Sir - Moi aussi je suis Charlie MAIS.........BUT

Our key democratic principles which include freedom of thought, speech & actions obviously have a counterpart, a balance, which is taking responsibility for our thoughts, speech & actions.

Perhaps we need to use our freedoms more sensitively & with understanding of the possible effects which can be caused by our words & actions; there is always an underlying cause behind every action & we need to dig a bit deeper to try & understand what is causing the crises playing out all over the world.

I am a "Christian" in that I believe in Christ`s message of loving our brother/sister as ourselves & showing care for those most in need & those most vulnerable in our society & in the world, but I also believe that most core world religions hold these same principles which are:- being kind & showing respect to all with whom you come into contact.

We must not allow fear of those who have a different culture & religion to cloud our sense of what is right & instead reach out to those in our immediate community & develop shared projects, meetings & meals together. We need to share & support each other & not allow divisions to occur & a feeling of separateness as this would lead to a tearing down of our democratic principles.

There is a well known saying, "Think before you speak". In our modern age where communication via the internet-Facebook & twitter is instantaneous we have seen a rise in hate crimes where it is easy to incite hatred & fear, bully & cause people to be so upset that they contemplate suicide.

We need to think more carefully before we embark upon an action which we knowingly will cause anger & fear. This in no way excuses the actions of fanatics with whom you cannot reason!

Geraldine Lowman,

Worcester