IN THE early 1700s French play write Francois-Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire, wrote “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.” These words were ‘echoed’ by George Orwell: “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”

The terrible events in Paris this week will have prompted many to reflect upon such words.

My guiding principle is that ‘people should not only be aware of their rights, they should also be aware of their responsibilities; together with a respect for other people’s equality of rights, their property and their environment’.

This allows us to dispute elements of other people’s views, highlighting how you regard them as absurd, without ridiculing their core beliefs – but respectfully listening to and further challenging their response.

I appreciate that this is not always apparent in some of the intense political exchanges reported in our media. However, I believe that the majority of people are able to grasp the strength of feeling and the essential themes that are being contested; even when the views expressed are totally abhorrent to them.

It is an alarming fact that including those killed at the offices of Charlie Hebdo, the ‘Committee to Protect Journalists’ website identifies 486 journalists throughout the world, who have been murdered since January 2000.

We have the right to freedom of speech, we have the responsibility of challenging views that do not reflect the voice of our communities, and we have the duty to oppose all those who seek to take these rights and responsibilities from us.

January 2015, as with every New Year, offers opportunities for a new beginning or a renewal of commitments.

Towards the end of 2014, the findings of the Caerphilly Cohort study highlighted a dramatically lower chance of developing diabetes, cancer, heart disease and dementia if people did not smoke, have low alcohol intake, take regular exercise and have a balanced diet. How many of our new year’s resolutions focussed on changing these aspects of our lives?

It appears that despite the many public health warnings to change our lifestyles, we are still failing to live healthily.

May I express to all Argus readers the hope that they remain steadfast to their resolutions and every best wish for 2015