Yale University's Skull and Bones secret society is a dream come true for many conspiracy theorists.

The groups seems perfectly cast as the villain in some epic drama.

Interestingly, the many inquiries and discussions about the society seem to be far more interesting than anything that takes place within its carefully guarded 'Tomb' on Yale's New Haven, Connecticut campus.

While there are many who can, validly, point to the society as a breeding ground for elitists, fundamentally it is beginning to fade.

What it once was, however, is a very interesting topic for conversation.

Beginning in 1832, the society has had a very select and distinct membership.

Future presidents, cabinet members, businessmen and magnates of every ilk have passed through the heavy doors of the Tomb and been initiated into the society.

The presence of so many successful men does not seem all that odd when considering that they are at Yale, a prestigious and competitive school.

What is so astonishing is that only fifteen members are added each year.

IS IT QUESTIONABLE?

HIGHLY EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP

What is so remarkable about the membership of the Skull and Bones secret society is just how few actually get 'tapped'.

Every April members of Yale's current junior class wait to see if they are going to be invited to join one of the school's secret, or not so secret, private societies.

Each year only fifteen juniors receive such an invitation from a member of the Skull and Bones.

This averages to a worldwide alumni of between five and eight hundred people at any given time.

This too, does not seem particularly interesting, until you realize that many of these select few hold powerful positions in the government, or potent places in international business and finance. Quite literally it could almost appear that the Skull and Bones secret society plays a major role in the running of the world.

A MODERN MISINTERPRETAION

The society has been scrutinized in the past few decades by journalists, one a Yale graduate, with concerns about the power wielded by the organization. This was due to the presidential candidacy and two terms in office by former President George W. Bush.

The Bush family has a long history with the Skull and Bones secret society. Both George W. and his father, George H. W. Bush were 'Bonesmen' as was George W.'s grandfather Prescott Bush. Additionally, there were several uncles and cousins as well, who were brought into the society.

It is always at this point when conspiracy theorists begin pointing fingers or making proclamations about the danger of an allegiance to a secret order when one is the most public of public servants on the planet.

What is interesting to note is that George W. Bush may have been the recipient of what we'll call a legacy tap, because he has not returned to the society's Tomb nor extended himself to any great extent back towards his fellow Bonesmen. He has used his connections for advancement and political funding, and he went so far as to bring five Bonesmen into his administration.

ISN'T THAT PROOF?

Though the presence of members of the Skull and Bones secret society in the upper echelon of Bush's administration might appear like some sort of positioning for power, in fact the evidence indicates nothing other than a very extreme variety of the 'old boy network'.

Many of those who have investigated the Skull and Bones indicate that their research has revealed that if the group has a specific mission it is simply to use their connections and wealth to get fellow members into positions of power so that they, in turn, will do the same.

This is networking on an elitist and exclusive scale, but the kind that has existed in so many other formats for centuries. What is so troubling to so many (conspiracy theorist and everyday citizen alike) about the scenario is that the men, and now women, who are welcomed into the Skull and Bones secret society are quite young at the time. Their participation and exchanges create an enduring impression upon them.

As one journalist suggests, the members are able to shape the American character to a large degree, and yet their characters were shaped by a society that the public knows little to nothing about. This is something that should be called into question.