There was a television show many years ago called The Defenders. The Defenders were lawyers and a bit above my interest as a youngster. I like the title of the show. Are we not all defenders at many points in our lives?

For many years I felt the need to defend my wonderful colleagues at Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale. I still feel that need but all the leaders I knew have shuffled off the scene. During my 32-year 2-month and 3-week career, I noticed the marginalization and disconnect that the University administration had regarding their civil service staff. A Chancellor told me on more than one occasion that civil service staff came last. I did not need to be told what I already knew.

Civil Service staff are the backbone of our campus. Without us, nothing would operate and the university would collapse. One of the biggest gaps in understanding is the talent in the civil service community that university leaders never avail themselves of. There is an inherent elitism in the academic community.

Defending is honorable. When someone is being diminished step into the gap and take their part. Silence is acquiescentce. Averting our eyes is subjective blindness to suffering.

So it goes with the pain that surrounds us. We Christians want to go to heaven. Now many of us believe that the blessed place will only contain those like us but what if the poor of the land surround us and tell us of their memories of us. Will we say that we were busy? Will we claim ignorance as to their plight on earth?