Thursday, January 8, 2015

Je Suis Charlie, quand je vois flotteur de fer


Consider just these stories News organizations wrestle with whether to publish Charlie Hebdo cartoons after attack,Fox News Has No Plans to Air Charlie Hebdo Cartoons, and Many Outlets Are Censoring Charlie Hebdo's Satirical Cartoons After Attack

While saying that they condemn the attacks, and support free speech, new organization for the AP, to British tabloids, to Fox News make the excuse that  it is against policy to "publish hate speech or spectacles that offend, provoke or intimidate, or anything that desecrates religious symbols or angers people along religious or ethnic line." 


I will believe that when I see iron float.

We hear that Cartoonists show solidarity after Paris Charlie Hebdo attack, in pictures.

We hear that he attack on Charlie Hebdo is supposed to be turning point.

There will be great protests and out pouring of sorrow -- but not rage.

The forces that take such actions do not care about the declarations of "Je suis Charlie".  I suspect, that they rather like it -- if the protestation is real, it gives more targets.

It will galvanize the democracies of the world in defense of its basic liberties.


I will believe that when I see iron float.

Prior to the attack, there were calls on the publication from 'right thinking' parties -- such as the government of the French State --  to not offend.

We are already hearing the 'yes, butt-ery' from critics such as the Financial Times' Tony Barber, or on another extreme Bill Donohue, president of the US Catholic League speak about going to far.

There will be more 'buts',  the issue of speech is nuanced, and we must be sensitive, humor should not wound.  One must not give into rage, even for liberty.


And in six months, no one will be Charlie, again.





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