First they came for the immigrants. . . .

By Christopher H. Pyle, with apologies to Martin Niemoller

First they came for the immigrants, whom they detained without trial and secretly deported, but I didn’t speak up,

because I wasn’t an immigrant.

Then they spied on attorney-client conversations, but I didn’t object,

because I wasn’t an attorney.

Then they labeled citizens enemies, and jailed them indefinitely, without trial, but I didn’t protest,

because I wasn’t an enemy.

Then they tortured prisoners, but I didn’t complain,

because I wasn’t a prisoner.

Then they stripped people of citizenship for giving money to Muslim charities,

but I didn’t care,

because I didn’t give to charities.

Then they opened files on millions of people, but I didn’t protest,

because I had nothing to hide.

Then the computer linked me to a supposed “terrorist” and the FBI burglarized my home,

thinking I wasn’t home.

I shot the burglars, and now I am in prison,

because the judge decided

that the burglars were lawfully there.

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