Slavery.

The very word carries hateful connotations and brings forth ugly memories. Many of us had ancestors who were slaves, who suffered terribly in ways we can only imagine. Sadly, not everyone believed that owning another human being was wrong. Our nation divided, and waged war against itself. Families split, and brother turned against brother. Many died, including thousands of slaves, while “on the job” and fighting desperately for their lives and freedom . We actually had to have a war, with all of the death and destruction that comes with it. All because people wanted to be able to live freely, make their own decisions, and build a future for themselves and their families. Amazing.

As unimaginable as it is, slavery still exists. These days, when we hear the word slavery we think mostly about the Sudan and the tragedy occurring there. There is more though. From sex slaves in Asia to people treated as chattel in Africa, more people are enslaved today than ever before. But all of that is “over there.” Thank God we took care of that problem with the 13th amendment. Or did we? Think again.

According to estimates, over 100,000 people are enslaved in the U.S. today. These victims, who are typically from third world countries, are trafficked to locations across the country to work as sex, domestic, agricultural, or factory slaves. With extensive poverty and unemployment in their homeland, offers to “work” in the United States seems like a dream come true to many, who are often promised freedom, education, and employment. Upon their arrival, they find an entirely different story.

If you think that wouldn’t happen around here, then you’ll be surprised to know that it does, and did recently. In Fort Thomas, Kentucky, a woman who came here from the Philippines two years ago to find a better life instead found herself as an indentured servant. She signed a contract with a couple, which stated that she would work 40 hours a week, for $200 a month. To her, that most likely seemed like a fortune. Unfortunately, she didn’t foresee what she was getting into. Apparently forced to work around-the-clock, she had no days off, was forbidden to use the phone, told not to speak to the neighbors or make friends, and subjected to physical abuse. If she disobeyed, she was threatened with deportment.

Fortunately for this woman, a neighbor came to her rescue. She has now filed a lawsuit against the couple. If her allegations are proven true, she should be awarded unpaid overtime for more than 5,000 hours of labor. Any criminal charges are another story.

Our nation, as wonderful as it is, with all of our resources, benefits, and possibilities, is far from perfect. Slavery is wrong. Anytime, anywhere. It’s time we open our eyes.