There’s a lesson for us all in this haunting statement about the silent complicity of Germans who failed to see the real meaning of the Nazis’ rise to power in the 1930’s.

First they came for 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.

Like pre-war Germany, our government is now demanding loyalty, banning books, hijacking people from city streets without due process, eviscerating government services and ignoring court orders. Faced with this dizzying onslaught, you might hear people say, “I don’t think it will affect me” or “this will pass.” But history teaches that a cascade of efforts like this to divide us and take away our rights can also be the prelude to longer term results that could go much deeper.

The key is to be aware of how this works. Then, when you see something disturbing, repeat this mantra: “Then they came for me….” 

That should spur you to get politically engaged. Write letters, make calls, get involved in your ward or precinct, donate to candidates, and help people who suffer from these policies. 

Know that you are working to avoid domination based on fear. Among the tools autocrats use to undermine or eliminate the guardrails that previously provided some stability are gathering personal information, spreading falsehoods, and encouraging people to spy on their neighbors. Skewing law enforcement toward subservience to political goals, withdrawing funds for vital services, and even calling up militias are also among their many tactics. 

Call it what you like — authoritarianism, kleptocracy, nazism, or some other term — these brutal systems begin by whittling away individual freedoms, gathering political and police-state powers, and dividing us while diminishing the influence of civil society, education, government services and the press.

It can, and will, affect each of us. Our best hope is to remember what history has taught us — that at some point, they will come for you.