[First They Came is a protest poem
written by Martin Niemöller during the Nazi rule of Germany. He ultimately spent seven
years in a concentration camp for his views.]
When Trump became the US president-elect on November 8, I was confused. How
did this happen? And more importantly: what do I do about it? As I watched protests
spring up on the American streets I felt a certain futility and, I must admit,
fear. The potential of violence scared me. The response to the latter question soon rolled off my lips: I am not an American. There is nothing I can
do.
First they came for the Socialists,
and I did not speak out—
Recently several Muslim-Canadians have been assaulted in eastern Canada. Many say it
is a result of the emboldened Alt-right. Of course, I am outraged but when
I ask myself what I should do, I whisper: they are too far away for me to
provide support.
Then they came for the Trade
Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
When
racist flyers were distributed in Richmond, the second batch in a few
weeks, I thought, yes, it is time, I should go and stand with the Asian
community. Too bad, I cannot. I have to go to work.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did
not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
A few days ago, the federal government pronounced the death toll for
Southern Resident Killer Whales with its approval of the Kinder Morgan pipeline and the resultant seven-fold in tanker traffic. I felt
betrayed and angry. But I didn’t march and the protest letters to my MPs have yet to be
composed.
And just yesterday, that same
government suggested 2019 might be too soon for
electoral reform, that “it would be ‘irresponsible’ to go ahead with the plan
before the next election.”
Then they came for me—and there was no
one left to speak for me.
*
*
*
Timothy Snyder, a history professor at Yale, offers some
practical advice for Americans facing four years of Trumpism.
He’s derived twenty lessons from the rise of fascism, Nazism and communism in
the twentieth century that are not only applicable to the States but to citizens in any country to help keep their government in check.
Click here for a summary on each point.
1. Do not obey in advance.
2. Defend
an institution.
3. Recall
professional ethics.
4. When
listening to politicians, distinguish certain words.
5. Be calm
when the unthinkable arrives.
6. Be kind
to our language.
7. Stand
out
8. Believe
in truth.
9.
Investigate.
10.
Practice corporeal politics.
11. Make
eye contact and small talk.
12. Take
responsibility for the face of the world.
13. Hinder
the one-party state.
14. Give
regularly to good causes, if you can.
15.
Establish a private life.
16. Learn
from others in other countries.
17. Watch
out for the paramilitaries.
18. Be
reflective if you must be armed.
19. Be as
courageous as you can.
20. Be a
patriot.
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