Initially, I didn’t hear about Charlie Hebdo until a day after it happened. Even then, I heard spotty coverage and wasn’t completely sure what happened. When I researched this tragic event, it made me appreciate the freedom I have to write for The Bradford. Having the freedom to write for the paper wasn’t something I ever thought about, but after this event, now I am grateful and appreciative.
In the days following the attack, international leaders flocked to Paris to attend a unity rally. Noticeably missing were the President of the United States and the Secretary of State. The United States, who as a tight alliance with France, sent Cabinet level officials. Barack Obama made public statements about solidarity and condolences during this time. In my opinion, this sends a horrible message about our relationship with France. If Benjamin Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas can be together during this time to discuss world security and threats of terrorism, why can’t Barack Obama or John Kerry be there?
What kind of message does this send? Does is say the United States doesn’t care about terrorism? The United States doesn’t care about France in this time of tragedy? I’m not sure; no one can be. Let’s hope the United States can do adequate damage control, if necessary.
However, the lack of adequate United States representation at the unity rally is not a central concern of the Charlie Hebdo attacks. It is a matter of freedom of the press. Let’s not forget that the United States’ bill of rights is similar to that of France, which was created after their own revolution. Thank you, France, for inspiring the United States to instate the ideal of free press.
(Bryanna Guarnieri ’16, Arts Editor)