The values of liberty and equality are connecting millions in the face of terrorism
Watching the four million people march through Paris in response to the Charlie Hebdo attack, I was struck by how the defiant French response has inspired an even wider international response.
Political leaders from around the world joined the French in asserting the right to liberty, equality and brotherhood of all people, whether they be from France or elsewhere. I respect the French resolve to stand up to the terrorists in a wave of public demonstrations where ‘Je suis Charlie’ signs demonstrate their sense of identity with the satirical journalists and their right to free speech. They are living up to the three values of the French Republic, ‘Je suis Charlie’ standing firm when these are under threat.
The French sense of what’s right, and that it is worth defending, is a powerful example to leaders around the world of how defining and protecting what’s really important is an act of leadership that an entire nation can share.
