One of the fundamental tenets of good journalism is the presentation of news in an unbiased manner, presenting all sides of an issue and allowing the reader to evaluate this information and formulate their own opinion. In fact, a free and unbiased press is a bedrock of democracy. The editorial page is the proper forum to express opinions and pronounce judgment.
Similarly, the Ohio State Medical Board has unparalleled power and freedom to conduct investigations and impose penalties, without the usual cherished constitutional constraints that govern virtually every other aspect of law in our society. This makes the important role of protecting our public from substandard medical care much easier, but it depends on the unbiased integrity of those who are ascertaining the facts.
It is my belief that in this case (Bluffton doctor admits to sexual misconduct, The Lima News, June 24), the aggressive actions of an investigator coupled with the desire to publish news, and the ensuing publication of news with input from only one side, has essentially resulted in a public lynching and has circumvented the constitutional intent of due process of law to determine the truth.
Although it is impossible to comment further given the serious legal issues involved, the combination of uncontrolled investigation with an eagerness to increase audience has effectively destroyed a medical practice and permanently destroyed the reputation of that practitioner. All this without any input from the one who has been destroyed.
And those who have lost the most are the ones who will not receive medical care that could have been provided.
How sad.
— James Gideon,
Pandora
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