[Ditto]

I reject the notion that slavery, especially Southern slavery, has been the worst of all possible human conditions. So, for example, I would much rather have been Thomas Jefferson's slave than to have been a coal miner in West Virginia.

Having been born and raised in that part of the country, I know many children and grand children of 'West Virginia coal miners' who went on to great success and happiness in life. The children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren of Jefferson's slaves remained slaves themselves through their lives.

That you say you would choose slavery over freedom suggests that you don't understand either.

[ml/nj]

The fact that most of Jefferson's slave's descendants remained slaves until the war is sort of meaningless if slavery isn't usually the ball and chain life that you imagine. Several of Jefferson's slaves lived with him in Paris where they were obviously free to go. They didn't.

You say you know many descendants of coal miners, but apparently not any actual coal miners. So these people obviously opted not to follow the glorious path of their ancestors.

ML/NJ