GRAND PRIZE WINNER - 2010 New Zealand "PEACE SONG" Comp GRAND PRIZE WINNER - 2008 "Paul Stookey's" Music To Life Song Comp FINALIST - 2009 John Lennon Song Comp - Folk Category 'By My Silence' is a poignant, emotionally charged song about the regret of keeping silent to protect ourselves while others around us are suffering. While inspired by the famous poem “First They Came…” written in 1946 about the Holocaust by German anti-Nazi theologian and Lutheran pastor Martin Niemoller, this song has a universal, timeless appeal that transcends any specific historical time and place. Its hard hitting, heartfelt lyrics speak just as powerfully about silence in the face of oppression to the world we live in today. "Based on a concept that is important and famous, 'By My Silence' makes the point powerfully and well. Lots of good songcraft here with a deeply important message. All to the good!" -Peter Yarrow, Recording Artist & Singer/Songwriter –Peter Paul & Mary “The message in ‘By My Silence’ is powerful, the music is alluring and the harmonies are captivating” -Mike Carr, BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS "Fine old fashioned political songwriting is alive and well in the familiar text" -Holly Near, Recording Artist & Singer/Songwriter