONG on Aspergers

TBO.com > News > Metro



WHAT IS ASPERGER'S?
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Published: Apr 10, 2007

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WHAT IS ASPERGER'S?
This disability of the brain comes under the umbrella of autism. People with Asperger's syndrome have an unusual collection of gifts, sensitivities and deficits that may seem odd to the world at large but don't prevent them from building families, careers and independent lives.

Aspies or Asparagus, as they sometimes like to be called, often have average or above average intelligence, a Monty Python-esque sense of humor and an encyclopedic knowledge of obscure topics.

Common traits

•Lucid speech before age 4. Grammar and vocabulary are usually excellent, but speech is sometimes stilted.

•Obsessive behavior

•Movements tend to be awkward

•Extreme sensitivity or desensitivity to sounds, smells, textures
Oh yeah??? that sounds more like the symptoms of the shit you spray on my car and in my yard .... HAHAHA. Busted.

•Inability to read social cues or fit in with peers; sometimes trusting and naive, fail to understand sarcasm, and become victims of bullying and teasing

•In adulthood, many live independently, working and raising families. Many use their obsessions as college professors, computer programmers and engineers.

Celebrity cases

Notable people said to have or have had Asperger's:

•Comedian Dan Aykroyd

•Physicist Albert Einstein

•Mathematician Isaac Newton

•Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

•Microsoft founder Bill Gates

Source: Center for the Study of Autism



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Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Julie Brown Linked to Trash Fliers Tampa FL

Brown Linked To Fliers
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By ELLEN GEDALIUS The Tampa Tribune

Published: Apr 11, 2007

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TAMPA - The mysterious attack ads slamming John Dingfelder during the recent city council campaign were financed by people with close business ties to his opponent's husband.

The business associates of Julie Brown's husband poured at least $50,000 into the campaign, according to finance reports filed Tuesday.

Brown said during the campaign that she didn't know who was behind the ads.

"I have no involvement in this," Brown said Tuesday. "I had no idea. If I had any say, I would never have authorized any of this."

Brown ran against Dingfelder and Joe Citro in a particularly nasty Tampa City Council race. The candidates were vying for the District 4 south Tampa seat. Dingfelder prevailed.

Dingfelder said Tuesday that he thinks Brown knew about the links between her husband and the contributions.

"For my opponent and her friends to be using this type of organization to try to slander my good name was really inappropriate and slimy," Dingfelder said. "There are too many connections that would allow this to be innocent."

Contributor, Brown Shared Address
In the final days before the election, an electioneering group called ElectionWatch-Florida mailed four fliers to south Tampa residents, attacking Dingfelder. The ads, titled "Presenting: Ding'felder Follies," criticized Dingfelder's ethics and his position on taxes.

ElectionWatch-Florida is run by Jack Hebert, who runs a political consulting firm called The Mallard Group. The group has worked with several Republican lawmakers.

JC Davis Management contributed $25,000 to ElectionWatch-Florida, according to finance reports. The company's president is Spencer Ford, a businessman who owns Red House Lounge and Grill on South Howard Avenue.

The property is owned by HCB Holdings, a real estate holding firm, according to the property appraiser's office. Brown's husband, Hank, is listed in corporate records as president of HCB Holdings. Julie Brown said her husband sold his shares late last year.

In addition, JC Davis Management, in its corporate filings, lists its address at 304 S. Howard Ave. Brown's campaign headquarters was at the same address.

Spencer Ford, president of JC Davis Management, would not comment on why he gave $25,000 to ElectionWatch-Florida other than to say: "It's just something I wanted to do. I appreciated the cause."

HCB Manager Chipped In $25,000
Another big contributor is Blake Casper, whose company owns McDonald's restaurant franchises in the Tampa Bay area. Casper also is listed as a manager of HCB Holdings.

Casper contributed $25,000 to ElectionWatch-Florida.

He also contributed directly to Brown's campaign, as did at least seven other companies listing the same business address as Casper's. They each contributed the maximum $500.

Casper could not be reached for comment late Tuesday.

Brown said she has known Spencer and Casper for years through her husband and business dealings.

Dingfelder, commenting on the connections, said, "Oh, what a tangled web we weave."

Reporters Michael Fechter and Michael H. Samuels contributed to this story. Reporter Ellen

Gedalius can be reached at

egedalius@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7679.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Publix Pay Fallout

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/09/Business/Publix_pay_fallout__R.shtml

Publix pay fallout: Readers give their 2 cents over losing a quarter

Readers, bloggers, customers and employees weigh in on a Publix plan that cuts some pay.

