Following a bitter Civil War, America ended the abhorrent practice of slavery on Dec. 6, 1865, the day the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution was ratified. Now, the African-American community, along with other minority groups, is being lead back to enslavement through government handouts to a life of dependency on the New Government Plantation, which is destroying their self-esteem, self-reliance, freedom, and the pursuit of the American Dream. As you read the story of Louisiana State Senator Elbert Guillory, it s easy to imagine the toils of walking in his shoes as a child, teenager, and even as an adult. How is it one can rise from a family who arrived to this country in chains, yet still was able to achieve his dreams, and thus, the American Dream? The truth is, and Senator Guillory will be the first to say, the American Dream can be a reality for all who come to the United States, regardless of their economic status, color of their skin, religion, or how much money is in their pocket. Even those like Senator Guillory, who came from a lower income home, suffered the indignity of the Jim Crow Laws, worked from eight years old to help his family, yet never lost track of his vision and goals of becoming a successful leader. From such a humble beginning, Senator Guillory made his way from the backwoods of Louisiana to an Ivy League school and now to a political leader. "