Speak out
Contributed by Rtr Tracy Hah (RAC Pudu)
First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.
Pastor Martin Niemöller
We are living in a time like no other for everyone. However, sometimes, our needs are lost in the shuffle of endless debate as to what is right and what is wrong. To certain, everything is right until it affects them. This may be wrong (but who am I to judge).
One needs to realise that there are many things we can do to make a major impact in helping to eradicate the ethically and morally wrong. So do spend some time and effort to make a difference to speak up for those you think that you can serve them their rights.
First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.
Pastor Martin Niemöller
This is a quote that I have learned during my legal aid briefing. To some, it may seem to be just another ordinary quote of inspiration but for me, it does a great difference. It teaches me that, it makes a difference if someone is there to speak up for you when you most require it.
We are living in a time like no other for everyone. However, sometimes, our needs are lost in the shuffle of endless debate as to what is right and what is wrong. To certain, everything is right until it affects them. This may be wrong (but who am I to judge).
One needs to realise that there are many things we can do to make a major impact in helping to eradicate the ethically and morally wrong. So do spend some time and effort to make a difference to speak up for those you think that you can serve them their rights.
Interesting fact: Manchester United were first known as Newton Heath. They changed their name in 1902.
posted by harnniann at 9:35 am
3 Comments:
that, really inspired me a lot.. seems like we are trained to be quiet, or more precise, "numb" already.. The authorities, had been violating their jurisdiction to punish whosoever that is against them. that "fear" of such punishment is a obstruction for us to speak for ourself. ISA, Sedition act, bla bla bla. Who gives the parliament the rights to pass such bills that constrains our right to talk? where is the bill of rights? where is the law that protects the rakyat? where is the legislation that is designed for the sake of the people?
i can hardly recall any efective one.
For what i realise is that, every piece of statute is passed to the borgeoisie's favour. Thanks to the people who voted for them. thanks to us. :)
regards
zkin
Until today I am still shocked by that photo of Tian An Men Square 4th June 1989.
Imagine you were the one standing infront of the tanks. What was going through your mind then? Standing up for what you believe and ready to die for it.
Inspiring piece of work!
This Tracy's article should not only be read in the context of a country.
It also relevant in situations when your friends, colleagues, members are subject to unfair treatment. will you stand up for him/her? Or will you say, it's ok, not me.
To speak out for someone takes courage and guts.
Someone will be have to be a 'bad' person to challenge issues. But in a conflict situation, the person that 'speak out' for others will be sidelined and be subject to unfair judgement.
History has proven that these are the people who were tortured and imprisoned. But yet they survived today.(Think of Nelson Mandela)
Thanks Tracy for an inspiring article.
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