Holocaust
First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew.Then they came for the communists
and I did not speak out - because I was not a communist.Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist.Then they came for me -
and by then there was no one left to speak out for me.Pastor Martin Niemöller
It begins when those in power single out a minority group and authorise the use of extreme measures. First it’s an outsider group, a hated or vilified minority - the Nazi’s chose the Jews and then gays, Roma, then anyone who spoke out. The Bush administration started on terrorists and Muslims. The next stage is to turn that fear and torture onto the country’s own average citizen.
It was a slippery slope being trod and I hope that it’s now being reversed, that the lessons of history are being heeded and that we will not repeat the Holocaust.
Interesting parallels being drawn over at Women’s Space. Guantanamo Bay may be closing but where will those currently incarcerated be taken next? I don’t see any plans to simply release anyone, nor any mention of allowing fair trials within the normal US judicial system.
So, today, we remember the Nazi Holocaust of the 1930’s and 40’s and we can hope that it is forever remembered and never repeated.
