Trying to make sense out of the senseless. What kind of person murders cartoonists and editors?

Not Jewish Jihadists.

Not Buddhist Extremists.

Not Hindu Radicals.

Not Methodist Militants.

Not the Morman Tabernacle Choir Terrorists.

These are not terms with which we are familiar. Let’s not forget the be-headings of journalists and aid workers too. Or 9-11.  Or the Boston Marathon Bombing. The attack of Parliament Hill.
Charlie Hebdo is an equal opportunity offender of religions.  Unfortunately, their freedom of speech was not free…they paid the ultimate price.

The gruesome mass murder of our colleagues in print is an attack on all of us in the publishing business, as it strikes at the heart of one of our most core and cherished values…freedom of speech.


The brave, and prophetic quote by Charlie Hebdo Editor Stephaine Charbonnier, “I’d rather die standing then spend my life on my knees,” is a painful reminder that sadly in the 21st century we live in a world where satire can cost you your life. No one is laughing now.

And how sad that in France, the birthplace of Voltaire, who said, “I do not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend your right to say it,” such an atrocity has taken place.