I often will post this poem as a comment to a diary. With 2009 around the corner, I hope that we can all take these words to heart and work towards equality and justice for all.
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
See more below....
The poem is attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller. The Wikipedia entry gives some history behind the man and his times (Niemöller/First They Came Poem):
An early supporter of Hitler, by 1934 Niemöller had come to oppose the Nazis, and it was largely his high connections to influential and wealthy businessmen that saved him until 1937, after which he was imprisoned, eventually at Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps. He survived to be a leading voice of penance and reconciliation for the German people after World War II. His poem is well-known, frequently quoted, and is a popular model for describing the dangers of political apathy, as it often begins with specific and targeted fear and hatred which soon escalates out of control.
I think that it demonstrates that change is possible - even by those who make poor decisions at first - reconciliation is possible. I encourage everyone to add a clause about their own demographic - add it to the poem and may we all treat others as we ourselves would want to be treated.
May 2009 bring peace and justice throughout the world. Change is possible. As much as we sometimes gripe about the United States and politics, it's good to remember and announce publicly that we are fortunate to live here...many in the world do not have a forum such as this where they can openly criticize the government or share their thoughts freely. Nevertheless, the fight must continue - change is possible.
Happy New Year to all.