What is first they came for the socialists?

"First they came for the socialists" is a famous poem written by German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller. The poem, which reflects the author's regrets about not speaking out against the Nazi regime early enough, describes how different groups were targeted by the Nazis and how Niemöller stayed silent until he was the only one left to speak out.

The poem begins with the line "First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist." It goes on to describe how the Nazis targeted other groups such as trade unionists, Jews, and Catholics, with Niemöller remaining silent each time because they were not a part of that group.

The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of remaining silent in the face of injustice and the importance of standing up for the rights of all individuals. It has been widely quoted and referenced in discussions about oppression, persecution, and the responsibility of individuals to speak out against injustice.