The Impact of the Absence of the Slave Trade on Modern America

Imagine an America where the slave trade never existed. What would the nation look like today? Would it be more like its northern neighbor, Canada, with a high-quality democracy, low crime rates, and widespread happiness? This thought experiment peels back the layers of history to explore the profound impact that slavery has had on American society and what a different course might look like.

Democracy, Crime, and Happiness

The absence of the slave trade would likely result in a fundamentally altered nation. As proposed, America might resemble Canada in terms of governance, with a well-functioning democracy with low crime rates and widespread happiness. The political landscape would be devoid of figures like Strom Thurmond, Newt Gingrich, and Mitch McConnell, whose ideologies and actions often seem at odds with American values.

Introduction to New England and the West

The northeastern states and those to the west would remain essentially the same, with the major difference being in the economic development of the South. Without the historical wealth derived from slave labor, the economic trajectory of the South would have been vastly different, potentially leading to a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across the nation.

Economic and Cultural Impacts

The legacy of slavery has profoundly shaped American economics and culture. The creation of wealth through the exploitation of humans cannot be understated. Wealthy plantation owners, largely white, enjoyed vast fortunes built on this inhumane system. The absence of such economic disparities might have resulted in a nation with a more even distribution of wealth and resources, potentially reducing economic inequality.

Slavery in Modern America

Although the 13th Amendment officially abolished slavery, it did so with some notable exceptions. The amendment only prohibited private ownership of slaves, allowing the government to own slaves in the form of prison labor. This means that slavery still exists in the United States, with corporations using government-owned prison labor to produce goods at below-market costs. For instance, much of the body armor used by the military is made by inmates in the prison system operating under a labor force called 'UNICOR'. This loophole allows the continuation of a form of modern slavery within the legal framework.

Corporate and Government Involvement

The Thirteenth Amendment's limitations have paved the way for modern-day slavery in the prison system. While some might argue that such labor is a form of punishment or way to repay society, others see it as a way for corporations to undercut their competitors by using free or extremely cheap labor. This issue is compounded by the fact that private prison companies have significant financial interests in maintaining high incarceration rates. These interests run deep and involve substantial political lobbying, with companies like CoreCivic and GEO Group contributing millions to political campaigns and influencing the legislative process at the expense of US taxpayers.

Concluding Thoughts

The presence of modern slavery through the prison system is a stark reminder of the historical and ongoing impact of the slave trade on American society. While the nation has taken significant steps in abolishing private slavery, the legal loopholes and economic interests surrounding prison labor mean that the legacy of slavery continues to influence American politics and economics. As we reflect on the rights of all people and the principles of freedom and equality, it is essential to address these lingering issues and ensure that true freedom and justice are accessible to all.