Dear editor:

Having family at Powell, Basin, Greybull and Laramie, I read the Powell Tribune article: “County fair attendance, participation, profit up” (Aug. 12 issue). It is great that Park County had good weather and a better than expected turnout of patrons at the fair. That helps the county economy and the Wyoming economy as a whole. In this day and age, the economy seems to veer into illogical directions. The housing market is uncertain, the stock market bounces; yet gold skyrockets (usually an indicator of a shaky economy).

Just days ago, I was reading a journal from the year 1934. It noted where a Nebraska grocery-store owner, Ernest P. Buffett, inspired his four sons to join the Masonic fraternity in Omaha. I did some research and found out that Ernest P. Buffett was the grandfather of noted billionaire, Warren Buffett. Sadly, Warren Buffett is NOT a Freemason. I wish he were. However, I heard him give a press conference a few years ago in which he (Warren) does NOT believe in Almighty God. Having a belief in Almighty God (or Creator) is one of the few criteria, in addition to a man being over age 18 and of good moral character, in order to apply to join and retain membership in a Lodge.

I’m thankful that Freemasonry runs so deep in my family — I’m a fifth-generation member. My late dad joined the lodge in Wichita, Kansas, my mom’s paternal uncle, Professor Dr. William A. Riedl, joined the lodge at Laramie, and other kinfolk joined elsewhere. I, myself, joined in Kansas some 43 years ago. I got curious: I wondered about Ernest Buffett’s ancestor’s. So far, it doesn’t appear Ernest’s father was a Mason. However, to my joy, Ernest Buffett’s grandfather, George Washington Homan (and his son Geo W  Homan II ) were Masons. George, Sr., joined Covert Masonic Lodge #11 in Omaha, in the year 1866. Just think how far back that is. The year 1866. Amazing. That, was even before Nebraska became a state.

It is sad that Warren Buffett isn’t a Freemason. He’s missing a great fraternal order which instills good principles. I find it sort of revealing that Warren rejected “the Gold Standard” which his father believed in. And, Warren also rejected the Presbyterian Christianity his father believed in. Interestingly, Warren’s uncle, Clarence Buffett, joined Castle Rock Masonic Lodge #46 in Wyoming. 

I sort of enjoy hearing Warren Buffett’s folksy voice. Yet, I tell people that he has a fleet of lawyers and accountants advising him at every turn. If the average person had that kind of “leg up on things,” they, too, could churn out good profits. All I can say, is that many billionaires and millionaires have that status “on paper.” Stocks, paper money and such could collapse in the blink of an eye.

I think Warren Buffett’s father had it right by believing in “The Gold Standard.” Gold has always stood the test of time. In my opinion, I place a higher premium on things such as good health, good family and friends, a good spiritual anchor, along with things that served people well even in Biblical times, such as gold, silver, food on the table, reserves of fuel and grains, livestock, and a roof over my head. That is a better definition of “genuine wealth.”

Somehow, I just cannot envision Warren Buffett, at say, a Wyoming county fair with a short-sleeve shirt, blue-jeans, and ball-cap on, inspecting the livestock or exhibits. A suit and tie is great in the boardroom sipping from a can of Coca-Cola. However, his ancestors actually got out and mingled with other townsfolk. His grandfather Buffett was handed silver dollars by customers for foodstuffs, and he handed them back silver dimes and other change in return. They were actual PARTICIPANTS in life, not just watchers of the ticker-tape. Bedrock principles matter!

Sincerely,

James  A.  Marples

Longview, Texas