The Real Heroes in Chile

By Mike Scinto

Appearing in Kettering-Oakwood Times and Times Community Newspapers

Well, I can see the email now, before the fact, beating me up for being heartless, unthinkably devoid of feelings and a general buffoon. “Boy, you’ve gone too far this time, Scinto!” the emails will go on. But I’m simply making an observation about an event that mesmerized the world.

I sat, as billions around the world, watching this past week as the 33 Chilean miners trapped in a cave-in for 10 weeks were brought to the surface one by one. It was breath-taking and had us on the edge of our seats. It couldn’t have been scripted any better by a reality TV show producer. It seemed every miner, and his family, had a new layer of amazing stories to pass along.

So far, so good! Nobody has thrown any eggs my way yet. What could I possibly have to whine about?

Before the last rescue worker hit the surface, the miners were getting checks for $10,000 each, offers for book and movie deals, iPods, TVs and great job offers. But there was something missing here. The tables were a bit turned. You see, the miners were victims of circumstance. Admittedly it was a miraculous event for them, but God used some very special hands and minds to make this miracle happen.

I believe the real “heroes” in this were the folks who planned, drilled, designed and ran (for hours on end) the rescue operation. They’re the ones who should be getting the job offers, free vacations to Disneyland and Graceland. Were it not for their ingenuity and wherewithal, this story would likely not have a happy ending.

While what transpired in the mine during those 2 ½ months would be interesting, the real TV movie, mini-series or reality TV show would be coming up with the means to rescue them, and then carrying it out to its happy ending.

So don’t be mad, I’m just here to think out loud. As I said, this was a miracle. We are all thankful for the lives saved but let’s keep the rescue and the rescuers in the proper perspective.