Southerners would be no less free. They would have fewer rights. Rights != Freedom Freedom is the absence of restraint. A right is an entitlement. They often

Southerners would be no less free. They would have fewer rights. Rights != Freedom Freedom is the absence of restraint. A right is an entitlement. They often conflict with one another. We have many laws which sacrifice our freedoms in exchange for various rights. Depending on the trade, that can be a very good thing. 100% freedom is not desirable.