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That what unites us.

That what unites us. Appeal to all democrats

The mothers and fathers of the Basic Law wrote “Human dignity shall be inviolable”. Therefore, the people of Germany acknowledge inviolable and inalienable human rights as the basis of every human community, of peace and justice in the world. At the time they formulated these sentences Germany was down and out - both materially and morally. Years of terror perpetrated by Germany, the brutalization of society and violence had cost millions of human beings their lives and laid large parts of Europe to waste. These experiences helped to form the Basic Law. In particular it protects basic human rights – human dignity, the right to equal treatment before the law, the right to freedom of religion and speech as well as the right of asylum. Since reunification these rights also apply in the new German states, which is the reason why thousands of people took to the streets in 1989.

They risked life and limb for freedom.

Today, we are shamed by the fact that once again a climate of exclusion and a willingness to use violence is spreading just 27 years after the peaceful civil protests in our country - including in Saxony and Dresden.

We are determined to stand up to the arsonists, the populists and those who oppress with violence. We are not going to look the other way when the law is broken. We will stand together and defend our Basic Law and our democracy - without resorting to violence, with a sense of decency and respect.

Everyone in our country is allowed to become what he or she wishes to become, as long as they do not infringe the rights of others.

They are entitled to express their opinions freely, practise their religion without hindrance and to live as they wish.

Freedom and equality in the eyes of the law are valuable fundamental values of our society that must be defended.

Debates on political and social topics are what a robust, liberal and pluralistic democracy is all about. They are expressed with tolerance and respect for our democratic opponents.

A free society can only exist if there is freedom of speech. Controversial arguments made in good faith belong to the very fibre of democracy, as does the acceptance of different opinions. Competing discourse makes clear what is important to us, what unites us and what characterizes us. We will not tolerate hate, open hostility or verbal abuse.

We want to live in a society that upholds solidarity and welcomes new ideas and people with open arms. It is our humanitarian duty to support people in need of help. Humanity and empathy are more powerful than hate and violence, civil commitment stronger than rejection.

Despite our different political opinions we are united by the basic rights enshrined in our Basic Law. We will resist the enemies of democracy with everything we have at our disposal; however, we are open to dialogue with everyone and anyone who seeks answers!

We stand firm against violence and exclusion!

We stand for tolerance and respect!

Let us show courage and embrace humanity!

That is something upon which we can all agree.