Martin Niemöller's Words Echo Loudly Today

"First they came for the Jews

and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the Communists

and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists

and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me

and there was no one left to speak out for me."

-Pastor Martin Niemöller(1892–1984)

 

Gather together a group of middle aged suburbanites who recall fondly days gone by when each morning was filled with hope and each week brought new opportunities for prosperity, then ask them if their dreams came true. And when they start to realize that many have not, start to point to finger at the other for stealing those dreams away.

Whenever something isn't exactly as we like, instead of accepting the situatoin, or taking responsibility for our own place we blame someone else, usually someone who is different, usually someone a little removed from our daily routine, often with a lesser position in society, an other. Its exactly what the Third Reich did in German in the 1930's and it is exactly what is happening in America today.

This year we learned that the names may change, and the color of the characters may change, but the hatred and fear of someone who is an other has become an accepted and integral part of America.

 Blaming the other has led to mocking the other; humiliating the other; and denying them basic protections of our society. With just a handful of people pulling the puppet string in this country now is the time for us to realize that we are all being played.

Godspeed To The People Of These United States Who Speak Out Their Neighbor