I think some are under misconception that F&AM and AF&AM are Mainstream and PHA which is not the case at all. I was raised in a F&AM(GA) and now reside in Texas under a AF&AM lodge(endowed member). Both are "mainstream or Blue" lodges. I heard that same comment/assumption about a month ago from a Bro mason during a conversation. He also said that there was a difference (as he thought) between a "3" letter & a "4" letter mason which he was thinking F&AM and AF&AM. I tried to explain that what was really meant was "PHA" and "Blue" or "Main", but he refused to understand or acknowledge that. So I left it alone so as not to create hard feelings. MHO is that I wish we could all be "as one". Whatever happened in history that caused a separation is that..... History... Good to know... Good to learn from, but must now move on. It's much like people hating the confederate flag or "rehashing" what happened in history. It was bad, it was awful, but it happened & brought us to where we are.... Many things better and many things still needing to be better. However, it happened and it can never be changed. We must move on.... Not forget... Just move on and what better place than to bring masonry back together as one. Unfortunately I feel there is too much politics & power involved by both PHA and Mainstream.