A history professor writes:
Perhaps the most important factor in the South’s economic underdevelopment was the fact that emancipation, while a milestone in human freedom, was an economic calamity. There were approximately 4 million slaves, with an average value of $1,000. Emancipation meant the destruction of $4 billion of Southern capital. Slavery as a symbol of status had encouraged successful professionals and entrepreneurs to invest in slaves rather than industry. With the end of the war, that “investment” was rendered valueless, and that put severe limits on the available local capital for investment.
Another reader writes:
Having relocated to South Carolina over three years ago, I can attest to the currency of Mr. Carden's comments. I have heard several contractors who are not native Southerners indicate that in a bidding process they will invariably lose contracts made to locals and win proposals made to people who have relocated from other areas of the country. (While I am not willing to characterize local work as inferior, my experience here reinforces the adage that you get what you pay for.) In addition, the above behavior reflects a general sense of victimization that is still very much a part of southern cultural attitudes. If there is anyone who believes the Civil War ended in April of 1865, rest assured the conflict is both alive and well.
The Dish 