When I was a junior in high school in the mid-60s, I had a wonderful American History teacher. He was Native American and a former Army Intelligence officer and we called him the Chief to his amusement. He was good at making us think about the world we lived in and worked hard to make us understand that there was a cold, cruel world beyond our suburb in which we had to learn to live. In addition to history, both American and Native American, we argued current events and social issues which often turned into screaming matches. In those sessions I learned where I stood on a lot of issues and I learned to speak my mind about them.
Today, while I was absorbing all the information I've been exposed to this week, I remembered a handout the Chief gave us and I want to share it with y'all. Most of you have probably seen it before but I think with the possible threat to our liberty, perhaps a reminder is merited.
First they 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 Catholics, and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me.
by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945
It's time for everyone to speak up for all of us.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Good post, and you are correct that anyone capable of thinking should act promptly to let their Congress-folks know their position on this.
ReplyDeleteWhile I've heard the sentiment it expresses, I do not believe I had ever read or knew the source of Rev. Niemoller's piece.
Very good. I was thinking about Rev. Niemoller's words as I wrote my post yesterday. If we don't speak up now we may be silenced later- by our own fear or by this bill.
ReplyDeleteKay,
ReplyDeleteThank you for speaking out. It is time for us all to be vigilant and pro-active. I will keep reading and speaking out.
It is very important to speak out, but isn't is frustrating when you realize that no one is listening?
ReplyDeleteKay,
ReplyDeleteKeep letting your opinions be heard!
You have a lot of good sense and it is people like you who should be making the most comments.
Thanks to all y'all.
ReplyDeleteWinston: Rev. Niemoller apent the last years of the war at Dachau and spent the rest of his life apologizing for what the Nazis did.
peregrina: if you've read my other posts on this and my comments at Ronni's, I am taking the high road on this and I'm refusing to be silenced. Given my health, it could kill me but I am of the mind that I'll go down fighting.
Betty: Yeah, it is. However, I want to be remembered as a woman who had the courage of her convictions. I figure if I talk enough to enough to enough people somebody might even listen.
Nancy: There are those who would argue your opinion. I'm just an old lady who isn't afraid to speak her alleged mind.
kay,
ReplyDeleteyours was an important post for me to read today. as often happens, your writing reminds me how important it is to hear of others who are keeping on keeping on. thanks. -naomi