Charlie Hebdo, The Survivor’s Edition, Has Hit Newsstands

Charlie Hebdo, the survivor's edition, has hit newsstands and for the once struggling newspaper, the irony isn't lost on the remaining staff that buckled down, reminiscent of September 11 New York scribes, who through the tears remained true to the calling.

Led by Editor in Chief, Gerard Biard, Charlie remained the slightly skewed, offensive, which means the world in its critique should also.

Of course, the Prophet Muhammad who got them into this mess is given the cover, again. A kinder, gentler Muhammad, one who somehow bears a resemblance to the origins, a moderate religion that accepts others for their beliefs, with his tears and rallying cry of "Je Suis Charlie." The translation literally means "All is Forgiven." The interpretation is, of course, freedom must remain, above all else, we must remain free to write, to publish, to worship, as we choose.

So today, the surviving staff bestowed the first post apocalyptic cover to the Prophet who explains the freedom to worship is yours no one, even those who repeatedly lampoon, mock, or seem to repeatedly cross the line, can take it from you.

Christians didn't fare much better in the first post massacre edition. And, quite honestly neither did any of the other religions of the word. Political leaders were mocked, customs that can be seen as prisons were also held up, challenged and ranked with the ridiculed.

Essentially, Charlie Hebdo stayed true to its roots and created an issue, a testament to its leaders, to those whom gathered daily, poking fun with playful humor at the war cry of religions, choosing to live free, with sophomoric humor drawing wicked caricatures of religious leaders, the policies of the day, corruption and duality of leaders, those directing the sincere hearted into hate while satisfying debauchery and the extreme carnalities they've hidden so well,  giving way to the rise of extremism, hate and murder.

The deceased cartoonists left behind a body of work which was featured. The demonstration, which more than 4million citizens of the world, predominately Parisians and those from the countryside and as far as away as the Middle East along with citizens of the United States, marched silently, defiantly, through the streets of Paris holding "Je Suis Charlie" signs.

Of course, with more than 40 of the most influential leaders of modern times marching in unity, sans the leadership of United States of America, freedom has echoed across any territorial boundaries and, as citizens of the world, is our foundation.  

The staff has used their new found infamy and wondered who will lead, as those who pushed and shoved them to the brink repeatedly are gone.

The developed sense of humor of those whom most have never known is showcased and to hear the stories of rapier wit, biting sarcasm, prankster fun,  and a belief the cause remains worth the concern, the dedication, to ensure the actions of the extremists are not hidden were portrayed quite honestly with a brand of funny that clearly wasn't mainstream.

Of course, cartoonists' drawings of the day were also featured.Giant pencils aimed with precision at the ass of those who believed violence and murder can silence the voice that through an extreme toilet bowl humor gives a voice to the threat rising from the east.

The words and pictures are poignant the dedication beyond words and description.

An unprecedented 3million copies were printed and have according to media already sold out in Paris. An additional 5million copies have been requested. The normal circulation for the weekly satirical newspaper is around 60,000. The staff is housed under heavy guard at the offices of Liberation.

Issues of Charlie Hebdo  in the United States will be harder to secure. Between Wednesday and Saturday it will be clearer if, when and where the magazine will be available. Copies can be purchased on Ebay and through the Charlie Hebdo website.

Bravo! Magnifique! A job well done. Thank you.

For more information: http://www.charliehebdo.fr/index.html

Haute Tease