The Measure of a Man

Ever since the Danish cartoons were published, there have been numerous protests by the international Muslim community over the cartoons which many Muslims regard as offensive. Not a day goes by without a news report on some demonstration or peaceful protests over the issue. And to add insult to injury, some European newspapers also chose to publich the cartoons in a show of solidarity under the context of "freedom of speech".

I will not question the right of press freedom, but it is a fact that freedom comes with responsibility. Freedom is important, but it is also incontrovertible that a responsible press can do more to achieve world peace in this increasingly chaotic world. What is the worth of press freedom if it does more harm that good? Press freedom can be expressed in many more ways other than by such unfortunate means. But again, how should we react?

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.