You are correct (in all but my talents as a cartoonist ;} ). I disagree about giving the State Department "freedom of speech". They supposedly speak for the current Administration and they should remember that.
Only individuals can be granted freedom of speech; that freedom is freedom FOR speech, not freedom FROM others' speech. IOW, there is no "freedom from offensiveness".
You want that, then turn off the TV, radio, and don't set foot outside your house. (Make sure you get the teenagers out of the house first, however) ;)
The State Department wasn't engaging in "freedom of speech" the State Department was engaging in diplomacy, which is their legal duty. Now you might disagree with the thrust of this tiny diplomatic maneuver, or you might agree with it. In any event, it has nothing to do with the State Department having or not having "freedom of speech". They are doing their job as they see it. That's all.