Guilty as Charged!…Case Closed.

O Christian Martyr Who for Truth could die When all about thee Owned the hideous lie! The world, redeemed from superstition’s sway, Is breathing freer for thy sake today. –Words written by John Greenleaf Whittier and inscribed on a monument marking the grave of Rebecca Nurse, one of the condemned “witches” of Salem.

On this day, July 22, 1692, Puritan Judge John Hathorne, has issued a warrant for several new arrests. Essex Country Marshall, George Herick, has been ordered to apprehend these citizens for whom the court has reason to believe are engaging in witchcraft and wizardry.

Since June of this year, eleven people have been taken to Gallows Hills for hanging. Many others are currently suffering in prison awaiting their fates. Whether witch or wizard, there is suspicion of guilt.

Review the very fascinating site, The Salem Witch Trials – 1692. …Fast forward to September 1, 2009. Your alarm has just sounded, and you realize that that your Blackberry is alerting you of a message. When your eyes begin to focus on the screen, you see a text from District Attorney Danny Porter,representing the Criminal Justice Division of the Gwinnett County Government. The “high priority” message urges you to report of your own accord to the office of Mr. Porter. A warrant has just been issued for your arrest. Charge: witchcraft or wizardry.

Using the website above, comtemplate your options today as compared to or contrasted with the options that citizens had in 1692. After deliberating, share with us what options would be available to you as a 21st century citizen. Keep in mind that this is a serious charge and your very life could depend on your actions and your plan of defense. [Comments will close on Friday, September 4th @ 7:00 AM. One 6-10 sentence paragraph please.]