Martin Neimoller's poem, German Lutheran theologian during the holocaust

[Shepherd]

When I was in seminary, we studied the holocaust. Among the words that stood out to me were the following by German theologian Martin Neimoller. Another brave theologian was Deitrich Bonhoeffer. A recent feature film portrays him standing up to Hitler.

Having lived in Chile during "the other 9/11," I feel in my body and bones that we may now be in such an unfolding historical moment. It is important to act soon, rather than let the "so-called" president build up more steam and roll over more of our democratic freedoms, and before they come for you and your people. They are already coming to deport some of the most vulnerable. Who might be next?

"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."