During a walk in DC, a friend of mine tried to explain the relation of these organizations, not only to government, but to each other.  There is a hierarchy and they are related.  Again, Kent...might appreciate your input here. 

He explained that the basic level of "entry" is Mason, or Freemason (and I think a prospective member has to be invited to join by another Mason, but I have read where if you want to, and agree with the philosophy, any man can apply for membership).   From there onwards to the Shriners, and apparently only longstanding and select members can become Rosicrucians.  I may have that all mixed up, but I think it is something like that, and the different organizations are related.  Since the original organizational members were involved in industry, commerce and government, it is easy to see how they could "run" the country, I think just in virtue of the fact that so many members were leaders in their chosen fields. I'm not sure that it translates to : Mason member ergo, the Masons, in and of themselves run everything. 

Now this Illuminati thing, I find a little more difficult to fathom, but I think their members also stem from a similar "inner sanctum" of powerful and influential people.  Food for thought, anyways, and not something that can be so easily dismissed as paranoia. 

Anyone else...chime in.  

Gene