First they came for women and their reproductive health care. I did not speak up because although I am a woman, I was no longer of child bearing age so it did not affect me.

Then they came for the LGBTQA+, their healthcare and their rights as human beings and as U.S. citizens. I did not speak up because I was not LGBTQA+ so it did not affect me.

Then they came for public schools, colleges & universities by way of school boards, restricting the rights of teachers & professors & what they can teach and students & what books they can read. I said nothing because I am neither a teacher, professor or student and have no children in public schools or universities, so it didn’t affect me.

Then they came for Black, Brown, Asian and Indigenous students in their quest for higher education, by denying them equal consideration for admission. I said nothing because I was not applying to higher learning institutions.

Then they came for students who have been burdened with high-interest predatory college loans. I did not speak up because I had no outstanding loan debt.

Then they blurred the lines and ignored the Constitution’s separation of Church and state. I did not speak up because I do not practice any religion so it didn’t affect me.

Then they came for me. But there was no longer anyone left to speak for me. Those that are left, primarily White men & right wing religious extremists won’t speak up because none of this affects them because they are in control.

Access and opportunity denied.