(Variation of the famous poem “First They Came” by Pastor Martin Niemoller)

First they came for Wall Street, and I did not speak out because I don’t own any stock.

Then they came for the businessmen, and I did not speak out because I don’t own a business.

When they came for the corporations, I didn’t say anything because corporations aren’t people.

Then they came for the doctors, and I didn’t speak out because they make too much money anyway.

Then they came for capitalism, and I didn’t speak out because…what is capitalism, anyway?

When they came for our history, I didn’t say anything because I don’t know anything about history.

Then they came for the Tea Partiers, and I did not speak out because I am not interested in politics.

Then they came for the coal mines, and I did not speak out because I don’t work in a coal mine.

Then they came for the cake-bakers, and I did not speak out because I don’t bake cakes.

Then they came for the gays, and I did not speak out because I am not gay.

They came for America, and I didn’t speak out because, well, I wasn’t paying attention.

Then when they came for me, it was too late.  There was no one left to speak for me. 

Charlotte Cushman is a Montessori educator and authored Montessori: Why It Matters for Your Child’s Success and Happiness.  She has been involved in the study of Ayn Rand’s philosophy since 1970.