masons not a secret society. They have secrets, but not a secret society. Its well known leaders in society are members. That is a condition of membership: you have to be together enough, self-sufficient, to devote time to studies, self-mastery and control.

Psychology of this thread:
We see the word 'cops' and figure they see hidden stuff we'll never see. We presume 'security' and then 'secrecy', which goes with 'masons'. hmmmm