Retribution

I've been sitting in front of my computer for the last two days (and for almost ten days sometime two weeks ago) writing a paper on how one responds to mass atrocities. The usual indecision that plagues my existence has led to me changing my opinion on the issue every two hours or so.

I have this little note at the end of my draft paper that reads:

"Conclusion: Argue for setting up of a Permanent International Truth and Reconciliation Commission".

Fifteen minutes ago, it read, "Conclusion: Argue for selective prosecution of perpetrators".

At 6 pm, it read, "Conclusion: Argue for dividing prosecution between national courts and International Criminal Court".

At 10 am, when I began work for the day, it read, "Conclusion: ?".

At 11.40 pm last night, it read, "Conclusion: Restorative justice rocks. My dear Waldo, you're right. Retribution is what the uncivilised opt for."

When I resumed work on this paper last morning, after one week of submitting other papers, it read, "Conclusion: Argue for screwing the bastards. Castrate all of them! (yes, I did assume they'd all be men!)"

What DOES one do with mass human rights violators?!

Desiring Buddhism

Dream on 23rd September, 2006.

Me: Buddha, I'm converting to your religion. Your thesis is the simplest and makes most sense.
Buddha: What is my thesis?
Me: Give up desire, and your life rocks!
Buddha: Its not that easy, you know.
Me: You don't know me... I can give up anything. I can live without any desire.
Buddha: Yeah? No cell phone.
Me: I'd love that!
Buddha: Okay, no TV.
Me: Please, I've lived in a hostel for four years.
Buddha: No 40 buck unlimited Andhra meal at Panchvati.
Me: But that's not desire. That's necessity.
Buddha: No fat salary, car, big house with all those elephant figurines.
Me: Um...
Buddha: Now, you still want to convert?
Me: I was just thinking - letting go of all your desires could one day become your desire, couldn't it?
Buddha: Um...

There, I won!