​Free speech and sensitivity

I'm not a Catholic, and only God knows if I even qualify as a religious person. But I like the new Pope. He reminds us that religion is about kindness, not imposing our will on others.

So in the wake of the Paris tragedy, when he told us that free speech has limits and that we should not make fun of the religions of others, I listened.

There is no stronger defender of the First Amendment than me. As a reporter, I stand second to no one in defending the French magazine's right to print their satirical cartoons. Certainly, though, they did not deserve to die.

But defending the magazine's right to print the cartoons is different than approving the cartoons.

Long ago our Supreme Court ruled free speech is not a license to put public safety at risk by shouting "fire" in a crowded theater.

And good taste and sensitivity to the feelings of others dictates self-imposed limits on what we say every day. That, too, is a principle of civilized society,

I think what the Pope was saying was there is a difference in having the right to do something, and doing the right thing.

I'm glad he reminded us. That, too, should be a part of this conversation.