“We’ve seen an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians. This is an attack not just on Paris, it is an attack not just on the people of France, but it is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share.” — Barack Obama, President of the United States.
The news out of Paris this is evening is disturbing beyond belief and absolutely devastating. Even as I sit here typing, the weight of the situation still hasn’t completely crashed down on me. So, first and foremost, all I am able to do at this point in time is to pour all of my heart and soul to these next two sentences: France, I offer you my deepest, most sincere condolences. It is impossible for any of us to fully comprehend the emotions running through the city.
Lives were lost; families are broken, friends are gone, the City of Love’s streets are now filled with blood, anger, sadness and doubt. These attacks are nothing short of barbaric and senseless. While we sit back and think “that would never happen here,” I can guarantee that the citizens in Paris thought the same thing this evening. With that I urge you to hug your loved ones, call your parents and tell them that you love them, do one thing that you’ve always wanted to do, sing a song, write a letter, eat your favorite food, or do whatever you love to do, because more than 120 people won’t get the chance to so.
To the terrorist(s) that screamed out “For Syria!” as they took over 100 concert-goers hostage at the Bataclan concert hall, what did the nearly 80 civilians that you slaughtered do to you? What did those at Le Carillon, Le Petit Cambodge, La Belle Equipe and outside Stade de France do to deserve such brutality? What purpose did your attacks serve? What message were you trying to convey? Your actions weren’t for Syria, your actions were for your owns violent beliefs. Your (what I am assuming will be self-proclaimed) acts of what you may consider “heroism” in the name of Syria will now condemn those in the country who are innocent to the criticisms and retaliations from those who will be quick to place blame.
At the end of the day, the terrorist don’t come out victorious. The amount of support pouring in from around the world is a testament to the camaraderie among the nations and proves one thing: Their hate-filled beliefs cannot, and will not, break us. The French military and police forces deserve an applause for their swift actions as they continue to work towards stabilizing the situation and hunt those responsible for tonight’s atrocities.
Without rambling any further, I leave you with this:
I, ainsi que le reste des États-Unis , est là pour vous.
James T Higdon 
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