Vanzetti's Uncertainty

It is Monday night, and we finished the latest WIP at Culturemart this last weekend.  It went well with full houses and smooth presentations.  We focused on the nuances of the performance rather than the technical experimentation of earlier rehearsal periods.  It was strong and potent.  I will post a version of the video asap.

But that is not what I wish to talk about now.  I just happened on this video from the NYT Opinionator:

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/02/the-dangers-of-certainty/?hp&rref=opinion

It is about the need for a scientific embrace of toleration for imperfection.  Against the hubris of certainty.

 And those same thoughts are what draws me towards Vanzetti.  I have lately been unable to find the exact quotes but he often refers to uncertainty- that he has studied, and has embraced the tenets of anarchy with his heart- but if he is wrong- If someone could argue strong enough to disabuse him of these beliefs- he would be willing to move on.  The ability to embrace the concept that, though you hold something dear to your heart, you might still be wrong, is to me the purest form of strength in humanity because it acknowledges your own fallibility. 

And it is contrasted with the grayness of the opposition, which entailed:

The foreman of the original trial replied to the possibility that they were innocent that "Damn them, they ought to hang them anyway."

And 

The Blue Ribbon Committee that reviewed the entire case found Sacco "Guilty." And on Vanzetti they stated:  "On the whole, we are of opinion that Vanzetti also was guilty beyond reasonable doubt."  On the Whole, they find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt!?!  Does not that sentence contradict itself? If it is only On the Whole, then it HAS a reasonable doubt.

And Vanzetti was executed, On the Whole.  

I suggest you watch the video, if not also read the article, and let me know if you also see these parallels...