Je suis Charlie and the fallout in terms of freedom of expressions

[Kym]

Now the dust has settled somewhat regarding "Je suis Charlie" it is probably worth considering the impact on the rights of photographers to capture and publish images.

I am a very strong supporter of freedom and speech and expression.
No doubt coloured by my Dad who lived in Europe in the 1920's, 30's and 40's and saw first hand the effect of extreme censorship and restrictions of freedom.

Clearly there are limits to freedoms, while I can offend or criticise I can't incite violence.
There are good and proper limits regarding things like child porn which almost go without saying.
But in general people need to be able to allow things that they find offensive because that means they can express themselves without fear.

On the specific topic of Charlie Hebdo I personally find the publication cheap and crass without much journalistic merit, but it does have the right to free expression.
There are moderates who abhor the violence, but we also need to allow things we find personally offensive.

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity (Liberté, égalité, fraternité) is the motto of France and carries key values of a free democratic society.
To be part of a free democratic society then the following will need to be agreed and proclaimed by moderate islamic leadership and clerics.

1. Liberty - this means that people can be free to publish things that some will find offensive.
You may not like it but you will need to say that is ok for people to mock your prophet and religion.
Liberty also means people are free to choose their religion and change the choice in the life without fear of retribution or death.

2. Equality - this means we are all equal in society. One set of laws for all citizens (i.e. no sharia as that is not equal).
Equality also means women have full rights like anyone else in society, women are not someone property or worth less than a man.
All men and women are create equal.

3. Fraternity (brotherhood) - if you want to be supported and positively avowed in society then you must fully embrace Liberty and Equality.
You cannot participate in the benefits of a a free democratic society without fully embracing the core values of that society.

It is insufficient to just condemn the violence without also proclaiming the full values of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
This means you will be offended and that offence cannot every lead to violence or censorship for that matter.
Bluntly sometimes you just have to suck it up - and that ensures we can all have freedom of expression.

So take and publish your photographs while we are free to do so!


For the technically interested ....
http://notepad-plus-plus.org/news/no...e-edition.html

Warning: This is a hot topic, debate the issue and keep it objective