>> But Sowell's use of it to give some historical perspective
But, but, but, it's way out of perspective, and that's what I was objecting to (much as I hate to disagree with Tom Sowell).
In another thread today, Freepers objected -- rightly -- to a comparison of Abu Ghraib to My Lai. Andersonville was vastly worse than My Lai.
Thomas Sowell writes for as wide an audience as possible. It is possible that he used the example of Andersonville because it is the only prison name connected with an American war that most Americans have even heard of.