I’ve been thinking lately about the words of Martin Niemoller. He was a German pastor and theologian who, before he entered the ministry, had been a U-Boat commander in World War One. At first, he supported Hitler’s rise to power, but eventually came to oppose him and ended the Second World War in a concentration camp. Reflecting after the war, Neimoller said:
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. I don’t think Donald Trump and his followers are as powerful as Hitler and the Nazis, but they sure seem as hate-filled, mean, and intent on spreading fear and prejudice against immigrants, Black people, other people of color, outspoken women and advocates for workers’ rights and social justice. I’m a retired, middle-class white guy, so I don’t think I’m on their enemies list, but I don’t want to have to admit about myself that I failed to speak out against their malicious views and policies. There are many ways to do it, but I think one of the most important is to vote against the politics of hate. I will do that and I’ll try to persuade as many other people as I can to do it too. It’s time we speak out together. —Bill Moore *Restoring American Democracy
1 Comment
Bill Fleming
8/27/2020 09:53:47 pm
The U-Boat captain’s message hits home for me. Hitler was a master at pitting folks against ‘other’ people’s , which eventually allowed so many to be imprisoned , and more.
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