#JeSuisCharlie

Considering the events that have occurred in Paris this past week, it's fitting that the shootings at Charlie Hebdo deserve special attention. 

It's only the most violent attack against the freedom of speech in Western culture...

And it's no secret that political cartoons were offensive, but that doesn't mean that anyone should be killed because of them.

Photo Credit: French Words

Some people have suggested republishing the cartoons across social media and other publications and, to be honest, I'm not really sure what that would accomplish... It would be more productive to reinforce the message that every person is not only entitled to voice an opinion, but must respect every opinion they hear.

Respect.

My idealist mentality does not offer a concrete solution, but a change of mindset is where it starts.