Lou is one of the many kindhearted volunteers. She went to the quake zone although she knew her salary would be cut. Shouldn't we show some sympathy to her now? It's understandable that she is criticized by her hospital. But we need to remember these are critical time periods and it's necessary to give volunteers like Lou a fair deal.

Kou Jun (www.xhby.net): After the devastating earthquake struck Wenchuan, the whole nation was mobilized to offer help. At this moment, everyone is eager to do something for the affected area, many by going to the scene. Among the warmhearted volunteers, many managed to go there by taking leave from work or even lying to their families. Lou's behavior is just an extreme example.

If the hospital could confirm that Lou was helping the injured in the quake zone during the three days' absence, it should consider more acceptable punishment. At the same time, Lou also needs to think about what she did.

What's more, volunteers are not always in tune with society. While volunteers are trying to work for a certain objective, it's necessary to let them feel wanted by the rest of the society.

Chun Hua (Modern Express): Lou did make a mistake. Actually, if she had stayed in the hospital, she would also have been able to save the victims from the quake zone. Therefore, it's reasonable for the hospital to impose some punishment.

Although the punishment is reasonable, it is not emotionally acceptable. Quite possibly, the hospital did not consider the relationship between labor disciplines and morality. In accordance with normal procedures, before it fires an employee, an organization should first discipline and guide the employee, and see whether he or she is ready to correct the mistake.

The rules are rigid, but people are flexible. When an employee has violated labor disciplines because of promoting social morality, it's necessary to exempt the employee from punishment. Never should the employee be frightened of doing good deeds because of the fear of being punished by labor disciplines. Even if it is to safeguard the dignity of hospital disciplines, this overly severe punishment is not a good option. The ultimate goal for any system or rules is to serve social interests, not to restrict people's freedom.

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