[PuNcH]

In colonial times, they used slaves for such work, and I'm sure when anyone talked of abolition, the mine owners would protest they could not man the mines without slaves.

You forgot to respond to this one didnt you. Funny how you responded to every statement Age of Reason made except this one.

[BOBTHENAILER]

In colonial times, they used slaves for such work, and I'm sure when anyone talked of abolition, the mine owners would protest they could not man the mines without slaves.

I didn't respond because it is foolish to do so. But, because you seem to want to force the issue, here it is.

The issue is a moot point. OBVIOUSLY, the owners found they COULD work the mines, fields, factories, etc., without slaves, because they did.

If you want to make the comparison to the continuing work, without slaves, to today's industries that use Mexican labor, go ahead. To conservatives, the market bears what it can. To all liberals, the market can bear what they FORCE upon it.