Question: Who will speak out for you?

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.

By Martin Niemoller

Such wisdom written so long ago and so apt for today.

Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) was a prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler and spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps.

I've learned a lot in my time spent at the knees of various elders over the years. Some shared stories and tales that would teach me a lesson, others shared so it wouldn't be forgotten.

As I sit and watch what is happening, I hear an echo of their voices. The whisper remember and do better than we. Don't forget so that it doesn't happen again. These elders were kindly meant as they worried over me. The fretted that a day could be repeated and hoped it would never be. Sadly it looks like it is being repeated.

As I see pictures of children who are shell shocked, crying uncontrollably, I am taken to my own set of memories of my pain for once I was a shell shocked, crying uncontrollably child, separated from my family. Not knowing why I had to leave them or when/if I would ever see them again. I have already shared about being locked up into a dog cage cause my parents couldn't be bothered to find a babysitter.

Another memory comes to mind of being shipped off to a locked down facility that resembled the converted abandoned Walmart that is being reported and shown by reporters housing the boys at the moment. Again I was shell shocked, numbed with fear, and crying uncontrollably. I once again found myself not knowing when or if I would ever see my family again. I can't handle going into some places because it triggers the memory of that time.

It was in the facility that I first came across Mr. Niemollers poem. His poem was the first thing to enter my mind after being told my children were special needs. It finally clicked as to why some of the elders were horrified by my own diagnoses of special needs. The voices of the elders chimed who will speak for you? Who will defend you now? has turned into Who will speak for you and yours? Who will defend you and yours? it haunts me regularly especially in moments like this.

When I hear that the children deserve to be treated this way, his poem comes back. That is why I am saying I will. I will speak for these children. Because if it's so easy to do this to them.... what in the world is going to stop it from happening to me and mine?

I already know no one will speak out for us. We aren't worthy. So I must speak out for them. and with that in mind I ask you to consider this question...

If they can come for these children, if they came for you and yours? Wouldn't you want someone to speak out?  Who would speak for you?