After the terrible terrorist attack yesterday on the offices of the satirical weekly, Charlie Hebdo, and the deaths of 12 people, I tried to write a post, as I felt I could not simply ignore what happened, but I kept scrapping everything I wrote.
Today, Sylvia from Finding Noon published a post I would like to share instead. “Je suis Charlie” is a call for freedom of the press.
Je suis Charlie
by Sylvia from Finding Noon, an American living in Paris who appreciates fine art, good music, succulent food, and breath taking scenery
There are no words. That is the cliché. But, there have to be words. That is what yesterday’s attack was about. Silencing our words. Now is the time to cry out. Those who believe in the freedom of expression must shout that we will not be silenced. Mosques across France are calling out for prayers of peace. Read more
I agree…I found it very hard to write anything about this last night, or even tonight. I think it will take a while.
And it might be even worse by the end of today, with the terrorists holed up just outside Paris.
This is such a great post, Rosemary. Thank you for sharing it. We are living very sad times and I wonder where our civilization will get if we don’t rid ourselves of this plague. Terrorism existed forever, but it was seldom so close to home like it is in the last 20 years. The amplitude it’s taking lately is becoming of too great proportions to ignore it.
As you say, it has always existed but it seemed much more remote. Today, it is in our midst.
Thanks for posting the link, Rosemary.
Yesterday seeing the news, it reminded me again of the attack here in October. The sort of cowards who do this believe that in doing so they will leave us cowed in fear.
No large city is left unscathed these days.
This is a beautiful tribute post Rosemary and I am very glad that you reblogged it – it is wonderfully written. The situation in Paris seems to have worsened from the latest reports unfolding of 2 separate sieges currently taking place. Sincere condolences to all those affected so far and heartfelt wishes for a peaceful resolution for the remaining hostages.
We have just learnt that the first siege is finished with the hostage unscathed and the terrorists dead but we still don’t know the outcome of the second siege.