Protecting children. Certain state governors claim to be protecting children from so-called “infectious” ideas, such as perhaps there is systemic racism in our society or that not every person fits into a 1950s box of gender roles. The question is whether those same governors care about child labor in agricultural and factory work.
It wasn’t until 1938 that child labor protection was considered enforceable. Now we have another crisis in child labor: immigrant children working under temp staffing agencies in meat processing plants. The companies, of course, deny they were ever aware of the fact.
Balderdash! Those companies have supervisors on the floor, and if they couldn’t tell that a 13-year old was standing next to an adult, they need to get their eyes examined. The same is true of those upstanding governors who shut their eyes to egregious labor violations in their own states, but, why should they care? Those kids are not as white as they are and make for cheaper goods for their so-called God-fearing constituents.
Prayer for the Day
Photos from the past show children working as adults,
But we say to ourselves, another time from our distant past;
Ignoring the cries of children, politicians lay on their beds of ivory,
Announcing they will protect children from thinking too much.
Open our eyes, O God, so we see beyond political hypocrisy,
And work toward a more just society for all.
In the name of the One who welcomed children,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
They began work at 5:30 and quit at 7:00 at night. Children six years old going home to lie on a straw pallet until time to resume work the next morning! I have seen the hair torn out of their heads by the machinery, their scalps torn off, and yet not a single tear was shed, while the poodle dogs were loved and caressed and carried to the seashore.”
- Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, labor organizer (1837-1930)
You can’t regulate child labor. You can’t regulate slavery. Some things are just wrong.
- Michael Moore, filmmaker
Alas for those who lie on beds of ivory, and lounge on their couches,
And eat lambs from the flock, and calves from the stall;
Who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and like David improvise on instruments
Who drink wine from bowls, and anoint themselves with the finest oils.
Amos 6: 4-6