First they tried to take away the vote of the minorities, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a minority.
Then, they chastised women for having their own mind and speaking it. But I did not speak out, because I am not a woman.
Then, then fought against rights for gay people. And I did nothing, because I am not gay.
Then they came for the aged, those from the AARP or others on retirement benefits. And I did not speak out-- Because I was not aged, or in the AARP or retired.
Then they went after the unions. And I did not speak out, because I was not in a union.
Then they came for the "liberal" protestants. And I did not speak out, even though I was a liberal Lutheran in a conservative state.
Then, I realized they had already robbed me- of my money, my rights and my vote. And I had nothing.
Then they went after the poor, and by that time, I was among the poor, but I had no voice left to fight.
"By that time, there was no one left to speak up."
-------
(A paraphrase used with great respect given to Martin Niemöller, who wrote: "First they came for the socialists." - http://www.ushmm.org/...