WhatWouldYouDoFinal

Back Scenario 4:  In scenario 3, you read of an event that became known as the Christiana Riot. Yet, William Parker and Edward Gorsuch are not the only people involved in the confrontation. There are other key decisions that are made during this very tense situation. To clarify the events that unfolded, slave owner Edward Gorsuch, assisted by Henry Kline, a US Marshall described by Parker as “a professional kidnapper of the basest stamp” proceeded at night to Parker’s home. After hours of standoff, Parker’s wife went to an upstairs window where she blew a horn, notifying all of trouble on the farm. Soon many began to arrive to see what was happening.  You are one of the men who arrive on the scene. You would neither own slaves, nor call yourself an abolitionist. When you arrive on the scene, inquiring as to what is happening, you are instructed by Kline that you under the Fugitive Slave Act, you are legally bound to assist in the capture of Parker and the fugitives he is harboring. You’ve known Parker and never really had a problem with him, Kline you’ve just met. You’ve never been one to break the law, but this whole scene seems a bit ridiculous.  What do you do? 1. go into the house and join Parker  2. flee to gather more men to support Parker, knowing that to do  3. agree that you must do what the law says is right and take up arms against your neighbor  4. try to act as a mediator, negotiating a peaceful compromise between the two sides  5. take a more subtle stand, by simply refusing to aid either side.

On your paper, write the decision you made and why. You must have at least 3 sentences to justify your answer.

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