Reminds me of this classic Monty Python skit.
My favorite line in there was "She turned me into a NEWT!"
Followed by awkward silence.
"Well... I got better..."
I think P. King Duck perfectly fell into this trap himself with the following paragraph...
The most alarming finding by the league, according to one club source who was briefed on the investigation late Friday afternoon, was this: Before the 2009 NFC Championship Game, Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma offered any defensive teammate $10,000 in cash to knock then-Vikings quarterback Brett Favre out of the game. Favre was hit viciously several times in the game. Favre told SI.com Friday evening: "I'm not pissed. It's football. I don't think anything less of those guys."So in other words... the MOST ALARMING finding by the league, was that a SIZEABLE bounty (10K) was put on a MAJOR STAR (Favre) in a game in which he was BATTERED and BRUISED (NFC Championship) and his team lost.
ZOMG!
Aaaaaannnndd.... the same guy just shrugged his shoulders and said "It's football."
Right.
In the end, this will be a "win-win" for Goodell and his minions.
1. Some NFL media drones will actually report/opine that this shows the league is "taking this matter VERY seriously." Say somebody with the approximate intellectual horsepower as, oh, John Clayton. Which of course, must be true, since they took three YEARS to sniff it out, and take action. Whereas the TV show Playmakers got murdered in just one.
2. It will enable Goodell to seek, and to receive - if not, he'll just seize it - even MORE power to fine and suspend what he and his owner/bosses consider to be inconvenient savages costing the league so much money in payroll.
And as an upshot, I'll bet anyone who is willing, that the already overhyped "concussion lawsuits" being filed right now, won't even use this bounty evidence at trial because it's easily the WEAKEST part of their already weak case.
But hey, back to Gregg for a second.
He's a witch! BURN HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"We've Got A New Witch To Burn" - The Legacy and Lessons of the Salem Witch Trials
The phrase "We've got a new witch to burn" conjures images of a dark and troubled chapter in American history: the Salem witch trials of 1692. This infamous event, which unfolded in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, saw the persecution and execution of innocent people accused of witchcraft. In this article, we will explore the Salem witch trials, their historical context, the causes behind the hysteria, the consequences, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this tragic episode in American history.
Historical Context
The Salem witch trials occurred in the late 17th century, against the backdrop of a society deeply rooted in Puritanism and religious fervor. Several factors contributed to the hysteria that led to the trials:
1. Puritanism:
The Puritans, who settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, held strict religious beliefs and a fear of the supernatural.
2. Fear of the Devil:
The Puritans believed in the existence of the Devil and his ability to corrupt individuals. Any unusual or unexplainable behavior was often attributed to witchcraft.
3. Social Strain:
The colony was undergoing significant social changes, including economic hardships and disputes over land. This contributed to a sense of instability.
4. Precedent in Europe:
Witch trials and executions had been prevalent in Europe for centuries, influencing beliefs in the New World.
The Accusations and Trials
The Salem witch trials began in early 1692 when two young girls, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, exhibited strange behavior. They claimed to be possessed by witches and accused several women of afflicting them. The accusations snowballed, leading to a series of trials characterized by injustice and hysteria:
1. Accusations Spread:
The accusations of witchcraft quickly spread to other individuals, including those who were seen as outsiders or unconventional.
2. Court Proceedings:
Trials were held in a makeshift courtroom where the accused were often denied legal representation and faced intense pressure to confess.
3. Spectral Evidence:
Spectral evidence, based on dreams and visions, was admitted in court, making it nearly impossible for the accused to prove their innocence.
4. Executions:
Over the course of the trials, 20 people, including 14 women and six men, were executed, mostly by hanging, while several others languished in jail.
Causes of the Hysteria
Several factors contributed to the hysteria that swept through Salem:
1. Religious Zeal:
The belief in the supernatural and the Devil's influence was deeply ingrained in Puritan culture, making it easier to accuse others of witchcraft.
2. Social Tensions:
Economic and social tensions within the community heightened suspicion and fear.
3. Mass Hysteria:
As accusations multiplied and trials continued, mass hysteria took hold, making it difficult to challenge the prevailing narrative.
4. Legal and Political Factors:
The absence of proper legal procedures, along with political pressures, allowed the trials to continue unchecked.
Consequences and Legacy
The Salem witch trials left an indelible mark on American history:
1. Legal Reforms:
The trials highlighted the dangers of relying on spectral evidence and helped lead to legal reforms, ensuring fairer trials in the future.
2. Social Consequences:
The trials had lasting social consequences, with families torn apart, reputations tarnished, and a community scarred by the tragedy.
3. Cultural Impact:
The Salem witch trials have had a lasting cultural impact, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hysteria, intolerance, and the abuse of power.
4. Remembrance:
Salem has since become a symbol of the witch trials, with historical sites and memorials dedicated to remembering the victims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Were all the accused in the Salem witch trials women?
No, while the majority of accused were women, some men were also accused and executed during the trials.
Were any of the accused witches actually practicing witchcraft?
There is no historical evidence to suggest that any of the accused were practicing witches. The accusations were based on superstition and fear.
What were the long-term effects of the Salem witch trials on the community?
The trials left a deep scar on the community, leading to social divisions and mistrust that persisted for generations.
Have there been similar witch trials in other parts of the world?
Yes, witch trials and persecutions occurred in various parts of the world, particularly in Europe, over many centuries.
The Salem witch trials remain a haunting reminder of the dangers of fear, hysteria, and intolerance. The innocent lives lost during this dark period in American history serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked accusations and the abuse of power. While the legacy of the trials endures, it also stands as a testament to the importance of justice, fairness, and the protection of individual rights in a society that values liberty and the rule of law. As we reflect on this tragic chapter, may we continue to learn from history and strive to prevent such injustices from recurring in our society.
No comments:
Post a Comment