Masonic CHIP comes to Idaho
I don't talk about the Freemasons very much (outside this subforum), but this program is something important to me.
I'm a frequent visitor (annoyance) to conspiracy theory sites (under the same name) and one thing I researched was the CHIP program since many nutcases think the Masons are actually implanting microchips into people. In actuality, CHIP stands for CHild Identification Program. I will get more into the program in a minute.
The head honcho for Idaho, called the Most Worshipful Grand Master, has been talking to all the Worshipful Masters of the Lodge (me being one of them) and he wanted to get this program to Idaho. Many of the Lodges don't have the finances mine does so they can't purchase the kit ($2800) at this point, but I was able to convince my Lodge to buy it.
New York Life is a sponsor of the program along with my Lodge and we will attending various events in the Treasure Valley (Boise area). I have really got into it and I plan on creating the State committee for this and running it.
I don't have a website created for the Idaho CHIP program yet (since we just got this Thursday), but it's in the process...along with righting the Standard Operating Procedure/Manual and establishing the committee for my local Lodge.
Here are some exerts from the Grand Lodge of Maine:
Maine Grand Lodge website:
CHIP - Child Identification Program
Logo of CHIPS ProgramThe CHILD IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM (CHIP) is sponsored by the generous donation of time and money from the Freemasons of Maine under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Maine.
This program is the most comprehensive service of its kind anywhere and is provided free of charge to the public. Any and all of the identifying items generated during CHIPS are given to the child's family.
The CHIP program includes the following:
- VIDEOTAPE: A brief videotaped interview that can be quickly distributed to the media in order to reach a huge audience.
- FINGERPRINTING: Fingerprinting is a well-known means of identification. Resourceful parents keep fingerprints available should the need arise.
Basic Safety Tips for Parents
1. Keep current identification of your children in a safe and accessible place (fingerprints, photo, video, physical description.)
2. Know how to obtain your child's dental x-rays and medical records.
3. Don't leave your child alone or unattended in public places (in a car, in a store.)
4. Know your child's friends, their names, where they live, and how to contact them
5. Before leaving your child in the care of a daycare, preschool, baby-sitter, or youth organization, check their references and qualifications.
6. Be involved in your child's activities (volunteer at school and clubs, attend sporting events.)Idaho's program at this starting point is not as comprehensive as theirs. Right now we take some information, fingerprints, and pictures. I plan on expanding to voice recording and a DNA swab. In just a few short days, I have received calls/emails about using this program for all sorts of events going on in the area. I am also being interviewed in July with the New York Life reps for an August event. I also found out some law enforcement don't have this and would like us to sit at their booth.Maine CHIP (MECHIP) website:
MECHIP is a comprehensive child identification program designed to give families a measure of protection against the ever increasing problem of missing children. The Maine Freemasons are in the process of bringing this fine program to communities throughout Maine. In the weeks ahead, The Grand Lodge of Maine will be working with other supporting agencies to upgrade the technology from VHS recordings to digital recorded interviews and scanned fingerprints on CDs as part of our ongoing commitment to children and families. This program will be brought free of charge to every Maine family who wishes to participate.smallboys.jpg
How does it work?
The program consists of four major components:
- a brief recorded interview
- digital still photographs (4 positions)
- fingerprinting
- dental bite impression (when available) or cheek swab
The recorded interview video with audio is a recovery tool that provides far more individual characteristics and manneurisms than does a still photograph. The digital photographs are valuable recovery tool for posting to the Amber alert system. Fingerprinting is a tried and true method of individual identification. The dental bite impression provides an impression of the biting surface of teeth which, like fingerprints, are unique to each individual. The dental impression also collects enough saliva to provide DNA and a source for scent in canine recovery. The cheek swab when taken also provides DNA. Together, these four measures provide a most powerful identification and recovery tool.
MECHIP GOES DIGITAL
MECHIP is in the process of upgrading its method of generating identifying items for parents and guardians to take home for safe keeping. This includes the use of computers, web cameras, scanning equipment all with digital technology to:
- type in physical description of each child,
- record a still photo,
- record a video interview with voice pattern,
- scan fingerprints
All identifying items generated are arranged on a color print out, burned onto a CD disk and erased from the computer before the set-up is employed for the next participant. All the above items can now be generated at a single event station (historically our VHS technology demanded three separate stations).
The Maine Freemasons maintain the MECHIP integrity that all identifying items generated at MECHIP EVENTS goes home for safe keeping. NO INFORMATION IS KEPT BY ANYONE INVOLVED FOR ANY REASON ... except the permission slip signed prior to participation in the event.
The participant then continues to the Toothprints (if Toothprints are being offered) generating station and adds that identifying item to complete their package to take home for safe keeping.
If a Child who has participated in a MECHIP Event becomes missing or abducted, their parents have the MECHIP Package on hand to give to law enforcement agencies to aid in recovery.
We recommend that you have your child participate in a MECHIP EVENT every year ..... continuing through until age 18 years old, to assure you have identified their latest features and mannerisms.
Now through all my banter, what do you all think of this program?
I hate Wiki, but here is what they have on it: Masonic CHIP
It's No Secret - Article
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Also, I do find it ironic (referring back to the conspiracy portion) that the acronym for my State's program will be called 'IDCHIP'.
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Originally Posted by n0spam4me
