Freedoms are changing in the world we live in

“I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” So goes the famous quote from Voltaire that encompasses the true meaning of freedom of speech. What does that freedom mean today? Not quite the same thing it meant two, five, or even ten years ago. Indeed, civil liberties including freedom of speech and freedom of the press have changed so much in the past few decades. These changes have to do mostly with the way the world has changed around us, but still, it saddens me to see that the freedom many of our great ancestors fought and died for is in jeopardy in our world today.

Last January 7, gunmen drove to the offices of French satirical paper Charlie Hebdo and carried out what can only be described as a planned execution in their offices killing 12 people, including four pre-picked cartoonists from the paper, in a horrific act of terror. Those who carried out the killings claimed to have done it in revenge for the Prophet Muhammad and it became another in a long list of atrocities carried out in the on-going radical Muslim war against anything that does not adhere or conform to their beliefs.

Indeed the vicious attack on Charlie Hebdo was not, by far, the first of its kind, but it sparked worldwide outrage and drove millions of people the world over to stand in solidarity with Charlie Hebdo and with Paris to condemn the act and speak out for freedom of speech using several cartoon memorials and hashtags such as #JeSuisCharlie and #PrayforParis. The attack became a rallying cry for many people all over the globe who feel that terror and fear is taking over so much of our world that no true freedom really exists anymore.

I understand their point. The anger against the attacks in Paris goes far beyond what happened to those poor 12 innocent victims of Charlie Hebdo. If you read the news, over 60 journalists died in 2014 for the right to speak the truth, to express their views, and to show things for how they really are. In doing their jobs, and probably expressing an opinion that goes against the radical groups, they drew the ire of those who thought they needed to pay, with their lives, for their right to express themselves.

And to be fair, this is not limited to non-Muslim journalists alone. There were at least 30 or more journalist deaths in the Middle East last year. Like their colleagues around the world, these Muslim journalists died for their right to expose the truth, brutality, crime, and corruption in their own way. And they paid the ultimate price.

Looking at the numbers, it would seem that there really is no true freedom of the press in these dangerous times, but rather more of a “print if you dare.” Not that the fight is a new fight, after all press freedom has been under attack for years, what with limitations or governments trying to control what media outlets print, say, or share. However, in recent years the fight has become far bloodier and people are being threatened with death. And in some cases, like in the terrible tragedy of Charlie Hebdo, those threats are being carried out. It also doesn’t help that now information moves at the speed of light.

But here’s the thing, it is not just radical Muslims who are guilty of impediment to freedoms. Other nations in power can be just as guilty. Like the cyber attack on Sony Pictures which North Korea or those acting on its behalf were “allegedly” responsible for. Due to anger over Sony’s satirical film “The Interview,” hackers broke into the Sony archives and stole dozens and dozens of emails and released them online much to the embarrassment of those involved. But it didn’t stop there; the hackers also threatened violence against cinemas (and movie-goers) that watched the movie when it was slated to open on Dec. 25, 2014.

For the safety of their patrons and business, several theaters pulled out of their scheduled screenings and many thought the movie might not ever see the light of day. However, Sony did not respond well to being so threatened and released the movie anyway and it has been seen all around the world. So far, no retribution has been taken and I pray that nothing happens. After all, North Korea vehemently denies that they were behind the email hack. I hope this dies down peacefully as tensions between the two nations were already high to begin with without this adding fire to the flame.

And meanwhile, back in the currently beleaguered Paris, even though the Charlie Hebdo gunmen were caught, we all know that it is not going to end there. An accomplice is still on the loose and tension is still high. I am hoping that this tragic act of violence won’t escalate into even more violence, but I am seeing on the news that there have already been attacks on Muslims in Paris spurned by the recent killings. I truly hope the situation gets under control soon because if it keeps on like this it will just continue in a frightening and quite possibly violent downward spiral.

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In more happy news, tomorrow is a big day for the country. It’s the day millions of Filipinos have been looking forward to for months, the day that our beloved Pope Francis finally arrives in the Philippines. I pray that his visit here be fruitful, memorable, and safe. The eyes of the entire world will be on us as we welcome the Holy Father so I pray it all goes smoothly. I also pray that the Pope’s message of simplicity and compassion truly reach the hearts of everyone when he arrives on our shores. After all, that is the most important part of the visit – not the crazy preparations, the commemorative shirts, or the star-studded welcome paintings. It’s about the Pope spreading his message of pulling back, of helping one another, and of focusing on being more like Christ in our every day lives. It’s quite appropriate and serendipitous that the Pope arrives just as the New Year rolls in. Perhaps it’s the perfect time to signal a good and renewed change in all of us.