"We all fully recognize and respect freedom of the press and expression but it must be coupled with press responsibility."

That was part of the U.S. Governments official response. That sentence should have ended with expression.

"We all fully recognize and respect freedom of the press and expression - PERIOD."

None of the images printed in any paper have warranted violence, none should have inspired riots. They provide valid social and political commentary and should be treated as they were intended - as tools to open reasoned and thoughtful debate, not a reduction to savagery. The current violence is not the fauly of the news papers, but those who have resorted to a violent response because their ideals are indefensible.

We are all Danes now

Muslims of the world be reasonable," wrote Mr Momani.

"What brings more prejudice against Islam, these caricatures or pictures of a hostage-taker slashing the throat of his victim in front of the cameras or a suicide bomber who blows himself up during a wedding ceremony in Amman?"

Those are the words of a Jordanian editor who reprinted the infamous cartoons in his paper, he was later arrested for his "Abuse of Freedom."

In my ongoing struggle to lay the foundation for my eventual and innevitable conquest of the known world, I have never quite found a respectable enough candidate to base my clone army off of.  You may ask...but Thad, thousands area already ready and waiting to swear allegiance to you and would gladly die fighting to make you their sovreign, well, I a.) consider that a horrible waste of human and intellectual capital b.) am flattered c.) you have to understand that no army on earth could stand up to my force composed entirely of armored, battle hardened clones of the new world boxing champion.  No nation would dare send its army of puny troops against even a squadron of my unwaiveringly loyal, unstoppable mega-russian based troops.  Even now, world leaders who were worried about the victory of Hamas or the growing threat of Iran are now sitting in their large comfy chairs shaking in terror and awe at the glory of Thad, even now they are having secretaries draft glowing letters filled with flattery and surrender to send to my volcanic fortress, even now they wait in terror, jumping at every noise that may be my invincible army battering down the doors of their palace / stateroom /etc.

The "Tragedy of Commons" is perhaps the only reason that governments exist. For on reason or another society evolved from anarchy, and in order to ensure its own survival insituted government to enforce social order. Without it those things we hold in common possession - from roads to the earth to food to all manner of things brought on by are ancestors settling down and starting to farm - would be raped, pillaged, and plundered by whoever amassed the power to do it, regardless of the rights of others.

I somehwat adhere to Adam Smith's proposition that indivuals acting in their own self interest will naturally result in the best interest for the common good...however this requires that there is an enforceable social structure limiting the ability of individuals to violate the rights and property of others. Game Theory tells us that given the choice between cooperating towards a common goal and acting in such a way as to maximize one individual's benefit act the expense of another is always made in the favore of acting selfishly, unless a personal cost is involved. A political system ensures that cost and limits the actions of people.

Anyway, like it or not government is necessary to ensure the common good. Can't get rid of it, best we can do is educate and participate ourselves to make it better.