Eli and Asia, I agree with both of your points on honorary membership to a certain degree. It is kinda messed up that honorary members don't go through what some of us do to become members of our respective org's. But at the same time, I just see it as a different kind of intake.
For example, at the undergraduate level, it's more on the basis of taking in people who are going to work for the organization, and who are willing to pledge the rest of their lives to that org's causes. Pledging is kind of a proving time for that, aside from other tests and such. On the level of honorary membership, it's more of a chance for adults who have already dedicated their lives, in one way or another, to certain causes worth fighting for. Honorary membership is a recognition of their struggle.
Yeah we may say that they have money and that makes things easier. But not everyone starts off with money. And when you do get it, to dedicate it, along with your time, to a greater good (rather than just squander it as so many do) it deserves to be recognized. And as a member of XYZ organization we should be happy to have these people amongst our ranks. To be able to call them soror/sister or frat/brother. And in turn, they also will feel honored. If they didnt, they wouldnt accept it. After all why accept an invitation to XYZ oganization if I don't agree with their aims and goals, and now feel even more compelled to make those aims a reality.
Aside from all this, whats the saying? "The real pledging begins after you've crossed." Some of these honorary members have been "pledging" for a very long time. Years and years of struggle and service, all for the betterment of the world they live in and the audience they cater to. As far as Im concerned, the honor is all theirs.
PEACE: Proper Education Always Corrects Error
PS: Sorry for the long post
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