I think it’s a sign that he doesn’t really care about you, sick people

If you’re a patient of Mount Dora, Florida doctor Jack Cassell, a urologist, and you also happened to vote for President Obama (therefore implying that you were for healthcare reform), you might have a bit of a bad surprise if you present yourself at his office these days and find this notification at his door:

If you thought that was jackass enough, if only gets better when he tries to make excuses:

Dr. Jack Cassell defended his actions in a story in today's Orlando Sentinel, saying he's not actually denying care to anyone who comes to his office for treatment but wanted to send a message to people who supported the president's health care overhaul efforts.

"I'm not turning anybody away, that would be unethical," he told the Sentinel. "But if they read the sign and turn the other way, so be it."

Cassell is a registered Republican who practices in a predominantly conservative community in Mount Dora, Fla., according to the newspaper.

He has also placed pamphlets in his waiting room displaying Republican messages on the health care plan.

You see? He’s not just a self-righteous asshat conservatard doctor who got his panties in a twist and decided to deny medical care to people simply because they voted for someone he disagreed with; he’s just trying to “send them a message” – that they should fuck off with their approval of Obama and ObamaCare – and if they choose to go get examined and treated by someone who won’t be shooting daggers at them because of their voting record, well, sucks to be them. You see, it’s completely different!

Naturally, as these things always do, this report raises the question: where is the line drawn between free speech and professional responsibility? I’ll sum it up nice and simply: on your own time and your own dime, you can say, do and protest against whatever you want (as long as you keep it legal). But as a doctor whose sole responsibility is to your patients and their well-being, you can just shut the fuck up about your beliefs – and your patients’ – and do your damn job.

Is that about right?