What is the author's opinion on freedom of speech and a politician's responsibility to think before they speak?
Pam,
His remarks are those of ignorance and intolerance. Regardless of whether or not I found them offensive (I did),  I believe in his right to say them. That is what freedom of speech is about.
Should members of an elective body think before they open their mouth and insert their foot ?
One would think so but if you have a person who is so ignorant as to say what he did, then it its highly doubtful that he knows what is civil, polite or socially acceptable speech and behavior is. 
Let us hope he is just ignorant and that he can learn from his mistakes. 
But, if this young man is a egomaniac who feels intellectually superior and entitled, therefore is above the rest of us, then I am glad that he spoke out as he did. 
Because, like a snake who sheds his skin, or a skunk who shows his stripe, he has revealed his character and comes up lacking. 
Anyone who would base their vote on hearsay instead of facts, or who lacks the common sense not to stick his foot in his mouth is a buffoon.