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Well, a public letter makes whether they signed it "Sen. so-and-so" irrelevant: It is political. Joel Send a noteboard - 04/02/2012 04:07:20 PM
Dear Ambassador Brinker,
We write to express our disappointment with Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s decision to cut funding for breast cancer prevention, screening, and education at Planned Parenthood health centers. This troubling decision threatens to reduce access to necessary, life-saving services. We urge Komen to reconsider its decision.
Planned Parenthood is a trusted provider of health care for women and men. More than 90 percent of the services provided by Planned Parenthood are primary and preventative including wellness exams and cancers screenings that save lives. Each year, Planned Parenthood health clinics provide 750,000 breast exams, 770,000 pap tests and nearly 4 million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases. Twenty percent of all women in the U.S. have visited a Planned Parenthood health center.
For the past five years, grants to local affiliates of Planned Parenthood have been an important part of Planned Parenthood’s work to protect women from breast cancer. Komen funding for Planned Parenthood has provided nearly 170,000 clinical breast exams and resulted in 6,400 referrals for mammograms. In 2011 alone, grants from Komen provided Planned Parenthood with roughly $650,000 in funding for breast cancer prevention, screening, and education. According to a recent statement by Komen, “In some areas of the U.S., our affiliates have determined a Planned Parenthood clinic to be the best or only local place where women can receive breast health care.”
It would be tragic if any woman —let alone thousands of women — lost access to these potentially life-saving screenings because of a politically motivated attack.
We earnestly hope that you will put women’s health before partisan politics and reconsider this decision for the sake of the women who depend on both your organizations for access to the health care they need.

The letter is signed by Senators Lautenberg, Murray, Mikulski, Boxer, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Menendez, Wyden, Blumenthal, Shaheen, Begich, merkley, Tester, Akaka, Sanders, (Sherrod) Brown, Leahy, Baucus, Cardin, Feinstein, Franken, and Kerry.

Emphasis mine on 'partisan politics' because I find that horribly ironic in a letter signed by members of only one party.

Obviously the content of the deliberately public letter contains no threatening or inappropriate language, and I think we can skip formal analysis of it. I'm quite sure most of the signatories are speaking honestly and passionately here anyway, my issue is with them sending it at all.

Sending it does not bother me, but sending it as senators rather than private citizens, or personal friends of Komen board members, does. A senator writing AS a senator is political, and I agree it is also partisan if they seek out colleagues exclusively from the same party to co-sign. Legal? Almost certainly. Right? I am less sure.

Trying to appease all sides is usually a spectacular failure; one would have thought Obama had proven that (as big a football fan as he supposedly is one would have thought someone told him to dance with the one who brung him; oh, well.) At this point, their best bet is probably to shut up for a while and let things die down a bit before any more statements, since anything and everything they say now will just make it worse. The rule, though it can be demanding of ones discipline, is that when in a hole one should STOP DIGGING.

One can usually rely on someone grabbing a shovel anyway :P

True; often comprehension of the situation only dawns with exhaustion and the sheer magnitude of damage, by which point it is too late.

Maybe I am cutting it too finely, but it makes a difference to me whether they used stamps or franking privileges. Senators should be allowed personal feelings and personal appeals apart from their offices so long as they do not involve the office. It sounds like these did, which would make it political pressure; not sure though.

I'm not accusing them of anything illegal here, even on the off chance someone violated one of the various arcane rules. I'm not questioning their intent either. It is political pressure, and its directed at a private charity. I don't want throw too much mud but imagine if a major Rape charity cut funding to self-defense courses because the local dojo also ran a pistol range. I'd think it pretty screwed up if half the GOP senators wrote a public letter to them, and I'm pretty sure media reaction would be negative.

I doubt media reaction would be much different; each side would line up to attack/defend the decision and the media would broadcast it live like fifth graders screaming, "FIGHT, FIGHT!" on a school playground. The media are a bit like bookies: They do not CARE who wins, only that everyone BETS, so THEY "win" whoever wins the political contest. I would not even mind so much except that, in democratic elections, adjusting the line a la Fox affects the outcome.

