With free speech comes responsibility

Re: ‘Harperman’ video lands scientist in ethics probe, Aug. 28.

Why is it that people believe that the rights of people in a democratic nation are absolutes? With the right of free speech and self-expression also come the requirement to be responsible and accountable for what you say and what you do. Do Tony Turner, a scientist in habitat planning at Environment Canada, and Diane McIntyre, who sang one of the verses in Harperman — a music video posted on YouTube — really believe that Turner is only a public servant while he is at work and that the ethical code that he is expected to abide by doesn’t travel home with him?

If everyone gets to pick and choose when rules and regulations apply to them and when they don’t, then we don’t live in a society where the rule of law protects us all from anarchy and chaos. When an attitude of selfentitlement trumps standards, then we are headed into a morass of confusion without a rudder.

I really do question Turner’s judgment when he could have waited a year until retirement and then, untethered from his ethical code, he could exercise his right to say what he believes is important. W.L. Gorman, Carleton Place