English Recordings

The Words of Martin Niemöller

I was planning to write about something completely different, but something happened yesterday that changed my mind. And that was that I attended a political rally. First of all, I want to say that I do not normally attend political rallies. In fact, I'm embarrassed to say I don't even read the newspaper these days because I find the news depressing. The world's problems seem so insurmountable, the politicians untrustworthy.

Then, a couple of weeks ago my husband mentioned in passing a bill that had just been passed in the lower house of the Tasmanian parliament. That same law is now before the upper house, and if passed by them will become law. Under this proposal, the people of Tasmania will no longer have the right to peaceful protest. Protesters will be given a criminal conviction, face exorbitant fines, and if convicted several times, a mandatory prison sentence.

When my husband told me all this, I felt as if I were in a bad dream. I could not believe that such a law could have been proposed, let alone passed in a peaceful, first world democracy. Of course, the law is intended to silence the environmental lobby. But regardless of the target, a law which effectively criminalises all peaceful protest should be fought by everyone who believes in democracy. I could not help but recall the chilling words of Martin Niemöller, who spent seven years in Nazi concentration camps because he publicly opposed the Nazis:

First they came for the Communists,
and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Communist.

Then 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.

Hello. My name is Jhon. I was studying English eight months ago and I learned a lot, but I'm try to improve my grammar. Well, I'm from Peru and I hope you can help me correct the text that I'll be writing. So, I also going to correct some texts. I'm not teacher in the Spanish language, but I'll know how to help you. Well, I'm going to do a little description about my favorite foods, movies, and places or countries that I'd like to know. I don't have only one favorite food. I'm going to write it in Spanish because there is no specific translation in English. My favorite foods are "arroz con pollo," "guiso de quinua," "jurel frito," "trucha," "sopa de cabeza de carnero," etc. My favorite movies are Skyline, Terminator, Salvation, and Transformers. Thanks a lot.

I thought the Baumann problem had been solved! He's supposed to have a grade of 700, but today one of our engineers phoned him and Baumann had to find someone to translate for him. The guy's totally inadequate! Now I don't know who imagined he had 700, but you'd damn well better find out. There's a clear corporate policy on this issue, and your people are not applying it. I'm disappointed in you - we expect firm, decisive management on these issues.

leave in the lurch

In the yard, one of the men was carrying something, what was he carrying?

How many men were waiting outside the dining room?

Where were the men returning from?

In the dining room, the men were sharing a meal, What meal was it?

What were the men in the dining room doing?

There was only one lady in the dining room, was she sitting or standing?

What was the lady in the dining room doing?

How many men were sitting in the dining room?

Now, all the men were sitting on chairs except one, What was he sitting on?

Can you think of a reason why the man was sitting on a different type of seat?

What was none of the men wearing inside? ... ,it's hot in the summertime, Have a good look at the painting and you will find the answer....

One lady was coming out of the kitchen, what was she bringing to the table?

In the kitchen, 2 women were busy, what where they doing?

One lady in the kitchen was wearing a dress, what color was it?

A．Your dad is very nice.
B．Thanks. He's more like my best friend than just a dad.
A．That's awesome.

A. How was your first day at work?
B．It was fun. It was more like a hobby than a job.
A．Really? How lucky!

A．He's walking towards us!　　　　　　　
B．I want his autograph.　　　　　　
A. Call his name. He might sign an autograph for you. It wouldn't hurt to try.

A. I wonder if those seats are taken.　　　　　　
B．I'm not sure. It wouldn't hurt to ask.　　　　　　　
A．You're right. Let's ask that lady over there.

A．I've heard you're going back to school.
B．Yes, I am. I'm finishing my degree.
A. Good for you. You made a wise choice.