> One would be wise to not talk about matters of which they know nothing about, especially if it harms their employer.

Hmmm...

  After Google interviewed a candidate for an executive job
  last year, that person sent a follow-up email to Sundar
  Pichai ... the candidate asked about the antitrust implications
  of a potential merger.

That's an absolutely valid question for a executive candidate to be asking their potential employer, considering concerns over recent years. However:

  An antitrust question to Mr. Pichai was seen as inappropriate,
  raising questions about the candidate’s judgment.

Not being able to ask material questions about the very environment they're being asked to perform in, is frankly bizarre.

Hopefully the candidate chose a better place.