When I decided to visit Paris recently I was intent on doing two things.

First of all to show some sort of solidarity for the Palestinian cause which I hold close to my heart.

I also thought it would be right to show my respect at the Hebdo offices.

Free press is an essential ingredient to a liberal and democratic society.

The senseless killing of those at the Charlie Hebdo offices was an attack on all people who wish to live in a liberal and free society.

I know it has been said many times before - you don't have to agree with what people say or print, but we defend their right to say it.

Rather a surreal experience, because the building is in a poor part of Paris and I was expecting some sort of memorial outside the offices.

With hindsight, not surprising given what Charlie Hebdo stand for and the risks.

However, I did see a postcard attached to the window from Sydney, which had the words 'je Suis Charlie'.

Rather a poignant moment for me, remembering those who were killed.

I would admit though that doing this might not bode well with some people in my community.

When I sent a picture out recently I got the familiar reply asking me ‘What I was doing there?’ I also got some people who replied basically calling me some ill-informed idiot who was ‘way in above his head’ and ‘didn’t understand the full picture’.

However, I must also say there were people who were oblivious to the picture and even welcomed the fact that I had taken time out to visit the offices. Even 'we' surprise 'us' sometimes.

Over the years on these very pages there have been stories that I may not myself agree with. I may not like it when writers choose opinions that go against my ideals. There may be stories that do go far too close to the edge.

We are able to publish opinions of all people and I am glad that at times I am given the opportunity to do so here.

But I think it was important to realise that we should stand up for killings done in our name.

And no-one deserves to die for this.

And it is, after all, only an opinion.