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Question:

I just found this poem and need to know what it means. It is I DIDN'T SPEAK by Martin Niemoeller?

In Germany they came first 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.


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I am at a loss as to how the meaning of this poem is not readily apparent to you. Read it again. If no-one speaks up on behalf of his brother, regardless of their differences, no-one will speak up for them against injustice...not then in Nazi Germany, or now...