Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Here's a passage from one of our foundational documents that is, I'm told, causing some confusion:
"The National Grand Master General ad vitam is not approachable as such by any person who has not reached the VI°." -Liber LII, Manifesto of the O.T.O., 1913
This passage has been incorporated into the U.S.G.L. Bylaws as Section 3.06(F), adding one express exception:
"The National Grand Master General is not approachable, as such, by any member below the VI°, except at his or her discretion."
In the current U.S. Local Body Handbook and U.S. Minerval Guide, it appears in the Forms of Address section as follows, with the same meaning but slightly different language:
"The National Grand Master General is not approachable as such by any person who has not reached the VI°, except by special permission; however, the Grand Secretary General will forward appropriate correspondence to the National Grand Master General’s attention."
I see this passage as establishing a point of custom--of fraternal/magical etiquette--similar to our forms of address. Its apparent primary purpose is to shield me, as N.G.M.G., from being overburdened with tons of minor questions, issues, and local drama. However, accomplishing this requires that officers, and committees, and governing bodies actually be appointed to manage such issues--thus ensuring development of a potentially sustainable structure for the organization. So it's really not a bad idea.
Here are a few points of clarification, though, about what my "discretion" and "special permission" currently mean to me:
The Man of Earth Delegates, as a class, have "special permission" to approach me as N.G.M.G. regarding any topic, during their time as Delegate. At my discretion, I can give such special permission to anyone on an individual basis for any amount of time. If I personally approach you first about an O.T.O. matter, either by question or statement or comment, you may assume that you have special permission to engage me in a conversation about that topic. If I am giving an in-person presentation, you can ask questions, like anyone else.
Official government, legal, business, or academic communications from external entities with me in my capacity as C.E.O. of O.T.O. U.S.A. are, of course, exempt from this provision.
Also exempt are conversations with me wherein my status as N.G.M.G. of U.S.G.L. is substantially irrelevant. This is the "as such" part of the provision. If you meet me at an event, or online, feel free to talk to me about topics that are outside my official purview as N.G.M.G.
If you spot a typo or formatting error on this blog, and you have an opportunity to tell me, please do.
As stated in the Local Body Handbook, the G.S.G. will promptly forward any important correspondence to me if it actually requires my attention. In addition to the G.S.G., the G.T.G. and any of the Man of Earth Delegates can be relied on to do the same.
There is no punishment for minor breaches of this rule. I'll probably just clear my throat and refer you to someone else; and--if necessary--tap the sign.
Love is the law, love under will.
-Sb