Nature of the beast, but Komen set themselves up for it. Again, we should not pretend the decision happened in a vacuum. Also once again, I am forced to wonder why Komen bothered funding cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood in the first place since it seems to have made this day inevitable. Perhaps it was not inevitable from the start, but a certain small but vocal element within a certain political party made it so due to that partys connections with Komens founder. In that event, I am back to my last response to rt: However this ends, whether it was a political matter was decided the moment Komen made their first announcement (and the subsequent one you linked pretty much says that outright, without stating specific causes.)

I won't deny Komen played a role in their own current mess, I'm just expressing generalized bitterness and cynicism about how good causes get hijacked, worsened by the fact that from a realistic perspective its often the best thing for the cause. I've no real fingers to point at anyone, this is just a dumb thing which happened.

No argument there, and it looks to be getting worse. Huff Post has a write up on where the focus seems to be shifting
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Susan G. Komen cuts funds to Planned Parenthood. (with updated edit) nossy - 02/02/2012 04:32:27 PM 2132 Views
The most annoying part is in the sixth paragraph- abortions are only a small part of their thing beetnemesis - 02/02/2012 05:08:07 PM 995 Views
I agree. nossy - 02/02/2012 05:20:17 PM 936 Views
I can understand it though. Sareitha Sedai - 02/02/2012 05:45:55 PM 985 Views
I can too, it just isn't for me. nossy - 02/02/2012 05:58:33 PM 907 Views
Actually, there are longer-acting forms of birth control than the pill. Dreaded Anomaly - 03/02/2012 12:37:42 AM 915 Views
I do think that preventing abortions is their primary goal. Sareitha Sedai - 03/02/2012 01:08:05 AM 882 Views
If they don't see that link, it's because they haven't looked. Dreaded Anomaly - 03/02/2012 02:42:42 AM 953 Views
That is a little unfair. Joel - 03/02/2012 12:48:46 PM 1157 Views
Won't someone please think of the children?! Dreaded Anomaly - 04/02/2012 05:03:27 AM 965 Views
I think you're leaving out some important points. nossy - 04/02/2012 03:40:48 PM 907 Views
Ah, the good ol' silent majority. Dreaded Anomaly - 04/02/2012 07:32:29 PM 869 Views
So which moron is feeding you this crap? Ray - 04/02/2012 10:27:15 PM 903 Views
A zygote isn't a person, because it doesn't have a brain. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 12:33:29 AM 904 Views
It worries me when we think alike.... Joel - 05/02/2012 01:22:35 PM 930 Views
Brain waves at 8 weeks are a myth. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 08:46:06 PM 1041 Views
"brain function... appears to be reliably present in the fetus at about eight weeks' gestation." Joel - 05/02/2012 10:42:35 PM 939 Views
Oh please. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 11:13:50 PM 908 Views
Re: Oh please yourself. Joel - 06/02/2012 09:15:26 PM 797 Views
Quite a telling reply. Dreaded Anomaly - 07/02/2012 04:38:20 AM 854 Views
Re: I quite agree. Joel - 08/02/2012 06:03:23 PM 1036 Views
You're taking an issue of objective facts and treating it like a day of playground gossip. Dreaded Anomaly - 09/02/2012 03:47:06 AM 911 Views
No, your source, in which there is very little that is objective, did that for me. Joel - 11/02/2012 02:59:45 AM 935 Views
I see you have continued to provide no factual arguments. Dreaded Anomaly - 14/02/2012 04:53:28 AM 1151 Views
I presented factual rebuttals. Joel - 19/02/2012 01:56:45 AM 953 Views
You continue to miss the point. Dreaded Anomaly - 23/02/2012 10:22:24 PM 1041 Views
No, I got the point: You expect me to accept a heavily biased, partisan and combative "source." Joel - 07/03/2012 01:47:37 AM 960 Views
The claim of brain waves at 8 weeks is still unsupported by evidence, i.e. a myth. Dreaded Anomaly - 15/03/2012 09:16:14 PM 1004 Views
Well, yes. nossy - 04/02/2012 11:14:47 PM 965 Views
