[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!

[Chancellor Palpatine]

There is another great short story thats creepier than hell about the onset of psychosis in a highschool kid. Check out "Silent Snow, Secret Snow" by Conrad Aiken - its written in first person.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

The Lottery