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'First they came …'

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By COL. DONALD MYERS

A Mind of My Own

Published: October 23, 2009

"First they came ..." is a popular poem attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets:

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a communist;

Then 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 out for me.

History has a way of repeating itself in rather interesting ways, and it behooves one to study it and learn from it. At the service academies and the various military schools, much time is spent studying key campaigns throughout history along with some of the background that entered into the campaigns. It is hoped these studies will help prepare leaders to eliminate the mistakes of the past and assist in positive successful decisions in the future.

When I was at the War College, I found it rather fascinating that when we were presented with situations in various war gaming, it was the civilian students who were eager and more likely to use the military option rather than the military students. Could it be at that time every military student had at least one tour of combat and most had more than one? They knew what combat was and the cost associated with it. They wanted to be sure that it was the proper option and would be supported with victory. They had learned from their own history and experiences.

Our current administration seems to look at one option whenever it is confronted with a potential obstruction to any of its policies — attack. The most recent attack victim from the current administration is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It seems the chamber has decided to oppose both the Health Bill and the Cap and Trade Bill. This is the same chamber that supported the administration during the campaign, the stimulus package, cash for clunkers and other proposals. It seems nonsupport on an issue automatically places one on the hit list and subject to destruction.

The attack on Fox News continues unabated and last Sunday, TV shows were full of administration big wigs on the attack. The press secretary, Robert Gibbs, has also added his two cents and specifically called out Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck. I suppose the fact these individuals are opinion commentators and not newscasters makes no difference.

The administration has stated Fox News is not a news station. It is rather interesting that Fox News has more viewers than the other cable stations combined and a sizeable percentage are independents and democrats. Could it be Fox News is the only station that presents both sides of the story and asks difficult questions rather than softball questions?

Last Saturday on the president's talk show he attacked the insurance industry because it released a paper against the latest health care bill and its cost. It seems any person or organization that does not agree with the administration is subject to immediate attack and vilification.

While talking about the need for health care reform, the Presidentaccused doctors of removing tonsils because it was more profitable than other treatments. Those who demanded answers at town hall meetings were labeled as radicals or much worse. The demonstration in Washington D.C. also was demeaned by administration officials and the media as Nazis and radicals.

I accept the fact health care costs have risen dramatically, but no one is talking about allowing insurance companies to insure across state borders or looking at tort reform to reduce costs. Those two elements would work wonders on costs.

Finally, I believe our government has grown too large and too many organizations and people are terrified of it. Edmund Burke wrote long ago, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." I have used that quotation many, many times and in my view it applies more now than ever before.

Donald J. Myers, a retired colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, is a regular columnist for Hernando Today. He lives in Spring Hill and can be contacted at dmyersusmc@aol.com.

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