What is Slavery?

What is Slavery?

Slav´er`y

n.	1.	The condition of a slave; the state of entire subjection of one person to the will of another.
	2.	A condition of subjection or submission characterized by lack of freedom of action or of will.   These are the dictionary definitions of slavery but what truly is slavery?   The old saying “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he can feed himself forever” is at the heart of my thought.   When a person becomes dependent on that which is given or provided by another is that not also slavery? The street level drug dealer will “give” someone the “fix” until that person becomes dependant “hooked” on their drug of choice. That is when the trouble begins. There is never enough drug(s) or money to feed an insatiable appetite. Dose not the same axiom apply to many other dependant relationships? “We” in our misguided attempt to be kind have inadvertently created a dependant class. People who are all too willing to take everything “we” are willing to give, and more. Again an insatiable appetite for everything free. To the point of feeling “entitled” to everything they need, want, and more. Has our willingness to “help” made these people “slaves”? Not only the first person but the generations that follow. How long and how deep do we tread into the morass that we have created for them and for ourselves and all of our future generations?   I don’t know how we are to extricate ourselves from this misguided situation. But exit it we must! If not for the simple fact that it is unsustainable from an economic perspective but from a moral point too. Don’t get me wrong I’m all for helping a person or family when they run on hard times. To aid the child who will go hungry if no help is given is noble. To sublimit the elderly when the meager pension or the insurance policy (Social Security) they have been paying into for their entire working life is just not enough to make it to the end of the month. All these things are good and necessary and have been a part of humanity since the beginning of time.   The problem I have is when physically & mentally able individuals have been taught to sit and wait for the next “free” ride to come by and let everyone else pay their way. That to me is slavery both of those receiving and those forced to give, willingly or not!