I am of the opinion that if we use the filter of "Does it contain unknown truths" or "Untainted by Gadianton influences", then we will severely limit ourselves from interfacing with any citizens outside the LDS faith.
That is not to say that I believe we should all rush out and become MAsons, but that we need to realize that if we are to have positive influence on others outside the faith, we have to interface with them occasionally.
The Council on Fortiegn Realations has certainly been tainted, yet it is not blacklisted as surely as being a member of the Masons.
I beleive that much as the Lord made use of the Laminites for good, the social efforts made by the Masons can be positive.
Here in LDS Central, I personally see no benefit in such, however, when in the mission field, I might take a different tact.
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If men through fear, fraud or mistake, should in terms renounce and give up any essential natural right, the eternal law of reason and the great end of society, would absolutely vacate such renunciation; the right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty, it is not in the power of Man to alienate this gift, and voluntarily become a slave. 
John Adams, Rights of the Colonists, 1772
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01-03-2010
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