Now That I Have Your Attention …

Several months ago, I took a sabbatical from cross-posting my thoughts on the higher-visibility blog HLSwatch.com. I also reduced the frequency with which I posted to this site.

I took both actions in hopes that the furore regarding my candor among co-workers at my day-job might subside. Alas, this has not transpired. If anything, the attacks have grown more frequent and more personal.

By their very nature, weblogs are intended to provoke passions or inspire reflection. Indeed, I have enabled the comment feature in hopes those readers who take issue with my musings would offer an intelligent critique in response. Instead, I get anonymous slurs like the one posted a few days ago that read, “You are a miserable turd.”

I am relieved that being a “turd” is yet another thing my colleagues consider me unqualified to do well. I would have been far more concerned if they had enough of a grasp of the English language to suggest I was an exquisite turd.

All joking aside, I have tried very hard to keep my arguments here civil and well-reasoned despite their controversial and unconventional nature. Likewise, I have avoided attributing my opinions to specific situations arising at work. Indeed, I often wonder whether these essays make much sense taken out of the context of my own life. Clearly, they do, but one far different from that intended judging by the reaction of people with whom I work.

To most of you, I hope my thoughts express concerns about the state of public service generally worthy of consideration and discussion.

Despite my efforts to avoid mentioning my employer or colleagues by name, they have seen fit to see themselves in my remarks. Many seem to believe the blog is actually about them despite the fact I have written it far longer than I have been employed in my present role. 

If you are one of those who sees yourself in these posts, then take note — this one IS directed at you.

If you have something to say, say it. Do so here and now. Make reasoned arguments and provide evidence to support them and I will quite happily approve the comments to appear on the site provided their publication would not amount to libel. If you can’t adhere to this simple rule, then start your own blog and post away to your heart’s content. For what it’s worth, I consider the antidote to free speech with which I disagree nothing more complicated than more free speech.

Just to be clear about this: If you have a right to stand up in public meetings and accuse me of engaging in unethical conduct and pursuing ulterior motives, then I have an equal right to speak my mind online and to defend myself against your unwarranted and unsubstantiated attacks.

I don’t ask much less expect you to agree with me. You are as entitled to your opinion as am I. Your efforts to silence me have not gone unnoticed, but they will be ignored.

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