Nous sommes unis
I have been horrified at the devastation wrought in Paris by mindless individuals warped by fanaticism and my heart goes out to everyone closely touched by the latest carnage. Many of you will know that I have often posted links on Facebook to the actions of a growing organisation Avaaz (a word that means “voice” and an organisation that uses its voice, our voices, to speak rationally and fluently on world issues). I have just added my name to a steady and continuous flow of signatories from all over the world, saying “Nous sommes unis”. Here is the link if you wish to add your voice to the flow.
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/paris_solidarity/?bjgzAhb&v=68045
I wrote the following short message and then spent a little time reading the messages of others. You may wish to do the same
I have visited Paris many times over the years for both work and pleasure. I have friends, acquaintances and colleagues there and I was horrified to see the carnage wrought by idiots warped by the evils of fanaticism.
I just hope the positive love of humanity will hold sway over the simple hatred of the inhumane. The bigots and religious fanatics must not be allowed to create intolerance, nor subvert our freedoms. Nous sommes unis.
I feel as much at home in France as I do in England and more recently, of course, in Brazil. I have often taken groups of Management students to visit companies and organisations in and around Paris and I know and love the city very much – so the places where these horrific events happened are all very familiar to me. Over the years a goodly number of French citizens have become friends after staying at this house where I now sit writing in Nottinghamshire and it grieves me that they, or people they know, may have been touched personally by last nights events. If any of you are reading this, please know I am thinking of you right now as I write these words.
I do not feel this is the time to prate on or preach about the wrongs and rights and causes of the situation, but I did – and do – want to say as loud as I may. NOUS SOMMES UNIS.
If you agree, please take the time to visit the Avaaz site and add your voice too.
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/paris_solidarity/?bjgzAhb&v=68045
Let us be free and let us be united.
Nous sommes unis.
Keith Melton - Green Lib Dem 