A Different Feeling in the Air

I have a couple of posts planned based on my attendance at a medical record software conference the past couple of days, but I wanted to start with a note.

I've been coming to this conference for something close to 5 years now. Although the conference itself has gotten larger in that time, the energy level I feel here has diminished. It could just reflect perspective from my own state of mind, but I believe this is a valid observation.

My sense is that the fundamental reason the energy level and enthusiasm has diminished is that this conference used to be, in the true spirit of American innovation and entrepreneurship, an idea factory, with people motivated and anxious to find better solutions and make them happen, and share ideas with others.

Some of that still happens, no doubt. And there are many terrific advances and improvements we are seeing, many of them the end result of this ongoing 'idea factory' process and development over the years.

But where before there was a sense that WE were involved in making a difference, and that our individual efforts could change things, the feeling I get now is more of resignation, more of taking notes on our marching orders from government as dramatic increases in regulation and government power and control take hold. This seems to be the message of this conference. My take home is: "the government is now calling the shots, and your/our job is now to understand those the best we can, and minimize our risks and costs in the face of the demands of government."

Why is that so deeply dispiriting to me? There can be advantages in terms of having consistent processes across many organizations. There are some requirements that can lead to some general improvements in medical care. But they come at a heavy cost, not least of which may be the lessening or loss of that vital, energetic, sometimes-chaotic yet amazing power of American innovation.

And yet, as evidenced by my efforts and yours in blogging, sharing, discussing, and spreading the word, it's possible all is not lost, that we can recapture that power in our society. But it will most certainly take sustained and intelligent efforts from all of us. We need to re-convert many of our fellow family, friends, and other Americans to the wonder and power that comes when government is kept limited, it's power applied only within specific bounds, and the government otherwise stays out of our lives, and allows us to determine the directions of our lives individually and together as we voluntarily choose, contribute, and work.

Be strong, folks! This is a critical year, and it must be OUR year.