Edmund Cohen, 33°
1442 Creekside Court, Vienna, Virginia 22182–1701
cohene@erols.com

As Scottish Rite Masons, we must play a prominent role in the struggle against terrorism.

The events of 11 September, 2001, left an indelible mark on most Americans, and I am sure on all Masons. What a rush of emotions in the hours and days since then! A disbelief and horror that what we all saw really had happened gave way to incredible sorrow for those hurt and killed and to anguish for the children who had lost parents and the parents and spouses who had lost loved ones. This sadness soon turned to anger and rage at those who planned and supported such monstrous deeds. These emotions were replaced finally by the determination to root out the scourge of terrorism that affects all freedom-loving people.

But if the past is any guide, after the first rush of anger has subsided, and particularly after the U.S. response, demonstrators will try to undermine the spirit and sap the resolve of this country. Those who are ever ready to find fault with America—even while enjoying its bounty—will once again be out in force preaching their brand of moral relativism that excuses any deed, justifies any outrage, and appeases any aggression. We will hear pundits argue that we are witnessing a clash of civilizations, the traditionalist Third World against the modern West, the poor against the rich, or Islamic fundamentalism against Judeo-Christian values. But the terrorists killed the followers of Islam with the same disregard as they killed those of other religions, and their attacks made no distinction between the rich and the poor working at the World Trade Center or Pentagon or flying on the four crashed planes. No, what we have is a war between civilization and barbarism, between those who build and those who destroy.

Masons are builders, but we also are fighters who have always arrayed ourselves on the side of civilization and decency against the forces of darkness and chaos. Our President said, "You are either on our side or on the side of the terrorists." And as Masons have, throughout the ages, we all immediately re-enlisted in the fight of freedom against tyranny, as well as the rule of law and reason against bigotry and intolerance.

In the days ahead, we all need to show Masonic leadership—that is, we must be charitable, active, focused, and determined.

We must first assist with the physical and personal rebuilding that needs to be done and, in the long tradition of Masonic charity and relief, provide what help we can.

Second, we must work actively to rebuild the spirit of pride and patriotism, too long considered passé. When good people hang back or are silent, the doubters and detractors win the day. So we must stand up and be counted, and we must be vocal in our support of the difficult fight ahead against terrorism.

Third, we must be focused. As Masons, we believe in the brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God, and we make no distinctions based upon religion, creed, or ethnicity. Rather, we care about the moral dimension and the inner quality of the man. So, while it is tempting to lash out at the "enemy," as Masons we resist efforts to paint with a broad brush and to trample the innocent along with the guilty. Our fight is with the terrorists and their supporters and with no one else.

Finally, we must be steadfast and determined. The forces of freedom and democracy are pitted against those who would destroy our freedom and unravel our great democracy, and this will not be a quick fight. It will require focus and staying power to get the job done. Our enemies believe Americans have a short attention span and little stomach for a protracted engagement. But they are wrong. As Scottish Rite Masons, we must play a prominent role in the struggle ahead and be in the forefront, rallying our fellow citizens and our communities to stay the course.

Edmund Cohen is a senior executive with the Federal government. An attorney and member of the D.C. and Virginia bars, he is a member of the Valley of Alexandria, Virginia, and is currently serving on the Board of Governors of the Masonic Home of Virginia and on the Grand Lodge Committees on Jurisprudence and Masonic Education. Bro. Cohen is a Past Master of Henry Lodge No. 57 in Fairfax, Virginia, and a Past District Deputy Grand Master. He is currently serving as Sovereign Master, Perfect Ashlar Council 349, Allied Masonic Degrees.