When I heard about the president’s executive order banning refugees from entering the country for 120 days and not allowing anyone into the country from certain countries (if he can do this for 120 days, how many times might he repeat this action?), I was reminded of this quote from Martin Niemoller (a prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler and who spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps).
“First 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 for me.”
It is time for everyone to speak out and act. In my heart I believe this executive order is the antithesis of what we should be doing in our country to address terrorism.
I believe it will only further stoke the fires that create terrorists.
NANCY BROWN
Hopkinton