Hardest Hit, October 2011

I am not copying the famous poem, but using it to make a point, and to blog about my experiences from saturday. I have spent some time thinking about how I would like to record what I experienced andI think this is best. 

First they came for those on JSA

But that didn’t affect me, because I wasn’t on that benefit.

Then they changed sick benefit to ESA

But that didn’t affect me, because it was new claimaints only.

Then they changed housing benefit

But that didn’t affect me because I have a lower rent

Then they started to migrate everyone onto ESA

So I stopped claiming benefits, so it didn’t affect me.

But then I was reminded of Martin Niemöller’s poem.

And I stopped, and thought, no one will be left when they come for me (which they will)

So I changed the poem

And I took action.

And I wrote, and emailed, and signed petitions and supported where I could.

And on Saturday 22^nd October 2011, I marched with those hardest hit.

I listened to the stories, I made a lot of noise, I took photos and publicized them widely.

So I hope when they come for me, other people will be there to do the same.

First they came for those on JSA

But that didn’t affect me, because I wasn’t on that benefit.

Then they changed sick benefit to ESA

But that didn’t affect me, because it was new claimants only.

Then they changed housing benefit

But that didn’t affect me because I have a lower rent

Then they started to migrate everyone onto ESA

So I stopped claiming benefits, so it didn’t affect me.

But then I was reminded of Martin Niemöller’s poem.

And I stopped, and thought, no one will be left when they come for me (which they will)

So I changed the poem

And I took action.

And I wrote, and emailed, and signed petitions and supported where I could.

And on Saturday 22^nd October 2011, I marched with those hardest hit.

I listened to the stories, I made a lot of noise, I took photos and publicized them widely. (http://photobucket.com/hardesthitleeds11) 

So I hope when they come for me, other people will be there to do the same.