The journalists and cartoonists of Charlie Hebdo had a constant presence on our political and civil lives. They used insolent humor to address some of the most dreadful deviances and provocations of our society. They would take pseudo-mythic authoritarian figures or representations and breathe into them their own true humanity. They attacked authoritarian ideas and leaders in ways that shook blind followers into introspections.

Philippe Val the former editor of Charlie Hebdo responded, “A certain way of saying, of writing, of thinking, of drawing of experimenting has been decimated. They were people who never despised anyone.”

Charlie Hebdo represents for many, including us, an important means of progressive expression with their very famous satirical cartoons.

I would like to quote Jean Louis Borloo, a political French leader: “The journalists of Charlie are incredible, they are the lightning rod of our society, they have been struck down. It is a planetary event to see an editorial staff being decimated like that. We must fight mistaken reactions, so there is no confusion.”

If I may talk for them, that is what they would affirm tonight. They were anti racist, anti fascist. They were bringing us a civic consciousness that allowed dissent.

Tonight in France and across Europe hundreds and thousands of people have gathered spontaneously, some holding pencils high, some chanting freedom of expression, or singing “quand on a que l’amour” (If we only have love) by Jacques Brel, or holding signs “Je suis Charlie”( I am Charlie), or Meme pas peur (not even afraid).

We are sad and nous sommes Charlie

Tomorrow I will re subscribe to Charlie Hebdo.

(Photo Credit: Robin Marti)