WHEN SILENCE ONLY WORSENS
“While encouraging the development of a better world, we cannot remain silent about the scandal of poverty in its various forms. Violence, exploitation, discrimination, marginalization, restrictive approaches to fundamental freedoms, whether of individuals or of groups: these are some of the chief elements of poverty which need to be overcome. Often these are precisely the elements which mark migratory movements, thus linking migration to poverty” (Pope Francis, Message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 8/5/13).
At the time of writing this article, a news item (similar to situations we have had in New Zealand) appeared relating to President Trump’s ruling to ‘tidy up’ on illegal migrants in the United States, especially from Mexico. The focus for the program was on a farm producing onions, water melons etc. The migrant workers were from Mexico on a 10 month work visa. Managing the factory and the workers was a Mexican woman who had been employed there for 20 years.
What came across in the interview with the owner of the farm, a middle aged American, was his attention to detail for his workers … a just salary, ease of entry to the U S and their general day to day care. In addition, their transport from the border to their work place was taken care of and the paper work for valid migration completed according to law. Overall, it seemed that the community of workers were happy and returned year after year to provide income for their families at home. With Trump’s rulings however, they were living in fear of deportation and abuses were happening.
Leading the charge in protest was the owner of the project. The government is saying employ our own, but the farmer is saying workers are just not there. When the government refuses to listen to the other side terror breaks out. On the one hand we have a single person committed to living justly, and on the other, government representatives scrupulously following orders which make no sense - making justice impossible.
In the quote from Pope Francis, it helps if we examine the descriptive words he uses in regard to the scandal of poverty: violence, exploitation, discrimination and marginalisation. These words always seem to arise when we deal with the poor. We forget that the people who leave their own land, homes and even families do so in the hope of providing education for their children as well as putting food on the table. They arrive to work, and they work hard. They migrate (albeit temporarily) to a place needing help which migrants can provide.
So what should we learn? Even one person standing up for justice deserves our support, but more importantly, justice must always be at the forefront of our minds and our voices raised, whether in support or to lead the charge. Are we too silent in this regard?
DISCUSSION:
Can you recall a situation similar to the one described but in New Zealand?
In areas where there are migrant workers, what might be ways the V de P can best assist?
PRAYER
Holy Spirit
Give me the wisdom to see injustice
An understanding of the cause
And the courage to act
The strength to stand my ground.
Make me alert
To the plight of those who leave home
For work
To provide
Showing their love for those left behind.
