Martin Niemoller was a protestant pastor who expressed opposition to the Nazi regime and later ended up in a concentration camp. He has been remembered for a most notable quotation:

“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.”

This quotation has been changed throughout the years and various religious groups have been inserted in place of trade unionist and socialist.

I, for one, do not claim to understand how to solve the world’s problems. However, I do know that compassion and not judging others is a good first step to helping this world become a better place.

We all must do our part to reach out and search our hearts as a lot of the world’s people are being displaced through no fault of their own. I can only think of the children in turmoil and say out loud to myself, “I could do more.”

My prayers will include hope for all people that we can learn to live with our differences and strive for peace.

Sheri Rochford Figgs

Durango