For heaven’s sake, children, Fascism isn’t coming — it’s here. It’s dreadful. Stop it.
Dorothy Parker (1893-1967) American writer, poet, wit
Speech (1947-11-02), Civil Rights Congress reception, Park Central Hotel, New York City
(Source)
At a fund-raiser on behalf of 19 writers, directors, and actors who refused to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Reported as an AP story, "Eisler in Attendance At Reception for 19 in Hollywood Inquiry," Evening Star, Washington, DC (1947-11-03).
The paper is given as the primary source for the above quote in various books about Parker or the HUAC Era. The full passage from the paper reads:Dorothy Parker, the writer, said that when she viewed a committee session last week it was "incredibly hideous, as though the Gestapo were there, and fascism was there."
"Fascism isn't coming here -- it is here," she declared. Miss Parker said the Hollywood investigation was "shocking, dreadful, terrifying."
The line is also sometimes given as, "For heaven’s sake, children, Fascism isn’t coming -- it’s already here."