Witch Hunting

Google is cool.  I can entertain a random thought and find that others have been there before me, typically with far greater insights on the subject than mine.

This morning I awoke thinking about witch hunts - the process by which a group perceives a threat and decides somehow to mis-direct attention to someone or some other group in order to shield themselves from blame or scrutiny.  Random thought on my part?  Not totally, more like a sixth sense.

Slate has an interesting article here that you might enjoy.  There is evidence of some regret on the part of the five judges of the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692, one of whom actually apologized, and it seems that others involved destroyed personal records of their involvement.  History is not kind to witch hunters, but for the hunted the experience - as it is happening - is pure hell.  Consider the McCarthy hearings of the 1950s; much like the Salem trials 350 years earlier, civilized society finds itself in some form of hysteria, and the accused don't stand a chance.  Then, years later it is the accusers who - if still alive - are shamed.  The lesson is this: if sixth sense tells you that you are in the cross-hairs, get yourself prepared for the here-and-now.

1. Know your accusers
2. Know their motivation
3. Know what it is that they are hiding

Just as prophets are never welcome in their hometown, people who demand honesty and transparency find themselves in the cross-hairs, eventually.  Witch hunters beware when the hunted is ready and waiting - you'd better have clean hands yourself.

Oh, and here's a cautionary tale for consideration: sometimes the bad witches do win!
http://www.state.nj.us/education/legal/commissioner/2011/may/185-11.pdf