Thank you, Gov. Patrick, for your reasoned and intelligent essay.

It's puzzling to me that Southerners in the USA, even in the 21st century, continue to defend the heinous practice of slavery that began 401 years ago.

It's as if they are being personally attacked because of the poor and unethical choices made by their ancestors.

I disagree with Sen. Cotton. No, no, no: evil was never necessary. What would have been wrong about paying workers for their labor? Profits would have been smaller, but there still would have been profits for the farm and plantation owners.