Global Justice

You have probably figured out that my brain works in its own mysterious way. I was thinking last night about the recall of Elmo and Dora the Explorer toys by Fisher Price. They are painted in China and may pose a health hazard to children. As do bogus toothpaste and pet food. So we start to worry about the avalanche of consumer goods from China which fill our North American store shelves.

Eighteen years ago our concern was very different. Western governments were figuring out how to respond to human rights issues in China. A protest against government oppression led to public demonstrations in Tianammen Square in Beijing. It's estimated that 200-400 students were killed, maybe more.

We will always remember the young man who stood in front of a line of tanks. It was everyman confronting military might. At least I hope we will remember. Human rights violations continue in China. Executions are commonplace. Some of our imported goods are produced in situations of slave or child labour. While there is much greater religious freedom, there are still restrictions.

I pray that we will have the courage to challenge injustice, not just take the toys and run.