By Mark Albright, Times Staff Writer
Published April 9, 2007
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Business News Video
photo
[Times photo: Keri Wiginton]
Ray O'Connor, 75, stands in front of the Publix where he has been a bagger for 10 years. His pay was recently docked 25 cents an hour.
Previous coverage

* Publix's new pay system: High performance, smaller paycheck (March 25)

Despite superior work ratings Louann McCurdy was earning the maximum $10.25 an hour cashier salary, so she wasn't always eligible for annual raises. But when her manager tried to cut her pay by a quarter an hour last week, that was too much.

She quit.

"After working at Publix 12 years I had earned every nickel of that $10.25 an hour so I'm not about to let them arbitrarily take it away," said the 48-year-old Tarpon Springs woman. "This isn't about the quarter. I have my pride. Right now I have no job, no prospects of getting one and yet I feel very relieved."

Publix Super Markets Inc. has been vague about who's shouldering most of the pay cuts from an unusual new pay plan imposed on 115,000 workers in its stores. But more than two dozen workers from Tampa Bay stores who accepted cuts to keep their jobs say most of those choices are being put to veteran Publix workers in their 50s, 60s and 70s - including an 80-year-old Palm Harbor bagger.

"They tagged five people here with pay cuts, including me," said Ed Lapinski, 55, a cashier in a Homosassa Publix. "The other four were seniors in their 70s."

In the two weeks since 75-year-old Spring Hill Publix bagger Ray O'Connor spoke out against the chain's new pay plan in a St. Petersburg Times article, there's been lots of fallout.

Letter writers peppered local media and filled a several pages of give-and-take among employees and customers on online comment boards where the story was published. Some customers said they will boycott Publix. Uncertainty spread among workers awaiting review or who had kept pay cuts to themselves.

"Even the private security guard at the front door asked me about my pay cut," said Wendy Giddings, 55, who works at a St. Petersburg store.

The discussion comes at a time when big retailers are beginning to grapple with ways to keep costs under control with an aging work force. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. was criticized when a memo surfaced last year mapping tighter work rules to prod more older workers to quit before they aged through their prime years for health claims. Circuit City Stores Inc. last month laid off 3,400 of its highest-paid sales help to replace them with lower-paid workers.

Publix, which says more than 20 percent of its store workers are 50 or older, says the pay plan is not about age or cost control. The company increased its payroll and adopted the pay system to take to the next level its renowned customer service and national recognition as an employer of choice among seniors.

"Only a small percentage of our 115,000 hourly store employees have had their pay reduced," said spokeswoman Shannon Patten. "This not about age. We're doing this for the right reasons: to reward those who perform well. A huge majority of our employees prefer it that way."

Publix's plan rewards top performers but, for the first time, can impose 25-cent-an-hour pay cuts to prod employees to do better if their evaluation scores slip. Workers get six months to improve before a pay cut.

Seventy-seven percent of Publix store employees reviewed in February got a raise while 4 percent saw a pay cut. Even top-tier scorers who got double raises of 50 cents an hour can lose them if they don't maintain their ratings.

Online reader comments characterized Publix "plantation-style management" taking small change from people living paycheck to paycheck after the company's net income soared to a record $1.1-billion in 2006.

From the other side, self-described hard workers question why veterans should get away with easing off the throttle, see no problem penalizing a small group of "bottom feeders" and say baggers don't add much value to Publix.

"It was jarring to people here because people thought Publix, which has been seen as a desirable employer, was beyond all this," said Peter Helwig, a Lakeland lawyer in Publix's corporate home town.

Blogs of retail experts read by supermarket executives debated the pros and cons of Publix' use of disincentives. Most liked the idea if store managers can rate employees on a consistent basis using objective, benchmarked criteria.

"The fact is Publix doesn't want someone who quits over a quarter an hour anyway," said David J. Livingston, president of DJL Research in Pauwaukee, Wis. "They want someone who tries harder all the time, has a great attitude and, if they lose a quarter an hour, is committed to get it back. That's what made this company a dominant force against strong competition like Wal-Mart."

Some whose pay was cut question the consistency of their ratings. A few lost attendance points for taking sick leave. One lost two points for each unexcused absence while another was docked one point for the same reason in the same store.

"It's still a good company," said Gene Sullivan, a one-time Publix store manager. "They just put too many young managers who don't know how to treat people in charge of multimillion dollar businesses."

As for O'Connor, the bagger who was first to sound off about the pay plan, he was counseled by his managers to refer customers who ask about his job situation to them. Last week they handed him a $5 gift certificate after a customer lauded him for "superb service."

"Maybe they're trying to butter me up" he joked. "But I'm not leaving here until my work record is cleared."

Mark Albright can be reached at albright@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8252.

