[driftless2]

Haley illustrated the law of unintended consequences. American Blacks are obviously far better off than any in any African country. But if we look throughout history the same story can probably be told about countless other ethnic groups. Many of my slavic ancestors were either enslaved or endured Roman occupation. The ensuing generations, me included, have benefited mightily by what the Romans did overall for civilization.

If you had informed that I'd be happier living on a mountaintop dressed in sheepskins if the Romans had not conquered my part of Europe, I'd call you a liar. Bad for my ancestors, good for me.

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

Many of my slavic ancestors were either enslaved

In fact the word 'slave' is derived from 'Slav', since slaves in the later Roman (Byzantine) Empire were primarily slavic (likely Bulgars in particular).