The Immortal words of Pastor Martin Niemoeller
"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."
Pastor Martin Niemoeller
Columbia Theological ,Georgia 1959
You know, Australians, maybe we aren't a refugee or a unionist or a muslim or gay, but don't you think it's time we spoke up...while we still can?
Have you read George Orwell's famous classic "1984"; are you familiar with the word "doublespeak"?
What is the meaning of the word "democracy" when it is used by a government that has taken overt, documented steps to erode state rights, the efficacy of the unions, the independance of the media, the independance of the judiciary, the right of churches to speak out about matters of social justice, the rights of workers to basic entitlements, the hopes of refugees and the ability of the people to be heard and taken notice of?
What is the meaning of the words "family values" when used by ultra right wing political and christian bodies to divide the nation, consign ordinary, decent, law-abiding people to second class citizenship, malign all who would speak out for tolerance and diversity, turn back the clock on women's, workers and GLBT rights and promote insidious misogyny, homophobia and transphobia?
Democracy, like life itself, is big, messy, untidy, diverse, inefficient, contentious and often uncomfortable. But from that very diversity, messiness and contention springs change, growth, endeavour, hope and life itself.
Values are things like: love, caring, trust, courage, honesty and integrity. Are they not? Values are about "how" I am not "what" I am. What does the word "values" have to do with my genetically determined condition or the circumstances of my life. What does the word "values" have to do with being a two-parent family or a single-parent family, with being a two-sex family or a same-sex family? If love, caring, trust, courage, honesty and integrity are present in each?
Let's speak out...now...and let's speak out honestly!
Have your say:
Go to GetUp.org!
Go to MoveOn.org!
Blog now! Go to Blogger!
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."
Pastor Martin Niemoeller
Columbia Theological ,Georgia 1959
You know, Australians, maybe we aren't a refugee or a unionist or a muslim or gay, but don't you think it's time we spoke up...while we still can?
Have you read George Orwell's famous classic "1984"; are you familiar with the word "doublespeak"?
What is the meaning of the word "democracy" when it is used by a government that has taken overt, documented steps to erode state rights, the efficacy of the unions, the independance of the media, the independance of the judiciary, the right of churches to speak out about matters of social justice, the rights of workers to basic entitlements, the hopes of refugees and the ability of the people to be heard and taken notice of?
What is the meaning of the words "family values" when used by ultra right wing political and christian bodies to divide the nation, consign ordinary, decent, law-abiding people to second class citizenship, malign all who would speak out for tolerance and diversity, turn back the clock on women's, workers and GLBT rights and promote insidious misogyny, homophobia and transphobia?
Democracy, like life itself, is big, messy, untidy, diverse, inefficient, contentious and often uncomfortable. But from that very diversity, messiness and contention springs change, growth, endeavour, hope and life itself.
Values are things like: love, caring, trust, courage, honesty and integrity. Are they not? Values are about "how" I am not "what" I am. What does the word "values" have to do with my genetically determined condition or the circumstances of my life. What does the word "values" have to do with being a two-parent family or a single-parent family, with being a two-sex family or a same-sex family? If love, caring, trust, courage, honesty and integrity are present in each?
Let's speak out...now...and let's speak out honestly!
Have your say:
Go to GetUp.org!
Go to MoveOn.org!
Blog now! Go to Blogger!
posted by Paula at
4:31 pm
2 Comments:
Indeed strong words for difficult and one might even say dangerous times. No matter which side of the pond is home, those of us who are fortunate enough to live in a democratic society are, it seems to me, being complacent and accepting of way too much that truthfully and logically makes no sense. We have been lulled into a sense of safety and composure that is sheep-like in quality and essence. Governments make decisions that affect our lives in every degree and respect and yet we stand idly by for the most part even when we disagree, for there is generally an unspoken feeling of 'nothing much can be done but accept this.' Thankfully there are people who are willing to take action and speak out. For those who have the courage to take those steps, living their lives with integrity and honesty, void of racism and any currently spotlit-of-the-moment p.c. phobias, I salute you.
Cheers Paula!
Paula,well spoken, however, if we must face our problem we must include not void the issues of "racism and Donald Trump. Two disturbing and"currently spotlit-of-the-moment phobias" that need action.
I return your salute. RonG
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