Moral Panic in America

For John, BLUF:  Yes, we are unable, in our sense of righteousness, to learn from the past.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

---

I WANT TO BE LIKE FRANCIS

Moral Paniv defined.

An InstaPundit Blog post by Law Professor Gail Heriot.

Here is the lede:

On this day in 1615, Francis Dane, later to become the Rev. Francis Dane, pastor of the North Parish Church in Andover, Massachusetts, was born.  In 1658, he testified for the defense at a witchcraft trial, where he “judged against the probability”—a polite way to say that he though it was a warm pile of horse manure.  The defendant was acquitted.

It takes a lot of moral courage to stand up to the mob during a moral panic.  The Reverand Francis Dane is an example for all of us.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff