Voices: Restoring humanity » Editorial » The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

By Natalie Alcorn Special to The Globe

JOPLIN, Mo. — Modern-day slavery, bondage, forced labor, human trafficking, sex slavery, etc. It can take on many names or titles, but they all translate into one word — injustice.

There are 27 million enslaved today, more than ever recorded in history. Where would one person ever feel the privilege to grant one person’s life more important than another? We are all created equal, yet this sick “business” or power struggle has come and gone throughout our history. However, with today’s great technology, it is unfortunately booming more than ever, following behind the drug trade in lucrative illegal businesses. Humans are not commodities, should have never been and should never continue as such.

This travesty is taking place inside and outside our borders on different levels. Inside our nation’s borders, it takes place in the form of sex slavery through prostitution situations and other more barbaric forms. Outside of our borders, it takes place in sex slavery, bonded labor or a combination of the two. Women and men are tricked or forced into situations with no escape. Children are taken into the possession of evil people and forced to do unspeakable things that no parent would ever want to imagine. The Rapha House in Joplin is an amazing organization dedicated to rescuing women from sex slavery situations, rehabilitating them, teaching them a trade and raising awareness. An applause and heartfelt thank you to all those currently fighting this travesty; but more action is still needed from citizens and government officials.

It is our time as a powerful and justice-seeking nation to step in and create a revolution of peace, humanity and justice.

This issue is not Democratic or Republican; there is only one side to choose and that is the fight to restore humanity. The Child Protection Compact Act is a fairly new bill with 105 House and six Senate cross party co-sponsorships, but in need of more. We can make a difference by writing to our senators and representatives and asking for their support on this issue because it is important to us, their constituents.

Please, do not turn a blind eye to this issue any longer. Modern-day slavery is unfortunately real and must be eradicated now.

Natalie Alcorn

Joplin

Voices: Restoring humanity » Editorial » The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO