First they came…
.
.
A brief history of some of my political activism, set to a certain poetic style…
.
In 1976 they came for the native forests Pureora and Whirinaki, and I spoke out for environmental protection –
Not because I was a ‘greenie’*, but because it was the right thing to do.In 1978 they came for the Soviet dissidents and I spoke out on behalf of the victims of state oppression –
Not because I was a Russian, but because it was the right thing to do.In 1981 they came from an apartheid regime to play rugby, and I spoke out for democracy in South Africa –
Not because I was a black man, but because it was the right thing to do.Now in 2018 they came to deny transwomen their right for inclusion, and I spoke out for the right of transpeople to be accepted for who they identify as –
Not because I am a transman or transwoman, but because it is still the right thing to do.If they ever come for me –
Others will stand with me and speak up for me. Because it is always the right thing to do.
.
* I am now proud to call myself a ‘greenie’!
With grateful acknowledgement to Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984).
.
.
.
.
This blogpost was first published on The Daily Blog on 7 December 2018.
.
.
= fs =
-
5 March 2019 at 8:03 amApartheid in Aotearoa New Zealand – yes, it does exist | Frankly Speaking...
-
23 March 2019 at 8:00 amAnti-trans activists fudge OIA statement – Report | Frankly Speaking...
-
27 October 2019 at 12:51 pmThe Abigail Article; Martyn Bradbury’s Article, and My Response | Frankly Speaking...