The World Today

I originally wrote this message to try and give some perspective and comfort to the very diverse team within Hivint.

But given the great — and emotional — response, decided it should be shared more broadly. You may not agree with the political sentiment, and I respect that, but hopefully everyone agrees with the need to support each other through tough times.

Nick.

Hey Team,

I was motivated to write this after seeing my friend Mike Cannon-Brookes, one of Atlassian’s founders, put down the thoughts of he and co-founder Scott, in their blog article Your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…

The reality is that with the success their business has had, their voices will ring more loudly than mine, but equally I recognise the importance of everyone being heard, being vocal, and not sitting quietly while the world starts to burn.

I was fortunate enough to live in Boston back in 2013–14, and not far from my apartment was the Holocaust memorial, which included a version of Pastor Martin Niemöller’s (1892–1984) cautionary verse about the lack of conviction shown by those in German society who could change opinion, as the Nazis rose to power and started to progressively purge their enemies:

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.

To be clear, I’m not saying that Trump is Hitler, and I’m not saying a temporary visa ban is equivalent to the Holocaust. The point I’m making is in the power of that verse. I’m not a Syrian refugee, I’m not Mexican, I’m not a woman, and I’m not carrying the passport of an Islamic nation. But if I don’t speak out for them now, I can’t rightfully expect them to have my back when the system fucks me over somewhere down the line.

The immigration ban is not OK. Banning refugees is not OK. Walking back hard-won progress on reproductive rights is not OK.

We’re really fortunate in our team at Hivint to have 26 amazing people, and a level of diversity which for a small team is pretty extraordinary. Male, female, gay, straight, at least half a dozen or so religious belief systems, cat-people, dog-people, herbivores and omnivores, lots of weird and wonderful personality traits, and some great, original thought.

I just want you to all know that we also have a conscience. Yes, this is a business, but ahead of all of that, we’re all people. And Craig and I, and all the Leadership Team, genuinely care. Some of you will be more impacted by the current state of affairs than others. If you have any concerns, want to discuss anything, or just want a friendly ear to talk, feel free to grab us.

All bees are welcome here.

Nick