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Apathy and Intolerance
Posted On 02/11/2011 10:37:38 by administrator

"In Germany, they first came for the gypsies, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a gypsy. Then they came for the Bolsheviks, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Bolshevik. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics. I didn't speak up then because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak up." - Martin Niemoller, A Lutheran Pastor arrested by the Gestapo in 1937

I was reading over the blogs on Keen this morning and read this quote on a blog by Pandora.  My Mother had used this quote to point out to us just what intolerance can cost us when I was growing up for she was always the teacher, at home and in her business life.  She taught school in little one room school houses early in her career and she was passionate about equality for all people as she married a Native American and was subject to prejudice for most of her life.  She was disowned by her own family and met great disfavor when seeking a job because of her choice of a life partner so she remained sensitive about prejudice and how it can shape your life. 

I find that intolerance for the plight of others, like the people in Egypt at the present time, is ever present in the world and I feel we all must battle against the oppression and take a stand against it.  We all must add our prayers with the millions of others who have suffered at the hands of the oppressors.  We are seeing so many changes coming in the world and the fight between the "dark" and the "light" is becoming fierce.  We must all get off the fence and voice our opinions and decide what side we are truly on. 

I was touched to the heart by this quote this morning and I hope it will awaken an awareness in each of us.

Rosie

Tags: Thankfullness Metaphysical Joy



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Viewing 1 - 3 out of 3 Comments

02/13/2011 18:45:21

All it takes for evil to succeed is that good people do nothing. We must join others and vanquish the evil in this world.

John Griffith

02/12/2011 19:36:07

I too agree with you that the enormous problems we see each day in the world is really overwhelming but one small smile that gives someone a lift is a beginning.  We are powerful and creative beings.  We can unite with a force for the good because I truly see it happening in small groups and enclaves in the world.  Each one of us reaching out to just one other is a start.  I want to grow vegetables this spring for the foodbanks, I know others that are doing the same, one row of vegetables for home and two rows for those who have little.  Those are the kind of community projects we can all begin.  Community gardens, sharing ideas and loving each other is how it begins I believe.  Thank you for your input my friend for it lifts my spirit and lightens my heart.

Rosie

From: gdm1125
02/12/2011 18:49:13

I completely agree with you.  I think for most its a matter of apathy vs intolerance. I am guilty of it, not because I am sitting on the fence  on how I feel about Egypt  and its people or many other equally dire situations in the world, but because I become overwhelmed at the idea that I, one person, can help.  How can I make a difference? Where do I begin? And yet I see so much need around me, not just Egypt but everywhere.  Thank you for reminding me that anything I can do will help someone in need.  GDM1125


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