Pastor Martin Niemöller once wrote,
First they came for the socialists and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a socialist.
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 me – and there was no one left to speak for me.
Recently, as I have digested the news of the upcoming election, Pastor Niemöller’s words have come to the forefront of my mind. As I have read statements and sentiments from both major parties, I have thought about how, if one so chose, they could replace the groups in the aforementioned quote, and the sentiment would still ring true.
For Trump’s platform, replace socialist with Muslim; replace trade unionist with immigrant. For Clinton’s platform, replace trade unionist for unborn; replace Jew for Christian.
On one hand, we have a repugnant and reprehensible cad. It did not shock me in the slightest when a tape was released earlier this week, containing deplorable statements about women. This man has been open about his prejudices and views of all races, gender, and religion for years, and nothing he says shocks me.
The other camp is more of a snake in the grass. Hiding behind women’s liberation, this camp seeks to attack the core of Christianity – insisting life does not begin at the moment of conception, and branding those of us who believe in both the sanctity of life and sanctity of marriage as backward individuals. This camp would rather surreptitiously disenfranchise people based on their faith alone.
The vitriol I have seen both parties (and their supporters) spew is appalling.
And, quite frankly, I think we, as Americans, should be ashamed of ourselves.
I find it horrifying that both the candidates representing the major parties are ones who are morally bankrupt.
I see our citizens not heeding lessons of bygone eras, sinking slowly into a viper’s nest of hatred, misunderstanding, miscommunication, and intolerance.
And, I want to cry.
This intolerance – for other religions, other races, other beliefs – is not what America should be about.
Instead, we should be focusing on respectful dialogue. Not just toward those that think or believe like we do as individuals, but also toward those who may hold differing opinions and beliefs.
I’m watching families and decades-long friendships being torn apart based on words exchanged as individuals support their candidates of choice.
The fighting is pathetic.
We need to take a step back, listen to each other, hear each other, and perhaps take a couple in-depth history classes together.
Because I don’t want history to repeat itself on my watch.
We are a great nation – we need to step up and starting acting like one!
Having retired after almost 30 years of working for .gov, I can tell you that the current administration is by far the most corrupt, lie filled, hypocritical, and unaccountable one I have seen. A HRC administration would be much worse. A close friend of mine used to work for the USSS, and told me that HRC was very abusive to the people who were protecting her. My friend is pretty laid back, forgiving, and doesn’t like talking badly about others. So for her to say that about HRC, really is telling.
I have read one too many things about her, and her treatment of other individuals, to make me worried of her being in the Oval Office. Unfortunately, I find too many people willing to overlook those warnings by others, or write them off as having an agenda when there seems to be no political motivation for their earnings.
One word about this post – AMEN!
I forgot. You need to be called out for falling for the left’s lies, and then repeating them. Trump is not anti immigrant. He is very much anti illegal immigrant. Big difference.
Like that BS HRC is peddling about racist birthed nonsense. Questioning someone’s birthplace is not racist. HRC is just taking that on to rile people up. And HRC is the one who stated the birthed nonsense anyway.
I stand corrected – “anti-illegal immigrant.” 🙂 That said, unfortunately, some of his soundbites have sounded racist, although I will also acknowledge the soundbites are used by a completely biased media.
That said, both camps are a horrible representation of their parties, and I am appalled they represent our voters right now. In my opinion, neither of them are good for the future of this country, and neither are interested in trying to bring the country together.
Instead, I have watched voters become more polarized and insensitive toward others, during this particular election than they have been in previous years’ elections. Elections are known to get nasty – but, I feel as though voters are being even nastier this year, and it is disheartening and shameful!
This election cycle really is one I wish could be a do over. Unfortunately it cannot. I cannot vote against life for the unborn as they are our most vulnerable citizens and unable to speak for themselves. Therefore HRC for me is out. I am not a Trump fan but the party platform does align more closely with my values. I will be so glad when it is all over. I think it will take years for this nation to mend from the hatred spewed from both candidates. The media and the candidates have created a feeding frenzy that has found room to escalate in the moral vacuum that this nation has become.
My consolation: The day after the election, God will STILL be in control. He has a plan. I may not like it or how it affects me and those I love, but God’s plan will always be better than mine. And if we read Revelations……..God wins :).
Thank you for this post. You have stated clearly how many feel.
I agree 100% with everything you wrote. And, knowing that God wins in the end is perhaps the biggest reassurance of all!
It is definitely what keeps me going this election season. When I forget that I get tied up in knots and plain crabby. So I need the daily reminders.