Thanksgiving week is here. The suggestion for when to take your turkey out of the freezer is now. Candy for the Advent Calendar is purchased. Jonathon is a Wiseman in the church pagent. Black Friday now includes a trip through the Paducah Park to see the lights. This is the Holiday Season.

Other Voices intrigues me. We desperately need to hear them. Many of us sit silent as others who enjoy speaking fulfill their passion. The good ideas that are never heard are many. Leaders once in office assume the rest of us are the obedient flock. We should listen and follow without question.

During my over 32-year career at Southern Illinois University, I learned that the same people seem to make the decisions that govern us. Never has there been a time when introverts needed voices.

‘All will be well,’ We say. ‘Surely our leaders have already had our unusual ideas and found them wanting,’ We proclaim. ‘Who will listen,’ We ask?

‘We have the best answers for you,’ the Leader says. Be quiet and obey. ‘Do what we mandate and do it with humility,’ the Leader commands.

‘I am hungry and cold,’ Little Girl says softly. ‘No one sees me they pass me on the street,’ Little Girl observes. ‘My father is dead and my mother is ill…it is my job to earn bread for my family,’ Little Girl whispers.

‘How will you be blessed at Christmas if you do not work,’ Leader proclaims. ‘Your skin is the problem… your race is dragging you down,’ Leader says. ‘You poor folks must avail yourselves of opportunity,’ Leader smiles a toothy grin.

‘America for Americans,’ Throng cries out. ‘The poor among us are dragging down our economy,’ Throng observes. ‘Tax cuts for the rich is the answer…the benefits will trickle down,’ Throng assures.

Why are your clothes wet,’ Little Boy asks Little Girl? ‘Has the Trickel Down not reached you as yet,’ Little Boy asks? ‘I have searched but the good paying jobs Leader promises are not available to me,’ Little Boy says with tears in his eyes.

‘I slept in the rain,’ Little Girl says. ‘I was by the front door of the restaurant but the rain blew in on me all night…I suppose that is the Trickle Down Leader is speaking of,’ Little Girl said softly…