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.
Martin Niemöller
I am not a communist, a socialist, a trade unionist or even a Jew. As it turns out however I am myself.
The United States of America, land of the free and the home of the brave. It’s the freedom that is of concern here. I don’t like communists or socialists or unions for that matter. I don’t have to; as long as they leave me alone I am happy to leave them alone. I would like to offer an updated version of this poem for your consideration.
First they came for the AIG executives, and I did speak out;
Then they came for the CIA agents, and I did speak out;
Then they came for the talk show hosts, and I did speak out;
Because I know that they will be coming for me.
