slippin, Hinch, Jones and Laws made their money and reputation by provoking emotion- words of all kinds come easily to them, and they really don't shrink when it comes to controversy. Most of us may be like them, and say words, and perhaps apologise if others take grievous offence to them. Why did we say them in the first place, though? Perhaps we meant them at the time, or we wouldn't say them.
The difference is that Jones- and the others mentioned- become indelibly linked to the brands they sell. Mercedes' response is an interesting one- most Aussies wouldn't be able to afford one, so some protest movement would barely touch their bottom line. They just didn't like the comments, they said, and perhaps believe it damages their reputation.
Alan Jones can say what he likes in private, but he would have been invited to the Young Liberals' event because of what he says in public, and therefore the public/private line for him and many famous people, is blurred (Tom Cruise- actor or Scientologist comes to mind). Mercedes et al have just as much right to pull their their advertising, as Jones has to free speech. It's a balancing act.
