Stewart on Charlie Hedbo Attack: They Were Killed for Their Cartoons

“First, you know — I think we’d all agree 2014 was not a great year for people. But I think the hope was 2015 would bring a respite for terrible events that has been all too familiar for us but... our hearts are with the staff of Charlie Hedbo and their families tonight. I know very few people go into comedy as an act of courage namely because it shouldn’t have to be that. It shouldn’t be an act of courage it should be taken as established law. But those guys at Hebdo had it, and they were killed for their cartoons. A stark reminder that for the most part the legislators and journalists and institutions that we [indecipherable] and ridicule are not in any way the enemy. For however frustrating or outraged the back and forth can become. It’s still back and forth, a conversation amongst those on, let’s call it team civilization. And this type of violence only clarifies that. But of course, of course our goal tonight is not to make sense of this because there is no sense to be made of this. Our goal as it is always is to keep calm and carry on or whatever version of that saying is in your dorm room. We spend the majority of our day honestly in shock and grief but also searching for a segue. Back in to a program such as this.”