It's not the massacre taking place in Ukraine. It's not the bombing of schools or hospitals. It's not the rape of civilians, the killing of babies, or the execution of innocents. No, no, no! it's saying something decent about our national leader, and then the slanderous onslaught begins. Against him, against me, and against anyone who would stand up and speak for decency, virtue, and honor.
That must never deter us. I cannot and will not, even if alone, surrender this forum to the most evil lies and character assassination that Is the right-wing’s usual tactic.
They can say what they want about me personally, I don’t care, because I realized long ago that a principle or value dies only when it is no longer expressed. Like Pastor Martin Niemller who also opposed a European dictator, I also feel a moral obligation to speak out for truth and justice.
"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 J_ews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a J_ew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/martin-niemoeller-first-they-came-for-the-socialists?parent=en%2F10764&gclid=CjwKCAjw9LSSBhBsEiwAKtf0nzbGIlsLqTY4BCT8MRJ8d5EeliDiAyY0yvE7xi65uhRJYgXlBcemlhoCDEAQAvD_BwE b.