Sometimes events just hit you. I passionately believe
that a cornerstone of our society is freedom of speech, and the mark of a
civilised society is that all views are allowed to air. I find the ideas of the
far right absolutely repellent but I will defend their ability to publish these
or protest so long as it is within the law.
The events in Paris today where the employees and
protectors of a satirical magazine were murdered are terrible, indescribable. They
are above all a personal tragedy.
The response to such a tragedy is always inadequate,
and often trite. Dignified, peaceful protest is needed as a clear counterpoint
to violence. One of the wonders of social media is that this can be quickly
focussed, in this case through the phrase “Je suis Charlie”.
The strongest message to send to the purveyors of
violence is that we are united in abhorring their methods and that we continue
to champion everybody’s right to be heard. So I am proud to say “Je suis
Charlie”.
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