Editor's blog 14 July 2008: Bastille Day

In France, 14th July is Bastille Day - a national celebration of the eighteenth century regicide that set the country on the path to republics various.

It is easy - sometimes too easy - for journalists and commentators to get into 'off with his head' mode. We would sometimes do well to remember Robespierre's fate - his zeal scared his co-conspirators, and he ended up facing the guillotine engine.

It's worth trying to find the fine line that can separate ardour from zeal.

I'd urge you to pop and look at the latest Health Policy Today, which reflects on some risks of turning clinical quality as measured by the public into a beauty contest - or more accurately, a niceness and compliance contest.

Happy Bastille Day.