[Chancellor Palpatine]

Ironically, Shirley Jackson was a hardcore Communist. We even talked about that story at the dinner table two nights ago for some strange reason.

[nopardons]

Nope, Shirely Jackson was NOT an " hardcore Communist ". A good writer ? Yes! A VERY troubled ( as in mental problems and strained marriage ) woman? Absolutely! But a strident, " hardcore Communist ? No, she wasn't.

[wimpycat]

I have no idea what Shirley Jackson's political leanings were. But "The Lottery" is one of the few American short stories I remember from highschool, because it was so creepy. Of course, her stoning scenario was a pagan fertility rite (to ensure good crops) as opposed to Old Testament punishment, but it's something that makes you think of what the modern day would be like if these so-called Reconstructionists had their way.

Heaven on earth, indeed. Bah!