Je Suis Charlie Letter

Gavin Honig

Mr. Zailian/4^th

1/22/15

1/7/15

Dear Mom and Dad,

By now you have probably heard of the electrifying news. I want to let you know that I am all right. Recently I have been discussing the issue with friends and pondering attending the mourning rally to show our support to the families of the deceased. It is just as important to remember what America and France both stand for: free speech. These people will, unknowingly, be seen as martyrs because they were killed in the name of a non-violent religion for expressing their religious opinions. Although people should be weary of the consequences of producing media material that might be seen as offensive by some religions. Here is a poem I wrote expressing my opinions on the issue:

Freedom of Expression

On a foggy morning in Paris,

Twelve were shot.

For their beliefs and their creativity.

The spark of a worldwide fight against the oppression of thoughts.

Is an opinion, a simple expression, worth a life?

This question is being answered publicly now with

Millions of participants,

Watching the change occur gives significance to the

Lives that have been lost

But the ideas will last longer

___________________________________________________________

Love,

Gavin