For the record I didn't add the banner as a statement on whether or not guns are a good idea. Steph asked me to put the banner up, and here's why I thought it was appropriate (from the article that Glenn linked to):

This.

This place is too punk rock to not give a shit.

If you are for the freedom of expression you are charlie
if you're not…




Invention of the humor

oil + fire

tweeting & retweeting does nothing to stop a very real threat to your country & your way of life.



Good luck coming up with another round of inspirational sloganeering when terrorists return for the rest of your Charlies.

All I can say about the subject is that if I was a cartoonist drawing things that offend a particular group of super-crazy murderers, I would have definitely had a gun in my desk. I think it's a little too late to speculate about different outcomes and such, but I think there is one thing we can all agree on...

...it's utterly ridiculous that the perpetrators were even allowed in France. If I read right, one of these guys went to fight against US and coalition forces back in 2008, I think? Wouldn't that automatically mark you as a treasoner against France? Why was he allowed to live there or enter the country again? Why are governments so hesitant to kick extremists of any kind the hell out of their country?

I think every Western country needs to do some rethinking about policy and protection.

The domestic partner of Charb, the Charlie Hebdo director's, explained on tv that he thought of getting himself a weapon.

I think that he (they) would have being armed because they were threatened since a long time

Thank you James & Stéphane for this initiative. That means a lot and this is deeply appreciated.

There's nothing wrong with empathy and unity in the name of free expression and civility. I don't usually consider this site the most political of places but in this case merci beaucoup for the sentiment.

Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.

I have to go on the record with an apology here. It's no secret that I am not a fan of our MB sponsors and when I saw the new, albeit temporary banner, I was offended. I thought that it was a cheap attempt at trying to look sympathetic for all the wrong reasons. It wouldn't be the first time. Hence my original post. I did not know it was asked by a member. That being said, I am not above admitting when I am wrong and I was wrong. My apologies.

Carry on

"It has been said by some physicians, that life is a forced state. The same may be said of freedom. It requires efforts, it presupposes mental and moral qualities of a high order to be generally diffused in the society where it exists"