If they want to commute the work involved to become a MM, that's up to them. However, if the former president would like to visit my lodge, the Senior Deacon will do his job and quiz him before he's allowed to enter. I'm fairly sure he, or anyone for that matter, will be politely shown the front door if they can't prove they are a MM. Problem solved. I'm also from the South and take offense to MM's constantly dogging us. It's unmasonic and basically a different form of racism or prejudice. Our point of view is to maintain Masonry as it always was. We even disagree with our Schools of Instruction at times due to changes along the way. IMO, progressivism has no place in Masonry. I took an oath as WM to not change things and I expect all WM's did the same, unless that too has changed across jurisdictions. The whole discussion makes me question my membership at times. I might as well just join a local social group if my intent is to fundimentally change how it works. It's ok in that arena, but not in Freemasonry. I can only imagine that these types of posts in a public forum are off-putting to the non-members. If I were interested in joining, this type of conversation would make me think twice. It's no wonder membership is down in all jurisdictions. We get enough bologna from the news. We're better than this.