“First they came for the socialist, 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.”

 Martin Niemoller

I’ve been thinking of this quote for some time now, and I wanted to share it with you.  

Niemoller was a German pastor who supported Nazism, but after finding out what they were doing had a change of heart and spoke out against them.  His quote, which is part of the Holocaust Museum, is meant to shine a light on apathy, and how apathy makes one complicit in the persecution of others.

Some of you will understand why this quote has been on my mind lately.  Some of you may not.  The point of the quote still stands.  We can not be apathetic to the needs and safety of others, and expect others to care about our needs and suffering.  

The quote is a call to action.

For those of you looking to do something right now, you can search for mutual aid services in your city/town.  Specifically, direct aid mutual services.  This may not be for everyone, especially those with limited time due to family, school, or just life.

What is for everyone is caring.  When you see injustice, do as the quote says and say something.  The way to fight injustice is to shine a light on it.  Just like any fearful thing, it thrives in the dark.

It may not seem like it right now, but love is stronger than hate.  Hate, by its very nature, will self-destruct.  Hate consumes all.  Love accepts all.

Until next time: Be yourself, be well.  Speak yourself, speak well.