"In
Germany they first came for the Communists, and I didn't speak
up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came
for the Trade Unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't
a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't
speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me --
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
-- Pastor Martin
Niemoller*
*a preacher in
Hitler's Germany who was frightened that he might be associated
with the "wrong people." Martin Niemoller was a supporter of the
Nazis. Niemoller then became aware of the need to stop Hitler's
Nazi movement, and started to speak out against them.
Like our press today, the German press was controlled. He was
fearful how he would be portrayed. This fear was driven by the
fact the press might show him as supporting or associating with
"extremists." Martin Niemoller spent seven years in concentration camps of Sachsenhauser
and Dachau.
Those of you fearful to stand with
others now, please remember Martin Niemoller when they come
for you. When you stand alone, when no one else is left.
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