The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and the lamentably tardy response of the ‘civilised’ world, brings to mind the oft quoted cleric, Martin Niemoller, who wrote this after he lamented that the church, and he himself, did not speak out against the Nazis: “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 is just the same case of not wanting to become involved because it’s not my problem.
The only reason that they are now becoming involved is through self interest. Let’s hope that it is not too late!
Keith Herriott Thorndean Road Brighton
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