Doctor Doesn’t Want To Care For Those Who Voted For Obama by Michael Freedland

Really? Just when you think things can’t get anymore absurd in the healthcare debate, it happens. Mount Dora Urologist, Dr. Jack Cassell recently posted a sign on his office door that read, “If you voted for Obama…seek urologic care elsewhere. Changes to your healthcare begin right now, not in four years.”

We know the healthcare debate has been heated, however, some are questioning, and rightly so, if Dr. Cassell is violating his ethical obligation to treat patients. While his right to free speech should not be challenged, his discretion and judgment can. According to the Orlando Sentinel report , when Dr. Cassell was questioned about this very issue he responded, “I’m not turning anybody away-that would be unethical…but if they read the sign and turn the other say, so be it.” At the minimum, he lacks compassion. Moreover, he ignores the oath that he took to care for all people.

Partisan politics and disagreement over the philosophy of government is one thing, encouraging patients to seek medical care elsewhere because of who they voted for borders on the absurd.

We won’t always agree on Politics but there is one thing on which we can agree. We are all Americans and we all have equal rights under the same Constitution. We are citizens of the United States of America first regardless of our political (or nonpolitical!) party affiliation. In addition, whatever happened to acting like a human being and to virtues like mercy and compassion? Aren’t we all in this together?

It remains to be seen as far as what will happen to the good Doctor. He has already lost some patients due to his actions. What’s next is anyone’s guess but we will be watching closely as this situation continues to unfold. Meanwhile, it might be wise for us to purchase a billboard right across the street from his office warning people that he went to medical school in Grenada.