Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Diana in Wisconsin

There are several versions of this well-known statement, and is attributed to the German anti-Nazi activist, Pastor Martin Niemöller.

The following is said, by someone who heard him speak at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decautur GA in 1959 (or 1960), to be what he actually said:

In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me —
and by that time no one was left to speak up.

On 2005-07-11 a reader sent this message:

Please allow me to say that the Niemöller quote you have is not correct. The Nazi party did not come for the Jews until last.

Correctly the order is Communist, Socialist,Trade Unionist,then Jews, then Pastor Niemoller.
Thank you.


8 posted on 09/28/2005 8:12:32 AM PDT by LucyT ("While the dogs bark, the caravan moves on." -- Arab Proverb)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies ]


To: LucyT

Thanks, Lucy. Welcome to FR, BTW. ;)


11 posted on 09/28/2005 10:38:45 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (Save The Earth. It's The Only Planet With Chocolate.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson