It is a very interesting and actually also important article, because as you say there will always be a reaction to the statement that we are giving.
I remember that the debate of the freedom of speach was the center of the attention in Denmark when a newspaper decided to publish drawings of the islamic prophet as a terrorist. The story went viral, and the reactions went wild from the some parts of the muslim population and many threats were given to the newspaper while the drawer was living for several years under protection(I don't know if he still does.).
In my opinion the one who really understands the beauty of the freedom of speaks and wants to change things will not chose to attack the other person but instead initiate a dialogue where there isn't any fear of opening topics.
Of course this is the beautiful of freedom of speech some will simply not use it wisely, just like in economy where some people also will invest their money wrong.
I remember the case. Some people get angry if someone burns their country's flag but the same will purposely insult another culture's sacred something or other. The ideas and reactions are extreme and in my view childish but, pushing someone's buttons and then expecting them not to react is ignorant.
To any act there will always be a reaction, positive or negative. If one expresses a strong opinion then he should also be prepared for a strong answer.
I agree we should be prepared for a strong response. Personally I try to give a good response instead. Fighting fire with fire is likely to polarise the opponents and achieve very little. I fail often at this though :)