Then they came for me--

[Highwayman]

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a communist;
Then 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 out for me.

Pastor Martin Niemöller

Many of you will recognize this historic verse. Some perhaps not. It refers to the Nazi steps of genocide and is good lesson for politics today. Divide and eliminate. Apply this principle to any current issue like health insurance for smokers or banning certain guns that look ugly or banning prayer in schools. Once it becomes established practice to stick it to certain groups the foundation and blueprint is laid to attack others and expand restrictions. By demonizing something or someone the public is brainwashed into thinking it’s all right to limit the rights of those people or outlaw things. Granted reasonable limits are needed in society, but all too often fear, ignorance and intolerance rule the day. There is no such thing as a right to not be offended. Freedom must trump political correctness.

[lurker]

So true Highwayman. So true.

[DcSlayer]

Well stated Highway