Je Suis Charlie

    Along with everyone else in the civilized world, I am sickened by the terrorist attack in Paris on the office of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. The idea that someone can be killed for expressing an opinion, even an unpleasant one, is in direct conflict with the values of Human Rights. Even a lampooning of religion is something that cannot be outlawed. I have no argument with Islam, but I would say that the justification for this act of violence is rather pathetic and immature.

    Sadly, the world once again turns a vengeful eye towards a particular community of people based on the actions of a few. This is also unacceptable because regardless how many people find the cartoons offensive, only these 3 lunatics have taken this horrible action.

    France is a great nation. It is one of the proudest nations as well. This often places the US at odds with France, but that is because both nations share the same values, although they might interpret them differently. France has always stood for Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and the response of the French people to this tragedy has been exemplary. Sadly, there will always be a few people who will use any excuse to vent their hatred and attempt to justify criminal acts, but these people are acting no better than the terrorists who committed murder at Charlie Hebdo.

    The other tragic aspect about this is the reaction from the RWNJ in the United States. The situation in Paris has been the focal point for a new round of RWNJ stating that we need to sacrifice more freedom in order to protect ourselves from events like the one in Paris. We have learned nothing since 9/11. The only way to finally erase terrorism is through communication, and not through a police state or military force.

    I leave you with a statement made by Benjamin Franklin, and American Founding Father who shared a love of France and spent time there. "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."