Columnists

I enjoy reading columns, but I was wondering where does one draw the line between a columnist's prized freedom of speech and journalistic professionalism? It's great that a columnist can take sides and doesn't necessarily have to be "fair," but I don't think this gives them the right to swear or use racial slurs. They are still a part of the newspaper and they should conduct themselves in a professional manner. To take this further, do you think it is unethical for a columnist to swear or use other derogatory terms? (I know they have another set of rules that apply specifically to them, but I am not well briefed on them.) Does anyone else agree or disagree with me? I would love to hear your thoughts.