[Chickensoup]

Slave holding was never charitable work, and never done for the benefit of the slave.

I didn't say that. I said that the business men used their assets to turn a profit.

[Cheburashka]

I said that the business men used their assets to turn a profit.
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Reread your post 21 and my post 40. If I understand what you are saying above, we are saying the same thing.
I guess what sticks in my craw is the word "wisely". If it refers to their management of slaves, it was no more or less wise than any other slave holding society in the past.
And they would have each be acting wisely if they had taken the words of the Declaration of Independence "all Men are created equal" to heart and done what was necessary.
They were not the first men to fail to act consistent with their stated beliefs, and they will not be the last.
But as I said, in this context the word "wisely" sticks in my craw.
I do hope I have not offended you.