I think you are on point. I, too, have found that the ability to have open, honest, respectful discussions to have all but vanished. I do not have to agree wi

I think you are on point. I, too, have found that the ability to have open, honest, respectful discussions to have all but vanished. I do not have to agree with a person to respect their right to that viewpoint. Sometimes we just have to agree to disagree. The world stops progressing at the intersection of openness and intolerance. Some people are great at praising their viewpoint in a way that gets the point across and that does not reflect judgment or offensive statements. Others are not as gifted in this ability. We are all different, but would we really want it any other way. Without our differences we would not have many of the products, inventions, technological advancements, etc that we have today. I do not want to have discussions with somebody just like me. I want to be continually learning and it takes interacting with people who have differing skills and viewpoints than myself. I personally posted that I did not agree with everything he wrote or some of the statements that he advanced as fact, but that I will always defend his right to exercise his right of free speech. My concern was not over whether Google had the right to terminate his employment, as that was up to Google, but that my concern was the long term effect such actions would have on an open environment which professes to allow one to exercise an opinion. The response I received was free speech does not protect one from being fired when my post had nothing to do with Google's legal right to terminate him or even whether they should or should not have done so. The response was "Really, this point is unbelievably obvious. Do you also go around crusading for the rights of foul mouthed mechanics and surly waiters who get fired for their speech?". Given this person made an assumption about who I am, I will give you a brief statement. I am first and foremost a woman. I am a mom and one of my children was diagnosed with a sub-70 IQ and autisim. My child has been called many things and such labels have never offended me. I simply view such statements as an indication of the speakers lack of knowledge, understanding and or sensitivity. I do not get mad, nor let it ruin my day. In this country we are afforded the right to free speech. They are free to say what they feel and I am free to respond verbally in the manner in which I feel is appropriate. I am not afraid to speak my mind or to confront difficult situations or discussions, I simply choose to be the bigger person. In short, I respect the rights of others and bring to any discussion respectful challenges and dialogue when I feel it is warranted. Sadly, I have learned over the last 10 years or so that I cannot expect others to do the same.