Makes perfect sense to me. If I see a man in public wearing a Masonic ring, lapel pin, etc. if I do anything it will be to approach the man, stick out my hand and say "Hello, I'm from such and such lodge in Kentucky. Where are you from?" No actual Masonic Communication.
If anyone tried to forcibly remove any of my personal items, I would remind them they promised not to cheat, wrong, nor defraud me. Heck, might even get into why they might be giving the GHS of distress. LOL. Actually, I have never had an unkind exchange with a mason.
Same here, but I have been reading on this forum that some people will actually try to take your Masonic "bling" if you can not prove to their satisfaction that you are a Mason and this actually does make me angry. My reply to such a person would be "If you get it you'll take it".
If I'm not mistaken, it's more of a Prince Hall thing. I've spoke with many "Mainstream" masons, and they have never heard of such. I really don't know who started it, but I was friends with a guy on face book that took a guys hat because he had a square and compass on it and he couldn't answer the questions the guy asked. Not to mention, the questions are what you call "Street Masonry". How could a man sleep at night especially a brother mason knowing he stole from a brother all because he was not as knowledgeable as you. I must say, I removed that brother from my friends list. Kinda makes me even wonder if the guy was really a mason. For one, it's unmasonic to steal not to mention it's against our obligation.
I'm a peaceful man but if this guy had attempted to take my personal property I would do my best to see that he failed in his attempt and had nothing must multiple bumps, bruises and abrasions to show for it.
I know how upset it makes you, I feel the same way. It's the same in the Elks lodge also. They take if you can't "defend" I think it's stupid