The story behind this photograph is in Time magazine.  

My thought is that if someone here were shot dead by the police at a peaceful demonstration, even fewer people would exercise their right of free speech.  

I know so many people who are afraid to speak out on local issues because it might hurt their career, or their social standing or their earning potential.  Or their neighbors might shun them.  Or they might not be invited to parties. Their boss may not believe the same as they do. 

Many of us just want to live in Bellingham but not get involved.  We love the outdoors and the cocooning.  It is uncomfortable to speak out and so we often do not.  

Shaimaa al-Sabbagh did not want to die.  We can be sure of that.  But she was shot by the Cairo police or military - does it matter? - and it seems they were not even targeting her.  Just a shot at the peaceful protestors.  From a police shotgun with bird shot.  Read the story.