Miner Miracle

published October 21, 2010

in the Stockton Sentinel, 

Stockton, Kansas

     The world watched in awe last week as 33 Chilean miners were brought to safety after spending 69 days entombed 2,041 feet underground. The entire operation was fascinating and emotional to watch. More than once my eyes filled with tears as one more man was brought out of that little rescue cage and was met by the open arms of a loved one.

     Hearing the news accounts of how poor most of the people of Chile are, and how they risk their lives in the mines daily to earn a meager living, makes the story even more remarkable. In spite of tight security and training on how to handle the media, some of the early comments that came from the rescued men were inspiring.

     One said he had been with the devil and also with God, and God won. Another said there were 34 miners down there -- not 33 -- the 34th being God himself. One man led a prayer group and had requested 33 small Bibles to be sent through the "umbilical tube" that kept them alive, both physically and emotionally. They argued amongst themselves as to who should be the last to exit, each insisting on himself.

     Chileans see the rescue drama as a test of the nation's character and pride, and well they should. The real good that can come from the whole ordeal would be for the rest of the world to have watched and learned. It was refreshing to see a government immediately spring to action and not waste time pointing fingers and trying to find someone to blame. Chile's president, Sebastian Pinera, said, "What began as a potential tragedy is becoming a verified blessing. When we Chileans set aside our legitimate differences and unify in a grand and noble cause, we are capable of great things." What a concept!

     The day of the rescue, Good Morning America illuminated the contrasting current events by focusing the news first on the miners' story, followed immediately by the mud-slinging, dirt-digging campaign that we as Americans are supposed to care about. 

     Perhaps it's time we adjusted the tune of our priorities.