Freedom of speech, of assembly, to worship as we choose—the rights we cherish in our country are no longer rare worldwide. It’s a privileged age in which we live, one in which the rights of people worldwide have merit and importance. We in journalism especially revere these inalienable rights, as it’s upon these truths that we rely for our work. This right, to express our thoughts and feelings, we hold especially dear. Imagine our sorrow when news reached us of the plight of our French brethren at Charlie Hebdo.

The Islamic militants’ assault struck not only the heart of Paris, but besmirched progress made worldwide towards a more equitable earth. It’s more than the twelve lives unjustly robbed, extremist religions, or rigid intolerance: the attack on Charlie Hebdo was an attack on the right of expression. A worldwide, universal privilege, given to all men, the efforts of intolerant thugs to curtail it is felt not only in France, but in America as well. What more excuse do we need to take action? It’s no secret that terrorism is alive in America, just as it is in France. If we ignore the symptoms of our countries’ malignant infection, there will be more violence.

It’s for this reason that we must assume the tradition of our heritage. It has always been the duty of the American people to combat injustice, no matter the continent on which it reared its repulsive mug. It may be in Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea—or France. No matter the setting, the sooner we take steps to preclude its growth, the sooner we can sleep secure at night.