Richen, Rae (Pacific Partners in Writing, Oregon Writers Colony and the Mifune String Quartet)

Scapegoat: The Price of Freedom: Book One Richen, Rae (Pacific Partners in Writing, Oregon Writers Colony and the Mifune String Quartet) 1st edition

Young Gilbert Evans is caught in the anti-communist hysteria of 1953 when he writes an essay for his English class calling for loyalty oaths. His teacher is so impressed he sends the essay to the local paper. The essay by a "concerned child" is printed and becomes a catalyst in the decision to require all teachers to sign loyalty oaths that are known to be a trap for future perjury accusations.
Gib fears that his favorite teacher and his Quaker parents will refuse to sign the oath and will lose their jobs. Local leaders use threatening tactics to force use of the oath. Gilbert struggles to understand the powerful manipulation of emotions that creates public fear. Together, Gilbert and friends work to undo the disaster he has helped create.
Panic about communism grows into hatred and rage.  Gilbert learns that turning off, or even deflecting mass hysteria has become nearly impossible, and very dangerous.