Reader gives open letter to tweet controversy

Dear Mr. Moffatt,

I would like to thank you. Thank you for reminding us of the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation, due to the countless thousands of men and women who have and continue to dedicate, risk and, in far too many cases, sacrifice their lives to afford us these freedoms.

Not the least of these, is our freedom of speech. But we also have the freedom to choose who we associate, or in this case, disassociate with. Employers certainly have that right as well.

I understand that, in all likelihood, your suspension was simply a result of Taber town council responding to public outcry over your seemingly callous “Karma” remark regarding the massive fire in and around Fort McMurray.

I could venture a guess that council is waiting for this public backlash to blow over and once it does, you will remain in your current position.

I am not writing to advocate for or against your continued employment. That is completely out of my hands.

But I would advocate that there is a lesson to be learned from your knee jerk reaction to this terrible situation.

Perhaps, before blurting out our every thought and opinion in a public forum such as social media, it might be wise to pause for consideration.

Because far too often in our society, freedom of speech is confused with freedom of consequence.

PETER WIEBE