What they're saying

"What a recipe for poor employee relations! I won't feel the same way about Publix if I shop there again."

Dorothy Snidow, St. Petersburg customer

"It was jarring to people here because people thought Publix, which has been seen as a desirable employer, was beyond all this."

Peter Helwig, a lawyer in Lakeland where Publix is headquartered

"It certainly appears that the spirit and values of the late George Jenkins are no longer with Publix."

Sarah A. Benjamin, South Pasadena customer

"If they stop improving after receiving the higher or maximum pay, they should get a pay cut."

Ta-Hung (Tony) Jenq, a Publix assistant store manager in Clearwater

"This paper needs to publish the pay of the CEO and top executives and all of their perks."

Jacqueline Paulausky, Clearwater customer

What happened

Publix Super Markets, Florida's No. 1 and the nation's sixth-largest supermarket chain, adopted a pay plan that rewards high achievers but can penalize employees who may do their job well but are not considered constantly improving. Lakeland-based Publix spent years creating its "Tie Pay To Performance" plan, aimed at rewarding more productive workers. Some Publix workers have found their pay docked despite being designated "successful" performers.

The response

A March 25 St. Petersburg Times story, left, about Publix bagger Ray O'Connor's pay cut and the supermarket's performance plan has prompted a strong and mostly critical response from readers of this newspaper and those of the Lakeland Ledger, which ran the story.

What it means

The topic touched nerves in several workplace debates, including inter-generational work conflict at the corner supermarket. Pay incentives for performance are old hat. But is it right to cut pay for low-level, part-time veterans if once-acceptable work performance supposedly slips a bit? How will retailers deal with an older work force as baby boomers age through their prime health care years?

[Last modified April 6, 2007, 20:57:13]

