It’s a mixed morning, but it seems much of our lives are like that, some welcome and good, other events not so. The White House announced $700 million tor coal plants, including a brand new one. This is what’s needed, of course, more miners with black lung disease as funding has been cut and regs regarding silica exposure have been rolled back. Rather than retraining programs as in several European countries, we just let mines to continue getting sick to satisfy the coal barons who are doing very well.
Then there’s the Forest Service memo to open millions of acres of protected lands to off-road vehicles. This on top of opening 58 million acres to logging is the crowning touch to destroying the wilderness.
But not all is bad, for Earthjustice, an environmental organization, sued Enbridge, an oil pipeline company and got an order halting a pipeline in Wisconsin which has already leaked 1.1 million gallons of oil into the Bad River Bend region. Representing 10 Native American tribes, which would have been bounded on three sides by the pipeline, Earthjustice kept the matter in state court which has ruled in favor of the tribes. It just takes lots of work as we struggle to protect God’s good earth from greed.
Prayer for the Day
With our eyes towards your infinite creation, O God,
We turn our gaze to the earth we inhabit;
Searching for ways to protect the life you created, O Lord,
We work together with others in that holy mission.
Continue to uphold us as we labor for your earth,
And give us joy in the many victories secured.
In the name of the One who is our strength,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We are looking after our land, water, and harvest. I do harvesting of wild rice and traditional medicine, all to feed my family, and I want my great-great grandkids to have what I have and to be able to do what I have done. Money is nice, but is it worth giving up land?
Tribal chairman Blanchard on offer by Enbridge, Canadian oil company
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none,
And their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them,
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry lands springs of water.
Isaiah 41: 17-18