makes me think of my favorite witch of all time..my dear Elphaba

Well...

No harm in granting the pardons, right?

It wouldn't hurt to admit that 'mistakes' were made in the past.

Plus, if the legislators don't issue the pardons, their cows will dry up and their crops will wither faster than you can say "Hermione Granger."

Seems sort of silly but the legislators can hardly say "no".

I highly recommend reading or seeing the play "Vinegar Tom" by Carol Churchill. It's a feminist take on the witch trials, and it is very thought provoking.

Apology accepted.

Better late than never, right?

I study crime pamphlets involving women in that time period, so the fact that you just posted a picture of one of htem has made my day!

This particular travesty in history always resonated with me for some reason. Many of the women murdered with the aim of "Purging Witchcraft" were herbal medicine specialists, folk-magic practitioners more concerned with healing a neighbour or protecting a herd than hexing anyone. In addition, some women were guilty of nothing more than "shaky hands" having some physical deformity or being the target of someone else's ire. (Such as jealousy).

Its a small gesture, and I think a meaningful one. Its easy to forget how much positive symbolism can resonate with people!

And Jude C... hehe I loved your comment about the cows.

Anyone who likes Terry Pratchett books will understand that one too, always, always always be nice to Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax!

i think that this time of year we always hear about things like this going on - especially while here in Salem there's a HUGE halloween celebration. i think that back in the day people just didn't understand that it was ok to be different and that's why witches were executed and all that. it's a shame that diversity wasn't so welcome back in the day - and i think that it would be nice for these pardons to come through even if it doesn't really impact anything

It's stunning how many people actually think our legislatures should spend time pardoning witches, instead of going over unnecessary laws and removing them.

Moreover, how do you know they weren't guilty?

Oh, excuse me, this is in England. By all means, I think they should pardon them.

Guilty..of what? Stirring pots of hensbane? Good grief. And yes, its not America, so settle down.

I think the question isn't whether or not they are guilty, Org, but whether or not being a witch should have been a crime.