privacy - banshee

this is what I don't understand. I was reading the posts below about MTs computers and companies who have inserted programs giving them the ability to see what is on your/their computer.

with all the fuss about privacy, why do we have none?  I had to have a background investigation for my job, my computer belongs to the company yet I pay the huge fee every month for the internet to connect it, there are probably all kinds of spy devices on it so they can easily see everything on the PC - but what is my expectation of privacy? 

it can't just work 1 way.  my privacy is also invaded everytime I am video taped in a store or gas station, bank, or where ever.  I do understand these things are needed, yet I don't understand the farce about privacy.

in the hospital ER last week (I have seen this a lot lately) I notice the new modern technology where the big flat screen is used for the techs, nurses and doctors in the room which pulls up all records and tests, everything they need.  cool, really impressive, heading toward the EMR, thanks to Obama by the way.  everyone who comes in the room uses the computer.  however, minutes later a tech comes in, sits at the computer and determines she has the incorrect patient. she then leaves the room but leaves the computer and screen facing out with all the information displaying each room, the patient's name and numbers, and the problems they are in for.  I have questioned this before as it happened at an MRI facility and also at a dentist facility.  Same thing, screens were left facing me with other patient's information.  personally, I would not want someone seeing my name on that screen and what my health issues are for a number of reasons, especially since I am a bit of a public figure in our town. 

might I add that hipaa is posted all over the hospital as well.

but boy, every move I make and whatever I do is monitored by my employer?  where are my rights to privacy, and basically why do I have none?  how do I know who sees my private information and what assurance do I have of how it will be used?  what do companies do with our background investigations.  hate to say it but some of these companies are not above board themselves, and are crooked in business.  can I have a background check on them as well?  how about their employees who have access to our personal information?

just food for thought.  I always thought hipaa was a bit of a scam, although I know there are a few legitimate issues. like my first hospital job the girl who was fired on the spot immediately for looking up a famous person's medical records, printing them, and then leaving them in the waste basket (as evidence!).  that was about 18 years ago, but I know information can be breached which can cause serious issues. but I think it goes too far, as everything does anymore, too extreme.  some of it is job security and justification - look how many people that employed.  like QA also to me is a lot of job security and justification because just having good managers will give you good QA.  mentors, people who train you, etc.  but there are companies now who even like to lower your pay by using 'quality' as tool to do that.  we are held to such high standards for quality, while these doctors and others who dictate deteriorate in their skills and responsibility for what comes out of their mouths. half the time they do not even sound like they care what they are even doing, let alone care for the patients themselves.

I am a bit of a cynic I know...but don't take me too seriously.