Intolerance

This passage seems so apropos at the moment. In case anyone wonders why so many heterosexuals are concerned about the attack on gays and gay rights that has come up along with the discussion on gay marriage. As my friend <a href="http://queerlycreative.blogs.com/ ">Rose</a> says - silence is political. I just want to make sure I am not silent - I voice my support for my gay friends and recognition of their rights.

<em>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. </em>

- German anti-Nazi activist, Pastor Martin Niemöller

Comments

[Cindy]

Perfection. A brilliant selection Wendy and one I'll be pointing to via my blog. Thank you for thinking of it and posting it.

[michael]

I have always admired this passage, and wonder about all the nations out there that are experiencing government under totalitarism? There is so much civil strife in the world, genocide potentials and hot spots. In some cases a dictator is not the progenitor, but organized religion is...Christianiy, Islam, etc. Religions that many people fervently believe to be the truth, freeing the followers to do whatever they feel is "right by their God". Other beliefs are suppressed, individual rights are ignored, and weak beliefs are fostered. How would you like to be a woman in an Islamic nation? How would you like to have been born in the lower caste in India? In both cases your potential as a person is squashed at your first breath.

[Rose]

Apt quote for this day and age... Thank you for posting it.

[Dale]

I too shall point to this post.

Intolerance is something that I've never understood, but then again, most of humanity is inexplicable. I myself am not a religious person, but that doesn't mean that I can't talk to people who are, or listen to their views, or even be their friend. I'm a black man, but that doesn't mean I can't have friends who aren't black; my sister's husband is white, and I think the world of him because he loves my sister and treats her and my nieces and nephew as though they are the air he breathes, and that meets all my requirements as far as he is concerned.

Perhaps one of these days we'll learn to celebrate our differences, though I fear I will not live to see that day.

[Coup de Vent]

Thanks, Wendy. Everybody does need to speak up for anyone in a vulnerable position. I think the Staes is really set for a big battle about lesbian and gay rights. It could backfire terribly. Really badly.

Come on you people who are gay or gay friendly but not 'out' as such. Now's the time to stand up and be counted and not just protect your own little life.

[Alicia]

I have a poster of this, it is one of my favorite quotes. I am going to link to you too. Thanks.

[Ton Zijlstra]

And if all else fails... The Netherlands has opened marriage to same sex couples in the spring of 2001 with all rights and (tax-)benefits that accompany it including adoption of children. It was the next step after, just like in Scandinavia, having had 'registered partnership' for some years which was legally the same as marriage, except it wasn't called marriage and excluded adoption by gays as a couple. (of course individual adoption was always possible.)

So if things go sour, maybe a holiday to north west Europe might be of help.

[angel]

Hi Wendy--I have just posted about how people are sending flowers to random couples waiting to get married. I'll be sending some on Friday!

[angel]

Oops--the link is here:

http://www.livejournal.com/community/twin_cities/517426.html