Kevin you are so wrong. You act like you are entitled to your job. You serve at the pleasure of your employer and if your presence in his company becomes unproductive(read "disparaging") then it is his right - no, his obligation - to send you packing with your sorry, anti productive tail between your legs.

Unless of course you work for the government in which case anything goes. That is why your taxes are so high, because anti productivity like you propose costs money and government employees get away with it.

Dude you need to change your attitude or go into government work.

We have the freedom of speech, and along with that we have responsibility for our actions.

Nobody is denied the right to bitch and complain, but nobody is guaranteed employment, either. Just because someone is fired for disparaging his boss does not mean that he is being repressed. He was free to speak his mind, and simply suffered the consequences.

Great article, Kevin. I do need to disagree with Wilfred and Nathaniel, however.
You see, it all comes down to an individuals' power. Just because you do not own the particular corporation, does not mean that you lose all of your human rights. Human rights includes your right to speech without being punished.
Wilfred, it seems to me that speaking up about problems within a corporation does not spell "unproductive." In fact, just the opposite. It takes some real worthless individuals to "turn a blind eye" when confronted with ethical issues.
We live in a democracy. We choose to practice capitalism. However, the most successful individuals in this great country become that way because they have been able to vent frustrations, stand up for their beliefs, and pursue happiness. Only corrupt individuals would like to exterminate these rights.
These are very democratic rights. These are rights given by God. Wilfred, i'm not sure you want to mess with something like that! I think you should cut your losses and spend the rest of your life becoming a better person.

There's a difference between blogging that your employer is producing toxic waste, beating the staff, or stealing from the stockholders, or even missing a terrific opportunity in the market...and blogging that your boss has coffee breath, demonstrates poor delegation skills, or promted a golfing buddy to a job you think you deserved.

Whistle-blowing for the public good? A-OK. Genuinely wanting better for the company, its stockholders and its customers? Terrific. Publicly complaining about a workplace and co-worker eccentricities that irritate you? Knock yourself out - just be prepared to suffer the consequences.

You are not "owed" a job, and the right to free speech also includes taking responsibility for the impact of your expression.

Besides, life is short. If you have tried your best to change your attitude and/or the culture, and are still so unhappy that you find yourself becoming angry, bitter and unprofessional, then take a break from blogging angry, bitter and unprofessional things and polish your teeth, your shoes and your resume. Find a better place to work.