Freedom of Speech versus Freedom of Stupidity

So now Europe, particularly the Dutch, have gone and done a stupid. The media decided some cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed imploring Muslims to stop blowing themselves up, he was running out of virgins, would be pretty funny, and would make a salient point. What it did was piss off the entire Middle East. It was crass enough that they printed these cartoons once, which could be blamed on bad judgment, something us white people have plenty of, but then they decided to do it again, in the name of free speech, AFTER the Muslim world objected rather loudly. Well, my Dutch friends, freedom of speech is one thing, and I respect that, but rubbing it in after having made your point makes it obvious you don't know to quit when you're already behind. Moderate Muslims, if there truly are such creatures, can take a joke as well as anyone, but there's a limit to how much insensitivity any race, creed, or otherwise can put up with before they really get hot under the collar. And I don't blame them one bit. I myself insult the president on a regular basis, but even I observe a line that isn't necessary to cross. And that applies to everyone I have issues with. Make a point about what you think their shortcomings are, and go no further, for you don't know these people, and aside from the issues you disagree with, they might just be pretty decent people, no different in many ways than yourself.

Moderate Muslims try very hard to distance themselves from the hateful fundamentalist rhetoric that their brethren preach, and it pains them that their version of Jesus is blamed for how his words and deeds are twisted to suit those that sow the seeds of hate in the name of Allah. However, we here in the West seem to have no appreciation whatsoever for their efforts, and only make it hard for them to promote moderation when it comes to their religion. It's the same with many Christians; their own brethren paint them all with a coat of shame they would prefer not wear.

I personally believe that Islam faces the same problems as Judea-Christianity when it comes to rationality and the way these faiths are practiced in reality. Even the Hindu's, who most people think of as the perfect example of a non-violent sect, can get downright bloodthirsty when their faith gets insulted. When whole nationalities of people join together on one exclusive path to their God, you cross that path at your own peril. If you see a pit bull tied up in someone's yard, you only prove what a fucking dickweed you are if you go and poke at that pit bull because you've been told they have less than stellar personalities.

Like I said, I believe that freedom of speech is one of the most precious rights any person can enjoy. But as with any rights, especially those you take for granted, there comes at least some measure of responsibility. I might be wrong here, but I don't think there's any constitution that's been drafted in this world that specifically guarantees anyone the right to be a dickweed.