ORIGINAL: MikeL


I find it interesting that you think it necessary for someone to identify their AMA number in order to pose a question. I don't know about you, but like most people I have an interest in my personal privacy. Supplying a number is hardly verification of identity or membership. If the AMA allows those who do not hold office or employment by the AMA to check a membership database, that's a privacy concern. Is that possible? Can someone who doesn't fit into one of those two categories access an AMA membership database? If so, that is very troubling. If that were the case, such a thing would need to immediately be changed.

I would assume that the AMA values the privacy of its members, and does not make such a database available to the general public. Working on that assumption, just what is the point of the hoop that Horace is attempting to put up? It appears to be a private agenda, and a misuse (in my opinion) of apparent authority.

Your attitude is akin to the attitude of conformance. "Papers, please!" is an unkind phrase. To most Americans it is an anathema to our senses of freedom and privacy. Before you align yourself with such a camp, please think of the historical connotations associated with it. I would not be proud to ask someone why they won't identify themselves just to ask a candidate a mere question. Part of why I chose to serve my country was to support ideals that run counter to that sort of authoritarianism.

To answer your questions, I have nothing against someone asking me if I am a member. I may answer as I choose. I won't divulge my personal information without what I consider good cause. Am I embarrassed about being a member? Of course not. What, beyond some childish form of peer pressure, would prompt you to suggest such a thing? Pride? I'll decide where and when to display how I feel about my membership. I try not to get emotional about such unimportant things, and I tend to think this world would be a better place if fewer people casually gave their opinions and feelings on a wide variety of subjects. I'm not the type to put a bumper sticker on my car. Perhaps you are?

Again, I ask why an AMA EVP candidate is afraid to publicly answer questions from anonymous individuals. Are the questions inappropriate? Do they violate the forum rules? Are they an affront to decency? If the answer to all three of those is no, then an individual asserting their right to privacy should not bar the asking of the question.