Pastor Martin Niemöller

[Elect Marx]

I am sure most people here are familiar with the statement Pastor Martin Niemöller has made about inaction against the Nazis. This is one of the versions he purportedly legitimized:



First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out.

Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, but I was neither, so I did not speak out.

Then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out.

And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.


I looked this issue up in a few places and I found some reliable looking information at German history Univ of CA (http://www.history.ucsb.edu/faculty/marcuse/niem.htm). I am thinking of using the example of Mr. Niemöller's statement and reflection to demonstrate how inaction in times of great oppression allows for possibly many millions of deaths. So I would appreciate any feedback on my source and the issue in general.

[cormacobear]

It's a profound statement by a Nazi concentration camp survivor. I've used the quote many times myself. It's a stirring sentiment on how limiting anyones freedoms, can lead to the loss of your own.

[Monty Cantsin]

thanks for that i was looking for that quote.