“First they came”

Pastor Niemöller’s poem comes home

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Meade

“First they came” ... is a poem written by German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller and first published in 1946. It is about cowardice, rise of political power and subsequent purging of chosen targets, group after group. It has a reoccurring theme: persecution, guilt, and responsibility. Over the years, many variations of pastor Niemöller’s poem have been published in many languages.

Although his poem arose from one of the world’s most tragic events, it’s message travels far and near. It is often used as a model describing the dangers of political apathy. I was one of many, who used it countless times in the classroom. Every time I introduced his poem, I thought of the words of the Irish statesmen Edmund Burke, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Here is pastor Niemöller’s poignant poem:

First, they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
        Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
       Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
      Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me.
    - and there was no one left to speak for me.

America is becoming more politically and socially divided every day, despite some of the popular political rhetoric. Far-right and far-left groups are multiplying as we speak, and becoming bolder with each demonstration, each march, and each rising website. Look no further than the recent violence in Charlottesville Virginia (far-right) and the violence in Berkley California (far-left), both taking place in August 2017. And, more recently, it would have been comical if it had not been so embarrassing to all Americans: A group of right-wing protesters wheeled a homemade gallows outside a hall where London’s Muslim mayor was about to speak and tried to arrest him for disrespecting President Trump.

We can stop the insanity. Hope for America lies with those in the center, the overwhelming great majority. Former President Lyndon Johnson, in 1964, referred to this group as “The Great Silent Majority.” It is time we demand action from our lawmakers, at every level. Communicate and Compromise!

However, it may be this overwhelming majority which presents the utmost threat to the future of America. A threat fueled by political apathy! Often, people do not care because a decision, a law, an ordinance, a tax…it does not affect them directly. I plead with all concerned citizens at every level of our government, on a national level, state, and yes…even at our city levels. Speak up, out, and often!

I hope Pastor Niemöller would approve of my version of his thought-provoking poem:

First, they came for the Haitians, and I did not speak out—
        Because I was not a Haitian
Then they came for the Mexicans, and I did not speak out—
        Because I was not a Mexican
Then they came for the Catholics, and I did not speak out—
        Because I was not Catholic.
Then they came for the Slovenians, and I did not speak out –
       Because I was not Slovenian
Then they came for those with foreign accents, and I did not speak out –
       Because I did not have a foreign accent
Then they came for those who were blonde and blue-eyed, and I did not speak out-
      Because I was not blonde and blue-eyed
Then they came for the homeless, and I did not speak out-
     Because I was not homeless
Then they came for _____________ and I did not speak out
     Because I was not…….

Then, they came for me - 
    and there was no one left to speak for me.

Do not wait until ‘IT” affects you directly. By that time, it may be too late.

Until next time,
Michael