@New Judge
//I’ve given up trying to get everyone to concentrate on AOG’s question//
Not your job, NJ. AOG could have posed the question generically, with no news story attached.
He chose that specific story.
Usually, he wants to draw attention to the news item, ensuring maximum page views and (he probably hopes) maximum outrage. Getting a debate on the boil ensures visibility for hours at a stretch.
Trouble is, a generic version would be a very short thread.
"Is it wrong to sack someone for certain opinions?"
"Yes".
I suppose there is room for the alternative answer "it depends what views" but he has circumvented that by citing that news story for us to focus on.
It's hard to argue "yes, he deserved it" without delving into the details and stating what we think is reasonable or unreasonable. It is not off-topic, it is central to the aspect of the job description requiring impartiality.