"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."
Pastor Martin Niemöller
I think he is saying that sometimes ignoring the problem isn't enough.
All decent people want to be peaceable and welcoming. But once in a while, you are looking in the face of something wicked and you have to respond.