First They Came is the poetic form of a 1946 post-war confessional by the German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984). His words speak of the silent complicity of German intellectuals and clergy following the Nazis’ rise to power and systematical purging of their chosen targets. In the words of Pastor Niemöller:
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.
I’ve learned my lesson; I must begin to speak out.
Now they come for the immigrant, and I must speak out! My surgeon is from Colombia, my primary care physician is from Pakistan, and my periodontist is from India. The waitress at my favorite café knows about as much English as I do Spanish, but we get along fine. My body is healthy and my life is indescribably rich because of the service I receive from immigrants.
A lawyer recently informed me that it is not a criminal offense to be undocumented. If criminal convictions are a concern, I know of someone with 34 felony counts. Many people are concerned that the agricultural, construction, and meat packing industries will be impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement roundups. If so, the cost of goods will rise.
Please do not allow the mass deportation of immigrants!
Then they came for the LGBTQ, and I am compelled to speak out!
I can see no reason to interfere with the life of someone because of their sexual preference. Most attacks on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are based on ignorance of human nature. This country is strengthened by diversity, equity, and inclusion. Rather than discrimination against gender identity, we need legislation affirming equal rights and the freedom to be who we are.
And now they come for the federal employee, and I must speak out long and loudly.
I was raised an Army Brat; my dad served in WWII and for 20 years afterward. About the time I got out on my own, I was drafted. After I was honorably discharged, I became a Civil Servant. I advanced in my career because I joined the Air Force Reserves. Years later, I worked for the Census Bureau.
Our government has nearly 250 years of experience in streamlining efficiency. We have numerous safeguards in place to eliminate duplication of services. As with any employer, the federal government can fire employees for subpar performance, company policy infractions, or disciplinary issues.
Our country has guidelines for Base Realignment and Closure to more efficiently and effectively support our forces, to increase operational readiness, and to facilitate new ways of doing business. The Department of Defense is authorized by Congress to reorganize its base structure, not the president.
I receive health care from the Veterans Administration and I shudder to think I may be faced with a three-month wait time to set an appointment or a three-hour wait once I arrive at the clinic. Twice in the last 100 days, my mail has been delayed more than two weeks!
I’m not sure a person who has filed bankruptcy six times is qualified to delegate anyone to determine efficiency. Please do not downsize the federal employee.
Oh, yes, they are coming for the poor – and I must object to Trump’s budget cuts. Because of corporate greed, millions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Millions more receive discounts on their rent, utility bills, and medical costs because they earn less than poverty guidelines. Meanwhile, millionaire developers receive tax incentives and outright handouts!
Cut the million-dollar tax abatements to the rich, but please do not penalize the poor!
And then they come for the artist, and I deplore a world in which creativity is banished. In my parents’ generation, the Works Progress Administration did more than help the poor. The government embraced the Federal Art Project which included the visual arts as well as drama, music, and writing.
In 2025, any decrease in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, Grants for Arts Projects, or the multitude of organizations that foster creativity would be a loss to the country and the world. A recent move by Trump is the takeover of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
As with people, I relish the diversity of the arts and the rich and wide tapestry of voices, styles and aesthetics it nurtures. Please stand in opposition to budget cuts to the arts!
I beg all my lawmakers, all my friends, all my business associates, speak out now – before they come for the farmer, the military, the teacher – before they come for you!
