The one thing you can’t say about coal is that it’s clean. But yesterday, the White House held a ceremony touting “beautiful clean coal” and ordered the Defense Department to buy millions of tons of coal for its energy uses, and is spending $175 million to retrofit old coal plants in the Appalachian belt. Playing on the fears of workers afraid to lose jobs rather than investing in education and training so we have a clean world for all, it’s clear these policies are made to enhance the wealth of the rich.
That goes along with the elimination of the “endangerment finding” on greenhouse gases which will increase pollutants in the air, which, of course, will impact areas close to polluting refineries. But, not to worry, the fat cat owners don’t live near coal mines or the refineries that cause all kinds of lung diseases.
In 1948 Pete Seeger sang “The Banks Are Made of Marble,” pointing out that the miners, farmers, and workers never see the money they struggle for. It was true then and remains true today. We are heading to a two class society: the haves and the have-nots.
Prayer for the Day
Light of our souls, we come to cast away the darkness
That holds us and contains us in its prison;
More than knowledge of the mind, we seek wisdom of the spirit,
That frees us from our past and moves us into the future.
Illumine us with your presence and shape our response
So we live the radical equality of the Gospel preached.
In the name of the One who is your Gospel,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord.
Thoughts for the Day
Communities near coal-fired power plants would continue to suffer as heavy metals and other toxic pollution contaminate local waters. These pollutants are linked to cancers, heart disease, rashes and lower IQ in children, among other health impacts. In addition, fishing and recreational opportunities could be restricted.
Appalachian Voices
I've traveled 'round this country, From shore to shining shore; It really made me wonder, The things I heard and saw… I saw the weary miner, Scrubbing coal dust from his back,
And I heard his children crying, "Got no coal to heat the shack."
But the banks are made of marble, With a guard at every door, And the vaults are stuffed with silver, That the miner sweated for.
Pete Seeger and Les Rice, “The Banks are Made of Marble”
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
For the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy
Proverbs 31: 8-9