Vincentians, be ever vigilant

21.DEC.10

Editor: Martin Niemöller famous statement (1945): “In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak because I wasn’t a Jew.{{more}} Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.”

Now that the elections are over, we must be ever more vigilant to make sure that those who speak out for the rights of the “oppressed” and the injustice done are always protected; this is the democratic way. But just in case we don’t heed, here is a rendition of Niemöller’s famous statement:

First they picked on a little old man about his land, and I didn’t speak up because it was none of my business. Then they took the land from the little old man, and I didn’t speak out because it wasn’t my land. Then the little old man went to court to fight for his land back, and I didn’t speak because I didn’t care. Now they have come for my land, but there’s no one who’s willing to fight for me.

(You can make your own rendition.)

Remember, always today for me, tomorrow for you. Let’s keep fighting and be vigilant.

Dr. Harry