Safe Harbour

Today I am at a two day consultation on theology and ethics in the context of globalization, migration and environmental sustainability, run by the Presbyterian Church (USA). We have been sitting through a number of astounding panels with people of immense talent and intellect educating us on various issues. But one panel stood out for me so much that I had to rush to share it here.

It seems we have a problem with our ports. When I first saw the topic for discussion, I assumed this would be a discussion of homeland security. In fact, there is another problem, more pressing because instead of being a potential problem it is a deeply actual problem.

The panel focused on the plight of the truck drivers who are hired as independent contractors to carry the loads brought in by the shipping companies to and fro specific destinations. They operate in dangerous conditions, the ports are sources of immense pollution--not least from the diesel fuel used to power the trucks--and the sub-standard wage they receive for this hard labor ensures that they will live in substandard housing--often near the very ports themselves and therefore subjecting their families and children to increased risk of asthma. One panelist informed us that in South Camden New Jersey, 80% of the children have asthma. 80%!!! That is absolutely appalling. A film clip showed us interviews with truck drivers who frequently observed their colleagues in Long Beach California, pulling over to the side of the road to vomit from inhalation of diesel fumes on a regular basis. Needless to say, the pollution is a problem affecting all of us, regardless of religion, race or socio-economic status.

I don't have the answers to this issue, but I was struck by how little I know and understand of what is going on in my own backyard. How many Americans understand the built in costs and ramifications of their consumption? How are we to discern where best to put our resources? I do believe God speaks to us all in different ways, but I felt inspired to do my little tiny part by sharing this situation with whoever may care to hear it. I will post more on this as I receive more information, and I hope to be able to share with you all the words directly from a young man who drives one of the trucks, but for now I simply want to say that this gentleman informed us that as he surveyed his situation at one point, knowing and feeling his own immense helplessness to change things, he prayed that he would someday have the opportunity to share the situation he finds himself in--shared by many others--with a larger audience that might take an interest in helping. And today he sat in front of us and did exactly that. I thank God for having been there, and hope that by passing awareness of this situation onwards, we may all become a part of his story in making the world a more equitable place.

More information to come....for now, you can read more at : http://blog.cleanandsafeports.org/