When did opinion became personal attack?

It is disturbing to always read that the mere opinion of some people is regarded a personal attack by others. What happened to our democratic freedom of speech and expression? Disregad of our constitution is becoming the norm. Jacob Zuma is being portrayed by certain elements within the ruling party as an untouchable angel. Barney Pityana and other prominent individuals of our country were called names merely for making their opinions known about the state of the country's politics. They are crucified as Mbeki's puppets for being uncertain about the current ANC leadership. Barney Pityana is an academic leader at UNISA and he is entitled to have opinions on certain issues. The media needs to play its role, it should remind those "elements" that Freedom of Expression and Speech is allowed in this country.