Liberty

A friend of mine has encouraged me to do a little experiment in perceptions. For over a year now, I have blogged on multiple issues from politics, religion, current events, and many on hospital issues.

The definition of a blog is a website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order. Blogs often provide commentary or news on a particular subject. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. Some blogs are purely commentaries of the author while others allow limited or unlimited comments. The format is purely up to the author. With the click of a button, the settings can change.

Some of my blogs have been serious, some humorous, many educational and several controversial. But up to this point, all have been open to comments from supporters and critics without restriction or censorship.

My friend thought that to demonstrate the point, I should eliminate the ability for any comments for a period of time and see how it makes people react. He felt it would be similar to the hospital making unilateral decisions without input or conversation from others and it would be similar to blocking websites from employees that give an alternative viewpoint.

Our country grants us liberties based on our constitution and laws. Liberty is generally considered a concept of political philosophy and identifies the condition in which an individual has immunity from the arbitrary exercise of authority.

The question then arises; does removing the ability to comment on my personal blog site restrict a liberty that everyone previously had?

Does removing the ability to read my blog from the hospital remove a liberty the employees previously had?

Does the CEO of FMHHS have the power to limit free speech? Can or should he arbitrarily choose what information is legitimate or what information is presented to Board Members?

In the meeting minutes several months ago, the comments made were:

• 
  Physician Blog
  
  Due to recent postings of inappropriate and personal comments, the physician blog has been blocked from all hospital computers, per Bryant’s request.
  
  FYI

So who decides what is inappropriate for everyone else or who decides to limit personal comments. I have always been a proponent of presenting all sides of the information and allowing people to make their own decisions. This blog has allowed everyone to comment. Some comments have been made by many anonymous responders and I agree that some have pushed the limits. But they have been directed at myself and others as well. The CEO is a public official hired by politically appointed Board Members and unfortunately criticism goes with the territory.

I also strongly believe in personal accountability for decisions that are made but this CEO evdidently thinks he is above accountabiltiy. This is where I see the real problem and will continue to hold him accountable for his decisions.

We will see how people feel after this little experiment. Everyone should then more fully appreciate the ability to comment rather it be from a negative or positive perspective.

We may not always get our “way”, but we should always get our “say”.

That is fairness. We don’t currently have this environment at FMHHS.