They came for the Muslims, and I Didn't Speak Up Forum Column (from the Daily Journal, 11/20/02) By Stephen Rohde
Author's Note: The USA Patriot Act became law a little over one year ago. First they came for the Muslims, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Muslim. Then they came for the immigrants, detaining them indefinitely solely on the certification of the attorney general, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't an immigrant. Then they came to eavesdrop on suspects consulting with their attorneys, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a suspect. Then they came to prosecute non citizens before secret military commissions, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a noncitizen. Then they came to enter homes and offices for unannounced, sneak and peak searches, and I didn't speak up because I had nothing to hide. Then they came to reinstate Cointelpro and resume the infiltration and surveillance of domestic religious and political groups, and I didn't speak up because I no longer participated in any groups. Then they came to arrest American citizens and hold them indefinitely without any charges and without access to lawyers, and I didn't speak up because I would never be arrested. Then they came to institute TIPS Terrorism Information and Prevention System recruiting citizens to spy on other citizens and I didn't speak up because I was afraid. Then they came for anyone who objected to government policy because it only aided the terrorists and gave ammunition to America's enemies, and I didn't speak up because I didn't speak up. Then they came for me, and by that time, no one was left to speak up. The March For Justice P.O. Box 249163 Coral Gables, FL 33124 305-673-4645 Fax. 305-673-1452 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.marchforjustice.com
