Historical Documentary of the Week : Slavery By Another Name
After the Civil War and after the Carpetbaggers got out of Dodge, a new system of law was implemented: create debt by fining crimes, have person work off debt as peon. Since they were convicts serving prison time, they were often kept in worse conditions than slaves (which were an investment, whereas cons were disposable) and commonly worked in squalid conditions while malnourished.
This became what's called the Convict Leasing Laws which were prevalent in the south. Bill Clinton signed legislation to bring back the notion, nationwide. That is the system we have now. Corporations renting convicts from the state to make a profit. Not to benefit society, but for profit.
Welcome to America.
Thanks for another excellent article. I appreciate your struggle against the common tide, and look forward to your publishing dates every time. Chin up!
Thank you!