“Then they came for” – 2023

Here is my version of the famous Martin Niemöller quote.  I quote his below as his is clearly more poignant.  He was a pastor who initially supported the ideas coming from the Nazi movement, but after Hitler got power and things began to slide he realized he was very wrong.

First they came for the truth tellers, but I did not say anything because the media told me they were liars.

Then they came for the political opposition and those who were within their ranks, but I said nothing because I was told they were criminals.

Then they came for regular citizens who disagreed openly, and I cheered because I was told they were insurrectionists.

Then they came for the children, and I handed them mine because they told me I was a bigot if I did not do so.

Then they came for me, and I begged, swearing my allegence and I showed them my trans children.
Then they told me it was my children who turned me in, then they took me and I was apathetic, as I had nothing left.

–Vknid

=====================

“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.”

—Martin Niemöller