Je Suis Charlie

Last week terrorists murdered 12 people in Paris. Ten of those killed worked at Charlie Hebdo, a satirical French magazine based in Paris, because the publication produced and printed irreverent cartoons featuring the Prophet Muhammad.

The newspaper world responded to this tragedy with cartoons and editorials of their own, many of them playing on “the pen is mightier than the sword” theme.

After the murders, everyone paying attention to the news became familiar with Charlie Hebdo.

We would even go as far a saying Charlie Hebdo is quickly becoming a household name.

Sunday, leaders from around the world gathered and marched in Paris to show solidarity and sympathy.

People in cities across the United States also gathered to remember the 12 people killed.

Last year, terrorists beheaded several journalists whose only “crime” was doing their jobs.

As journalists in Wyoming, we are fortunate. Living in an area as rural as Wyoming, we don’t have terrorists kicking in the door and threatening our lives.

It doesn’t mean that we don’t take our jobs seriously though. We sometimes have to present news that is difficult to report on. In a small community where we all know each other, it can be more difficult. We still have to do it.

Editorials and editorial cartoons are made to make people think—to see another side and yes, to create controversy.

“Je Suis Charlie” means “I am Charlie” in French. It is now a term used by people across the globe in support of those killed by terrorists.

It has been questioned where the support for Charlie Hebdo was before the attacks.

Frankly, having seen the cartoons in question after the murders, we didn’t see much to support. The crude drawings did not attract our interest.

The reason we are supporting Charlie Hebdo now is that we do believe in their right to say (or draw) whatever they desire without having to worry about violent repercussion.

Free speech is what we support.

Different viewpoints are what we desire.

We hope that we never have to face a terrorist attack like those in Paris, but we also stand with those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. We hope that you will too.