Throughout our Masonic Degrees the theme of justice is emphasized. We are called, over and over to be just. Justice as an attribute of the Divine and of proper government is emphasized.
Unquestionably, justice is one of the most important of Masonic tenets.
It is rightfully difficult when we see justice denied, and when we do see it, we as Masons have a responsibility to call it out however we are able.
But we must also recognize that justice denied harms us all. For we can not have liberty unless we have justice. Both are indispensable.
For most of a year, I’ve been forced to think about justice quite often because of what has happened in my small community.
In August of 2022 a young adult male, in his 20’s was out hiking with his girlfriend, when he shot and killed a man. Without provocation, apparently he shot blindly towards a noise he heard in the woods. After shooting, he apparently walked to where he had shot and discovered the man, whom autopsy showed was still alive for hours following the shooting. The young adult did not try to render aid, rather simply continued his hike.
None of this is really in question. One of the young adult’s relatives called the Sheriff’s office to report what had happened a day or so after the fact, and the young adult quickly confessed.
Yet here we are, almost a year later, and that young man has never been arrested. Has never been so much as put into handcuffs.
I see the case headlined in my local newspaper all the time, yet despite press coverage and protests, government officials have refused to act.
The Prosecutor claims that he can’t act because the Sheriff and the Coroner messed the case up. The Sheriff blames the Prosecutor. The Coroner is the only one who has offered any hint of apology, but it was apparently his office that told the family members of the dead man that the young adult male who shot him was a good kid from a good family.
Frankly, the whole thing is shocking.
The dead man’s family and friends led a protest at our State Capitol this past Sunday, but I don’t imagine that will be of any help to their cries for justice.
As of today, justice is denied in Lewis County, Washington. As Masons, it is our duty to ensure that those who deny justice are removed from power. In this country we do that through the ballot box, and hopefully that is done by the people who live here at the next opportunity.
As Freemasons we are charged to not discuss politics within our Lodges. That is indeed one of our Ancient Landmarks, one of the few that all regular Grand Lodges agree upon.
But a cry for justice is not politics. It is a demand for that which society can not exist without.
Indeed, the fight for justice is an indispensable part of Freemasonry, as evidenced within our own Degree rituals.
Beyond the Divine requirement that all good men strive for justice, we do well to remember that injustice has a very direct impact on all of our lives, no matter if we are directly involved in an injustice or not.
Because liberty can not exist unless there is justice.
I think this particular case illustrates that well, and reminds us that as Masons we are called to be just, and to work for a just society.
It seems that the "Justice" you are referring to is the Justice in the Masonic Cardinal Virtues " - Temperance, Prudence, Fortitude and Justice. Each of these relates to a state of mind within you, not necessarily a reaction to the external environment. Thus "justice" is a part of who you are not what you do.
Justice, as I see it, is to be just to your self as well as others. As you forgive others, be able to forgive yourself. We all make mistakes in life some of which are judged by the outside world. But many other mistakes need to be judged by your own conscience. Be able to merciful to yourself.
The explanation that the prosecutor cannot act because the Sheriff messed up the case is patently false.
I’m reminded of a traffic accident in Grays Harbor County nearly 50 years ago. The causing driver was an Aberdeen policeman who had been driving drunk. APD friends gathered at the hospital to protect him. The prosecutor claimed they messed up the investigation and failed to act.
It is a galling fact that corrupt influences are afield and have been for a long time. It continues to be a feature of our criminal justice system. That’s why character is an important aspect of every election.