Freedom of speech won this time, heading sounds like out of many words that could have been stated, this one event is of many events has come to light.

I would state that media control almost all words heard over electronic media. Average Joes are rarely asked their opinions. Media interviews of tragic events may interview several eye witnesses at a location. People heard, often say the dumbest shallow minded statements.

Many topics mentioned in the media rarely influence long term outcomes. Audiences hear concerns yet very little change results.

Free speech is an illusion coming from ideas that politicians are exposed for dumb behaviours. Corruption inquires come and go with few people if any are going to jail. Bill Shorten is found to have done things wrong, eventually is found free of any blame.

People have short memories, while having quick judgmental beliefs.

One off quickly analysed readings, judged based on past want ot be beliefs, without considering several alterative reasons for anecdotal stories, leads continued beliefs in ideas that maybe false

Toni,

"....his ludicrous claims that his absurd views are somehow representative of Catholic teaching - they so aren't."

Why aren't they?

It's not really about freedom , is it? There are other matters involved which is why a soldier can be ordered to shoot and not go to prison. Our new boy , Charles III wants to write royal letters to MPs but his "freedom" there is some-thing to do with another Charles and parliament. Soldiers are public servants like the bloke on the council rubbish truck.
"Three key APS Values, set out in section 10 of the Public Service Act, underpin this relationship:
•s. 10(a): the Australian Public Service is apolitical, performing its functions in an impartial and professional manner

The APS Values mean that public servants should not become involved in any official capacity with promoting or commenting on a Government policy. Similarly, public servants should not in any official capacity criticise or comment on the policies of the Opposition or other political organisations18. Agency resources are not to be used to support political campaigns."
Using a military rank with a comment is way bad.

"....which is why a soldier can be ordered to shoot and not go to prison."

Could you clarify that remark a bit?
I seem to remember soldiers being executed because they followed orders to shoot.

Jah , ven zey breaken die Public Serviceisch Achtung , ziese bin schuttenisten.

@nicknamenick, Thursday, 17 December 2015 3:43:31 PM

Are you saying you have a superior legal expertise to the learned Justice Buchanan?

Are you even aware of the differing conditions for the Reserve? Or if the man concerned might not have been on duty when he expressed the subject opinion/s?