Human trafficking in this country began long before the buying and selling of human beings became illegal. We know it best simply as "slavery". This practice has roots to nearly the conception of the thirteen British Colonies of North America. During the 246 years that slaver y was legal in North America, and the 89 years between the founding of the United States and the civil war, more than 25% of U.S. Presidents supported and participated in slavery according to an article from Opposing Views.
The article focuses on the hidden parts of our presidential history in light of President's Day last Monday; specifically former presidents' complicity with slavery. It includes an extensive video by Democracy Now regarding the unrecognized influence that slaves had on our history. The video expresses that markets, for the purpose of buying and selling human beings, were held in our nation's capital; and that slaves can be attributed with the building of some of our nation's most famous landmarks including: Independence Hall, Faneuil Hall, Montpelier, and Monticello.
Despite the fact that slavery was abolished nearly 150 years ago, it is still very prevalent, not only in the U.S., but internationally as well. Human trafficking is considered the most rapidly growing crime behind drug trafficking in the U.S. The victims are forced to perform labor or sex acts and are often beaten, starved, or killed. Of the human trafficking cases that have been reported, nearly half of the victims have been children.
To view the video from Democracy Now go to http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/race/more-25-percent-us-presidents-supported-human-trafficking-slavery-video
