Boo!

Massive headache today, but once I get better, I've got a nice holiday article. I just can't complete it right now.

Check back tomorrow.

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Not so long ago, a group of people was accused of being different.

It didn't matter whether they were or weren't. A vocal minority pointed them out, rouse the rabble and attacked those people.

Some members of the accused group were killed, others were forced to flee or turn on others of their kind to save their lives. It didn't matter that there was no evidence of wrongdoing or even that some harm had come to the accusers.

It took some time, but finally, sanity and reason prevailed. However, a scar was left on our collective memories.

If you are trying to figure out what I'm referring to, your guesses are probably correct even though they may be different. This scene has played out many times throughout history.

While those of African, Jewish, Arabic or some other background can all claim this history as part of its own, I'm going deep into the way-back machine and, in the spirit of the season, going back to Massachusetts and the year 1692.

The Salem witch trials were well under way because of the hysteria of several young girls. Nineteen men and women were hanged after being "convicted" of witchcraft, one man was pressed to death for not cooperating with the court and 17 others died while in prison.

No single shred of physical evidence was presented and those who were persecuted were done so only on the word of tormented young girls. More than 150 men and women were jailed during this time.

From June to October, the "accused" were paraded in front of a special court and their sentences were carried out quickly. Only the actions of the governor prevented more people from being killed.

My point is this: this was not the first nor definitely the last time something like this has happened. It seems to occur quite regularly throughout our history -- and may be going on even today.

It seems whenever times of stress and confusion reign, our sense and sensibilities are the first casualties. We strive toward singularity of ideas and ideals rather than taking the time to embrace the plurality of it all. Bring closer those of like minds and reject or blast those who are different is the rule and should be the exception.

If we don't understand or can't comprehend, we should take the time to do so. It isn't right to shun those who aren't like us and certainly don't accept those who claim violence is the right way.

But in the spirit of Halloween, it is time to remember the old ghosts and don't let them become future ones.

And all you people who think Halloween is a demonic holiday need to do a little research and open up your minds. Geez!

Homer: "Marge, you being a cop makes you the man! Which makes me the woman - and I have no interest in that, besides occasionally wearing the underwear, which as we discussed, is strictly a comfort thing."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.