Journal of Sacred Work

There it was, (six lines down in the blurry screenshot) just as Liz Wessel had advised me. Someone from the "FBI Criminal Justice Information System" (a daunting title) actually clicked in to check on, of all things, our Journal of Sacred Work! (Our system only tracks by geographic location or server title only.)

   Why us? Beats me. We are so not political that our Journal reads like a hospital newsletter. Except for this single column because I guess even we need to speak up. 

   Since this administration (fact not politics) is banning Maya Angelou's poetry, temporarily removing a Jackie Robinson exhibit, harassing America's universities, disrupting our healthcare system with threats against both Medicaid and recklessly leaking our nation's defense secrets why not come after a tiny, non profit journal supporting tired caregivers since 2006.

   We are not only not controversial, but it is impossible to even imagine any kind of federal violation. I should know. I was a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice for three years. The FBI I worked with investigated bank robberies, kidnappings, extortion plots… What are they up to now?   

   Welcome to our new America. Okay. Many months ago I posted a column about how bullying leadership in hospitals threatens caregiving. Is that why the FBI is checking? Go ahead. Arrest me. 

   Our President is NOT Hitler.  But is our government using some kind of dictator's playbook?

    If so, the current administration is getting even more reckless with their intimidation tactics. If so, legitimate charities and our best caregiving organizations are vulnerable. If so, not just free speech is at risk but so are all of our precious freedoms.

   If it is true that the FBI after us, God help you! 

-Erie Chapman