...to combat twisted presumptions is not to clarify against them, but rather to not even entertain their existence.

The twisted presumptions are made because the one making them is coming from prejudice absolute at the time of. From the prejudicial point of view: you aren't granted the base position of "decent" from which to fall; you start at the base position of "witch" and every word you write will be worth only the extent to which it can be used to justify their desire to burn you.

So, for the ones making presumptions: the twisted presumption was made before they even began reading - inference not required.

That's how condemnation before crime manages to put you on the defensive about things you didn't even do, before anyone even accuses you of doing them.

Don't let it (put you on the defensive).

~ RBL