In the 1920s and ’30s, Martin Niemöller, a prominent Lutheran pastor in Germany, sympathized with many Nazi ideas and supported radical right-wing political movements. However, after Adolf Hitler came to power, Niemöller became an outspoken critic of Hitler’s interference in the Protestant Church. He ultimately spent the last eight years of Nazi rule in one of Hitler’s concentration camps.
After World War II, Niemöller openly discussed his early complicity in Nazism and his eventual change of heart. His powerful words about guilt and responsibility continue to resonate today.
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 no one was left to speak for me.
Today in America we face a right-wing billionaire kleptocracy and an oligarchy with hands in America’s treasury.
First they came for the immigrants.
Then they came for the federal workers.
Then they came for the unions.
Then they came for me … and there was no one left to speak for me.
Believe me now or believe me later. When there is no money left to steal from programs you dislike — or are led to believe you dislike — they will come for your Social Security, veterans’ benefits, health care and food programs.
America: Wake up!
William Plumlee
Ligonier