First They Installed Cctv In Teignmouth,
To Deter Vandals And To Catch Litter Louts
And People Whose Car Tax Was A Day Overdue.
I Applauded, Scoffing At Tony Blair-‘s Dream
Becoming Eric Blair-‘s Nightmare.
What Could The Law-Abiding Have To Fear?
When They Dispersed Groups Of Two Or More
Who Might Be About To Cause Trouble,
I Was Enthusiastic,
Being No Longer Young.
When They Came For The Addicts, Alcoholics And -ŗundesirables-,
I Did Not Speak Out,
Because I Had Left That Life Behind.
When They Came For The Sick, The So-Called Incurables,
I Muttered Something To Myself
But I Was Not Mad Enough To Receive That Treatment.
When They Came For The Rotarians And Round-Tablers,
I Held My Peace;
Perhaps Uncharitably.
When They Came For The Councillors,
I Remained Silent;
I Despised Local Politics.
NiemƒÂ¶ller-‘s Final Stanza Continues To Apply