The lessons of the 30th Degree, Knight Kadosh, steel our resolve in response to the recent attacks on America.

No, it was all too real. America had been viciously attacked. As the reality of the next morning's news sank in regarding the tragedies of September 11 in southwest Pennsylvania, at the World Trade Center and Pentagon, America, from its youngest to its oldest, awakened from a kind of naivete. In some, an indescribable internal gnawing of grief and depression interrupted daily routines. In others, a thirst for blood and swift retaliation raged. How could it happen? America, the world's strongest bastion of freedom, of human dignity and hope, had received the opening salvo in what could be the first war of the 21st Century. Clearly, the forces of evil and tyranny were determined to subdue the forces of good and freedom.

"Stamp out tyranny!" As a recent 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, this idea from the Degree is indelibly printed on my mind after hearing them during the 30th Degree, Knight of Kadosh. Ill. Bros. Albert Pike in 1871, Henry C. Clausen in 1974, and Rex R. Hutchens, G.C., in 1988 address this lesson of the 30°. Our duty in that Degree is to wage war against the enemies of freedom and society: War against Ignorance, War against Vice, War against Spiritual Tyranny, and War against Despotism. Freedom is lost when any of these enemies prevail. We, as Scottish Rite Masons, are Champions of Freedom, and freedom is under siege by the terrorists who attacked America.

Terrorists and other enemies disseminate Ignorance as they seek to enslave humans through clever but corrupted logic. America's capitalistic system, they say, has created rich and poor; thus this system is to be destroyed. Champions of Freedom must shine Light and Knowledge on the fact that the world's poor flock to America for a better economic life and rise in attainment by their own efforts in an environment of economic freedom and class mobility.

Terrorists disseminate Vice as they seek to rationalize their moral depravity in justifying killing innocent civilians as if they were soldiers of their perceived enemy. Their weapons are ambition and fanaticism. They draw followers and supporters from hungry, weak, and impoverished people. Scottish Rite Champions of Freedom must work to make the world a better place for all. America offers such a model.

Terrorists disseminate Spiritual Tyranny as they hide within a cloak of religious justification. While their own fanatical interpretation of religious principles are not shared by the majority of their religious brethren, they have distorted their own views into intolerance. They attempt to condemn people who don't share their beliefs. They seek to divide and conquer by rallying followers around a common enemy, as all tyrants have done before them. Champions of Freedom must fervently fight for tolerance for all the world's people and their right to practice individual beliefs.

Terrorists and all enemies of freedom disseminate a message of and march toward Despotism as they seek to control human action and thought. Ignorance and propaganda replace education and knowledge. Common and accepted morals and values are compromised through "ends-justify-the-means" actions. Tolerance is replaced by intolerance to all those who oppose those with power. Scottish Rite Champions of Freedom must be on guard to thwart these enemies and to overcome them at all costs. America has faced great challenges and made great sacrifices, specifically to fight this enemy, and we must renew our commitment to this primary principle, Freedom.

Our country was founded on the above and most basic Masonic principles. Making these tenets into social realities was a risky and never-before-tried experiment. In a war on Ignorance, what country before America had conceived the idea of universal education? In the war on Vice, what country before America attempted to inculcate moral responsibility through a balanced separation of church and state? In a war on Spiritual Tyranny, what country before America fought to overcome intolerance through massive Federal legislation against discrimination? And, in a war on Despotism, what country before America conceived of a country's top leader checked and balanced by the people? What countries before America insured complete freedoms for all citizens?

In the midst of the Enlightenment, when the philosophers of other countries wrote about freedom and their kings and queens practiced authoritarianism, Brother George Washington, many other Masonic Brethren, and our Founding Fathers put freedom into practice. Yes, America was a bold experiment that proved freedom would empower a nation to rise to greatness.

This last spring, I was honored to learn the lessons of the Scottish Rite. During the costumed and dramatic enactment of the 30th Degree, I felt—and still feel—the impact of my foot stamping upon the forces of evil wherever they may be found. Masonry is very clear about its heritage and its contribution to the founding of this great country. As Masons, we know where the Craft stands regarding the sanctity of human rights and what constitutes our highest duty. As the nation once again stirs to remember its unique character and the principles that have made it great, we as Masons have the opportunity to carry our message to others. The nation's tragedy, unfortunate as it is, is an opportunity and a catalyst for the widespread rebirth of patriotism.

Let us personally renew our zeal for the profound lessons that are taught in our Fraternity and confidently go forth to share them with a renewed and receptive community. Brothers, we are truly Champions of Freedom!

Richard G. McNeill, Jr. is a Perpetual Member of Flagstaff Lodge No. 7 where is serving in the officer chairs and has founded an "Initiate Discussion Group" which meets with new Masons for the purpose of education and membership retention. A 32nd Degree Mason, he actively participates in several of the Degrees in the Scottish Rite Valley of Tucson, Arizona. Dr. McNeill is a professor at Northern Arizona University where he teaches and researches sales and marketing.