~~February 14, 2015~~
CAN WE BE COMPLICIT THROUGH OUR SILENCE?
Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) was a prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler and spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps.
Niemöller is perhaps best remembered for the quotation
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.
The quotation stems from Niemöller’s lectures during the early postwar period. Different versions of the quotation exist. These can be attributed to the fact that Niemöller spoke extemporaneously and in a number of settings. Much controversy surrounds the content of the poem as it has been printed in varying forms, referring to diverse groups such as Catholics, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jews, Trade Unionists, or Communists depending upon the version.
Nonetheless his point was that Germans – in particular, he believed, the leaders of the Protestant churches – had been complicit through their silence in the Nazi imprisonment, persecution, and murder of millions of people.
Why am I bringing this up today?
Those who stop by, read and follow this blog know that I’m a fervent advocate for the LGBT community, marriage equality and anti-discrimination in any form.
As I troll through cyberspace, I found a disturbing piece yesterday about Arkansas and it was also mentioned today by a fellow blogger.
“On Friday,February 13, Arkansas’s legislature passed a bill preventing cities and counties from enacting their own laws to protect LGBT people”
~Full read here~
“Republican HATE, FEAR, LOATHING – Arkansas Passes Bill to Allow LGBT Discrimination”
~Full read here~
My own post … February 13, 2015
https://hrexach.wordpress.com/2015/02/13/something-to-think-about-the-push-back-is-still-there/
The bills – many modeled on a failed attempt in Arizona last year that drew condemnation from businesses, faith communities, and elected officials in both parties – put all state non-discrimination laws at risk of being undermined or mooted. They threaten not just the LGBT community, but women, members of minority faiths and other minority classes.
~~GALLERY~~
#FirstTheyCame #NeverForget #ComplicitThroughTheirSilence #MartinNiemöller #ArkansasLegislature #AllowLGBTDiscrimination #DiscriminationByAnotherName #ThreathenWomen #MembersMinorityFaiths #OtherMinorityClasses #Equality
#WeAllAreOne #ItIsWhatItIs #DrRex #hrexachwordpress
We ALL are ONE!!
It Is What It Is 