WHO IS NEXT?

[humble3d]

FIRST first they came for the communists (1946)

This phrase is the opening line of a famous poem by Martin Niemöller, which reflects on the dangers of silence and inaction in the face of oppression. It serves as a warning about the consequences of not speaking out against injustices, as it ultimately leads to a situation where no one is left to defend you.

 

    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.

 

    First they came for the Communists
    And I did not speak out
    Because I was not a Communist

    Then 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 out for me

The original German language writing, as preserved by Martin-Niemöller-Haus Berlin-Dahlem [de]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_They_Came

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I kept quiet; I wasn't a communist.

When they came for the trade unionists, I kept quiet;
I wasn't a trade unionist.

When they locked up the Social Democrats, I kept quiet;
I wasn't a social democrat.

When they locked up the Jews, I kept quiet;
I wasn't a Jew.

When they came for me, there was no one left to protest.