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Comments on this article
by Jesse 04/09/07 12:25 PM
If they would train the young managers and have higher standards of acceptance into management positions, the evaluations may have more weight, and then there would be no room to complain. If you slack, you deserve a pay cut. Bottom line.
by Jason 04/09/07 12:20 PM
I work at Publix. Let me tell you how brutal of a job you have to do to lose the 25 cents. Would you rather they just fire the older worker who is doign a terrible job? Heaven forbid you get paid accordingly to the job you do.
by Jon 04/09/07 12:18 PM
I have a friend who lost wages from this. He scored near the max on his reviews for years. But the 1st review he had AFTER the new policy he lost 30 points and was reviewed by a manager who been with publix for 2 months. How is that a fair system?
by Hannah 04/09/07 12:11 PM
The new pay plan would not be bad except that the uneducated Publix Management team can be very prejudiced. It is still operating in the good old boy network that got them in trouble in the early 90ò019s.
by Nancy 04/09/07 12:06 PM
The only way this can be fair is if the WHOLE COMPANY is being subjected to this type of management and that evaluation points can't be arbitrary. Also, employees must be aware what will cause deductions, how much and why and how they can gain points
by Lindsey 04/09/07 12:00 PM
My subdivision is across the street from a Publix. I compared 20 items I normally buy from Publix to Wal-Marts prices. The savings: over $20! Since then I've only used Publix for 1 or 2 items. Now with this nice news, I won't shop there at all!
by Jennifer 04/09/07 11:59 AM
These employees have worked for Publix for 10 and 12 years. You don't last that long if you're doing a poor job. Perhaps they didn't EARN getting a RAISE, but they didn't DESERVE a pay CUT!
by Richie 04/09/07 11:57 AM
Publix prices are way too high ,you'd have to be crazy to pay that.I shop at Super Wal-Mart or Winn Dixie.I don't want to pay higher prices just so the cashier will chit chat and smile.Who cares.
by Kidd 04/09/07 11:51 AM
How many of those touting performance measured pay are not hourly workers? I bet they change their tune once their account reconcilation they worked a week on gets them $100.00 docked from their semi monthly salary.
by Tony 04/09/07 11:45 AM
Sounds like the old sweat shop tactics of the 1920's & 1930's
by billy 04/09/07 11:43 AM
THE EMPLOYERS AT PUBLIX SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES, PERIOD .............
by Tracye 04/09/07 11:40 AM
I would employee many older workers, their work ethic is far more superior than young people who think everything is owed to them. As for Publix, you can have that store and their high prices. I do my shopping at Sweetbay as it is anyway.
by Ed 04/09/07 11:34 AM
Instead of cutting pay, Publix should revisit their training program. Do they grade and reward/punish managers with regards to how their associates stack up , review-wise? There's an old saying in retail that applies here.."It all starts at the top".
by Steve 04/09/07 11:30 AM
While working with retail customers is a noble job, I fail to understand how you can "coach" someone to become a better cashier. Smile, ring up things, then tender the transaction. It's insane to think you need to motivate someone by pay cuts.
by Diane 04/09/07 11:29 AM
At some time, somewhere, some how, people in management need to wear the shoes of their lowly workers. Only then will they begin to understand that wages cannot go lower when people need to support their families. Try living on $10.25 an hour.
by Heidi 04/09/07 11:25 AM
I have no desire to support a co. that treats its employees this way..and they also support fisherman..that promote the Harp Seal Hunts...Bad Publix...Bad!
by Kim 04/09/07 11:14 AM
I work for Publix, I see people who do their job and those who DEFINITELY do not. But I do not agree with the level of the new pay plan, only because it is nearly impossible to get "role model". I do my job well and I get my raises, it's not hard.
by James 04/09/07 11:11 AM
If Publix is only cutting few employees pay, and cutting it by say 25 cents, it doesn't seem that the "cost savings" is worth the fallout. How exactly can someone be a "disgruntled poor performer" and still have an excellent evaluation history?
by Mike 04/09/07 11:09 AM
Hidden in the depths of the article is the phrase that is really important: "Seventy-seven percent of Publix store employees reviewed in February got a raise while 4 percent saw a pay cut." How dare they reward good employees while penalizing bad?!
by JJ 04/09/07 11:04 AM
This will have no change on Publix. You can try a boycott, but it will not accomplish anything. They own the grocery business in Florida. What is the alternative? Wal-Mart? Is that an improvement?
by RHONDA 04/09/07 11:02 AM
I WILL NOT SHOP AT PUBLIX. YOUR PRICES ARE TO HIGH AND AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE IT MAKES ME SICK. BYE PUBLIX I HOPE OTHERS WILL DO THE SAME!!!!!
by hermann 04/09/07 11:00 AM
Publix you lost me as a customer look at your ceo and executives that,s where the problem is,I'm proud of this lady Louann McCurdy,
by Mike 04/09/07 11:00 AM
Publix should emulate whatever they do at COSTCO or Sam's club. The prices are lower and all of the employees are pleasant.
by Joy 04/09/07 10:56 AM
Hello, Paul! Sounds like Publix is the one who is biased -- against senior employees! I just recently filled out a form Publix is giving their customers. I certainly wouldn't fill it out the same way now. No more Publix for me!!!
by Susan 04/09/07 10:55 AM
I already refuse to shop at Publix because their prices on items I regularly purchase are so much higher than other local grocery stores. Even so, their parking lot is always full which tells me they are more concerned with profits than employees.
by A 04/09/07 10:53 AM
Another thing, do you guys know Publix freely gives all their employees stock in the company? And they offer a great daycare service? Since when has anyone been entitled to keep their current pay when they DON'T do their job correctly?
by Sergio 04/09/07 10:52 AM
Look I don't agree with what Publix is doing , however it's a company and if they persive you as a producer then they have the right to cut your pay. You can always work and shop somewhere else if you don't like it.
by A 04/09/07 10:51 AM
Mu husband works for Publix and what you didn't hear abotu this man is that they gave him time to change is workethic and he didn't and that is why he was dropped in pay. You should get the facts before putting your worthless 2 cents in.
by Warren 04/09/07 10:47 AM
Publix has reduced itself to another company where employee loyalty is secondary to earnings. How much can the company save? Not much compared to the bad public relations they have now placed upon the company.
by Bill 04/09/07 10:47 AM
As a past Publix employee, I know what they use to be, but with the younger managers that only look at bottom line and not at people it will fail. Krogers is doing the exact type of thing with thier older workers. Will nip-pick them till they quit.
by Ted 04/09/07 10:46 AM
If they want to cut pay of employees why don't they cut the salary of the fat cats..
by Bill 04/09/07 10:46 AM
This is a NEW style of doing business dreamed up by having too many middle management people sitting behind desks and getting paid too much looking at bottom line not what made the company what it is or should I say what it was.
by Susan 04/09/07 10:45 AM
I shop at Publix because it is a much more pleasant experience than Walmart. If Publix employees grow dissatisfied with their wages, what kind of customer service can we expect? I may switch to that big super Target they are building in my area!
by Vickie 04/09/07 10:43 AM
I have been wanting to give Albertson's a try:NOW the time is perfect.I am TIRED of paying Publix's exorbitant prices anyway.I think cutting pay for profit is unreasonable even with the best of intentions.Shame on Publix.
by Jesus 04/09/07 10:28 AM
Please for the love of god Publix is losing money over the past year look at the money, and dont blame the manager he was just told to do it by his higher ups. =/



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