And I reckon he is right.

Of course one of the most important tenets of democracy is freedom of speech.

Now I believe most of the outpourings of commentators such as Andrew Bolt, Ray Hadley, Miranda Devine and Alan Jones are absolute dribble, inspired by ignorance and a determination to never let the facts ruin a good story.

But I have to admit, grudgingly, they have the right to make such comments - unless they are totally false in fact or are directly meant to incite violence.

So Attorney-General George Brandis was right when he told the Senate, people have the right to be a bigot. And that means, rightly, it is not unlawful to merely offend, embarrass or hurt someone else’s feelings.

But there are ways of fighting back.

So when sponsors and other radio networks withdrew their support of Alan Jones when he made those disgusting comments about Julia Gillard’s father they were not denying him free speech.

They were merely saying “Listen mate, we do not want to associate our products with someone who would make such a moronic statement”.

The problem lies when there is a power imbalance and the people being targeted are powerless and unable to fight back, such as our indigenous folk. 

But that is when the rest of us can fight for them, through such things as letters to the editor and the powerful medium of social media.

The fact is freedom of speech is a lot more restricted these days than it was a century or so ago.

Someone gave me a book “The Bumper Book of Insults” – the perfect gift for an old curmudgeon such as myself.

And I’ve got to say today’s commentators have it tough compared to what you used to be able to get away with. For example, Sir William Schwenck Gilbert (1836-1911): “No one can have a higher opinion of him than I have – and I think he is a dirty little beast”.

And, believe it or not, he was talking about an old mate.

The biggest disservice we can do ourselves is to strangle the right to freedom of speech.

So people who do not believe in global warming or who are in favour of closing our national borders have their right to express their opinion – no matter how ignorant you think their views might be.

The answer lies in education - not legislation restricting freedom of speech.

Of course, one way to validate your argument is to find a scapegoat and these days it is usually a white, middle-aged Catholic male.

Although I support abortion in some circumstances there are aspects of it I would like in the public forum. But I can’t give an opinion because the topic only belongs to women – or those who support abortion in all instances.

That is despite the fact there are many other Christian and non-Christian religions or non-religious people who have concerns about the topic – not just some Catholic males.

But perhaps there are many people who would say this is a perfect description of me: “A gap-toothed and hoary-headed ape, who now in his dotage spits and chatters from a dirtier perch of his own finding and fouling….” Algernon Swinburne (1837-1909) on Ralph Waldo Emerson.

A bit harsh but I’ll wear it.