Letter To The Editor:

I have traveled to many countries of the world. I can say with humility the US of A is by far the best country to call home. I am thankful for all those who have given their lives for my freedom which is so precious to me.

My heart was very disturbed to read what a fellow American has done to another fellow American concerning the right of freedom of speech. A right that has been abused by those who fear the power of the right (communism).

When the right of freedom of speech is used properly, good things happen. But when fear is dominate the good is seen as evil and evil as good.

Those who are obsessed with fear has missed the power of the freedom of speech. It has been proven many times over in the medical field the results of good caring people with good words to say in time of need. For someone obsessed with fear to tell someone to stop speaking good and powerful words to those in need that has certainly aided in their healing or receiving peace is very disturbing. What needs to stop are words that hurt, destroy, cause anger, etc. I am speaking of ugly curse words heard in the same environment.

Come on folks - let's get back to the good and call it good not evil - call evil as evil it is.

Here is the disturbing issue as I have received it. I am not sure what the WTC stands for - it is obvious a care-giving facility. The person receiving this lost their job because they did not sign to agree to stop using the power of good words in time of need. How far are we going to allow this kind of fear to go on? The following is quoted:

"APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR FOR OFFICE MANAGER.
The following have been observed in your interaction with patients, hospital staff,  physician office personnel, vendors, and other persons with whom you have contact:
!) Using phrases such as "Praise the Lord," "God Bless You," "We love you," "What is it baby?" "The Lord will take care of you," and other similar ones are not appropriate. As we have discussed previously, you could use the following phrases, "Thank You," "you've been very helpful," "I appreciate your help," "have a good day," "may I help you?"
2) Praying with patients/family members in the WTC is not acceptable, especially when this is a decision you made without request. If a patient does request prayer, a response such as "I'll keep you in my prayers" or "I'll be praying for you" may be more appropriate.
3) Inviting people to your church or witnessing to them from your personal belief/faith is not appropriate. When you sense that a patient may be upset or needing comfort, you should say to the patient, "Be sure to talk with the doctor/nurse about this." Your addressing these situations diverts your attention from your job responsibilities."

Final Words. Whoever is the editor of these guidelines need to travel and consider staying in those countries where fear is dominate and there is absolutely no freedom at all.

R. David O'Neal,  Cleveland.
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