First

First They Came For… by Public Servant

Updating German pastor Martin Niemöller’s 1946 poem for 2025 Read on Substack

My Fellow Democracy Defenders,

Martin Niemöller was a prominent Lutheran pastor in Germany. After Hitler seized power in 1933, the pastor became an outspoken critic. For defying a dictator, he spent the last eight years of Nazi rule (1937 to 1945) in prisons and concentration camps. Pastor Niemöller is best remembered for his 1946 poem, which I have updated for our current situation below.

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First they came for the refugees, and I did not speak out—because I was not a refugee.

Then they came for the trans children, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trans child.

Then they came for the people of color, and I did not speak out—because I was not a person of color.

Then they came for the abortionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not an abortionist.

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the journalists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a journalist.

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 the civil servants, and I am speaking out—my partner has lost her job, and I am fighting for mine.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Will you speak up for all those who are oppressed by fascists? (snip)