Liberty, Equality, Fraternity it is More than a Motto - It's War

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity is the national motto of France. These values ring as true today as they did in 1789. Last night 84 people were killed celebrating Bastille Day and the French Revolution. My heart goes out to the victims and their families.

The French revolution is the single event most responsible for providing us with the freedoms we enjoy today in western societies. Philosophers Locke and Rousseau among others taught us that every person has ‘Natural Rights’ which are not bestowed and therefore can not be taken away. These natural rights are to life, liberty, and property.

Our enemy violently opposes these rights. Their ideology is in direct conflict with our beliefs. We believe that all people are created equal and that every person is entitled to liberty and freedom. They practice slavery, target civilians and execute homosexuals, infidels and anyone who tries to leave their religion. They seek to enforce Sharia law not only in ISIS, the Palestinian Territories and the Middle east, but in France, Europe and Australia. They know exactly who they are fighting and what they are fighting for. To destroy them, let alone to defend ourselves, we will need clarity of purpose as well.

The French revolution paved the way for freedom of religion and separation of church and state. This ultimately led to repealing of discriminatory laws applied specifically against Jews and granted my not too distant ancestors equal rights.

I strongly believe that all people are entitled to freedom and liberty and I am willing and able to violently oppose anyone who seeks to confiscate these natural rights.

Ron Engelman
Paris, France
July 15, 2016