Walled In

The second day of school was no better than the first. UN Human Rights Law is interesting but the tutor keeps repeating himself. Its almost like as if somebody was counting sheep for you, trying to lullaby you to sleep.
EU Law today was so technical and boring. But its hard to fault the tutor. Trying to make something as bureaucratic as the EU sound interesting is like trying to make a Volvo handle like a Porsche 911.
Broke out of the academic wall by seeking solace in the library after class. Devoured a couple of newspapers and a few magazines before heading home. At least the day wasn't wasted.
Tempted to blog about the Muslim Cartoons situation, especially since I am in the eye of the storm. Overheard an American exchange student exclaiming loudly in a southern drawl at the canteen that he hopes nobody plans to bomb the Jyllands-Posten office which is next to his dorm. I shall limit myself to a few lines regarding the issue, sparing all of you a lengthy blogpost.
1. There are limits for almost everything in society, from speed limits to credit limits. Why shouldn't there be one for freedom of speech.
2. Two wrongs don't make a right. Printing offensive cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) does not give one a right to commit arson, vandalism and death threats.
3. Everything is a compromise. The West wants to promote free speech and Muslims want respect which they deserve. Offensive remarks really stretches the limit of freedom of speech. Try saying "fuck you" to any policeman and you'll probably get into serious trouble. But isn't that freedom of speech too? Similarly, muslims by burning and threatening death are demanding that Western society bow to a version of Islam that is rejected by most of their co religionist.
4. The solution? That the western press learn that being polite and sensitive does not mean sacrificing fundamental freedoms and rights. That the enraged muslims heed the calls of notable muslims like Hamid Karzai for restraint and forgiveness.

If only human beings were that simple.
If only the flames weren't being fueled by politics and power.