Speak Up!

First, they came for the journalists, and I did not speak up because I am not a journalist.

Then they came for the academics, and I did not speak up because I not an academic.

Then they came for the artists, the poets, the philosophers, and the critical thinkers and I did not speak up because I am none of these.

Then they came for the trans folks, and I did not speak up because I am not trans.

Then they came for the gays, the lesbians and the non-binary and I did not speak up because I too am none of these.

Then they came for the feminists, and those that believe but do not fight for democracy- they came for me.

When finally, I spoke up and asked ‘But why? And by whose authority?”  There came but only one answer, and it was theirs- not ours.

-Heike Mertins, 2025~

Many years ago, when I was a university student, I purchased a poster at one of those fabulous poster art shows that would fill large open spaces on campus, offering up copies of everything from M.C. Escher to Picasso to landscapes with inspirational messages and of course, also political calls to engage. University campuses are one of the more ideal places to introduce the upcoming generation to the importance of knowing oneself and the roles they will one day, in the not to distant future, play as the shapers of our world. They are for many also an initiation into the world of critical thinking. A place where ideas are challenged and dismantled in the hope that new insights will give birth to something better.

Art is one of my loves. Speaking up is another. As the child of parents who lived through WWII, who both lost their homes to Russia, and as a first generation Canadian German growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, with a name like Heike, I have long been aware of the pain that WWII and Hitler’s Germany created for all of us. It should, therefore, be no surprise that I purchased a poster of Pastor Niemoller’s “In Germany they first came for the socialists and I didn’t speak up…” I liked it so much I had it plaqued. 😉 It’s hung on the walls of every home I’ve had since then. Today, with it’s chipped corners and yellowed background, it sits above my desk. A constant reminder of how quickly democracy can be eroded and how important it is to acknowledge hate for what it is when we see it.

Democracy is about speaking up for those who are unable to do so. It is a privilege and a responsibility. It is neither static nor is it fixed. It is active and ever evolving.

For those of you wondering who is Nellie McClung and why did I choose this photo? Nellie McClung was one of the Fabulous Five who were instrumental in Canadian women being recognized as persons and being granted the opportunity to vote. I enjoy many rights and freedoms today because she chose to speak up.

Let us remember we are all persons and let us behave accordingly. Speak Up!

Live well, Heike

*********

Buy Heike’s book “Grief is…” here at: Amazon Indigo  Friesen Barnes & Noble Apple Books

To receive this blog in your inbox sign up here

To learn more about Heike, Author: “Grief is… thoughts on loss, struggle and new beginnings click here

_____________________________________

Inspired by Lutheran Pastor Martin Niemoller’s “In Germany they first came for the socialists …”

May we remember our past, learn from our mistakes and not repeat them. Speak Up!

Photo credit: Winnipeg Free Press