A silent majority may as well not exist, if it has no tangible effects. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 12:54:34 AM 909 Views
You ignoring it is not the same thing as it having no tangible effect. nossy - 05/02/2012 02:11:36 AM 1003 Views
Ignoring what? You haven't shown me anything solid. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 05:25:23 AM 901 Views
It's ok, we're done. *NM* nossy - 05/02/2012 09:29:05 AM 544 Views
Since few people oppose ADULT contraception access, that might be wise in this case. Joel - 04/02/2012 08:25:49 PM 991 Views
Re: Since few people oppose ADULT contraception access, that might be wise in this case. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 02:11:28 AM 889 Views
If you are arguing most sex ed opponents are naïve/ignorant, I agree. Joel - 05/02/2012 08:42:17 AM 745 Views
Re: If you are arguing most sex ed opponents are naïve/ignorant, I agree. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 10:04:59 PM 908 Views
Re: If you are arguing most sex ed opponents are naïve/ignorant, I agree. Joel - 06/02/2012 08:57:38 PM 887 Views
I'm done discussing my use of the term "oppression." The Tim Ryan stuff is interesting, though. Dreaded Anomaly - 07/02/2012 05:37:05 AM 978 Views
Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Joel - 08/02/2012 06:01:32 PM 1059 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Dreaded Anomaly - 09/02/2012 05:30:58 AM 943 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Joel - 11/02/2012 02:58:00 AM 974 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Dreaded Anomaly - 14/02/2012 04:29:08 AM 1029 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Joel - 19/02/2012 01:54:30 AM 961 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Dreaded Anomaly - 23/02/2012 10:59:32 PM 1243 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Joel - 07/03/2012 01:47:44 AM 900 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Dreaded Anomaly - 15/03/2012 10:27:23 PM 1159 Views
There are problems with the implants LadyLorraine - 03/02/2012 01:42:55 AM 933 Views
Any form of birth control doesn't work for everyone, though. Dreaded Anomaly - 03/02/2012 02:37:00 AM 937 Views
Oh yes, I totally agree! My point is just that there are some barriers to handing out implants *NM* LadyLorraine - 03/02/2012 03:38:05 AM 438 Views
You have a talent for understatement. Joel - 03/02/2012 01:08:40 PM 920 Views
What on earth does that have to do with anything? Cannoli - 03/02/2012 01:47:42 AM 867 Views
I was actually kinda with you until you closed with that anathema I condemned in my response to rt. Joel - 03/02/2012 01:39:06 PM 887 Views
I agree that they have made Beast Cancer a cult but splitting with PP is just smart Ray - 02/02/2012 05:39:49 PM 1041 Views
I agree. Sareitha Sedai - 02/02/2012 06:00:17 PM 838 Views
yes she is going to have to piss off one group or the other Ray - 02/02/2012 06:12:31 PM 913 Views
Right nossy - 02/02/2012 06:24:14 PM 954 Views
it is a judgment call and I hope her decision is based on more than my guesses Ray - 02/02/2012 06:53:50 PM 833 Views
Do you see a way Komen could have avoided pissing off one side? Sareitha Sedai - 02/02/2012 06:55:36 PM 924 Views
No, I don't. I don't believe I said that? nossy - 02/02/2012 07:53:50 PM 827 Views
You didn't; I inferred it from the way you phrased that ("if she HAS to..."). Sorry. Sareitha Sedai - 02/02/2012 08:06:11 PM 901 Views
I know I'm not always clear. nossy - 02/02/2012 08:32:47 PM 912 Views
Just curious... Narg - 02/02/2012 10:07:49 PM 881 Views
Not at all. nossy - 02/02/2012 10:24:19 PM 936 Views
Not at all? Narg - 02/02/2012 10:32:31 PM 854 Views
No. nossy - 02/02/2012 10:47:04 PM 804 Views
My argument is based on my belief that the pro-choice women are more dedicated to women's causes Ray - 02/02/2012 11:17:24 PM 904 Views
Re: My argument is based on my belief that the pro-choice women are more dedicated to women's causes nossy - 03/02/2012 12:08:01 AM 901 Views
wow that may be the worst advice I had in weeks Ray - 03/02/2012 12:13:18 AM 841 Views
Ooor, the best. nossy - 03/02/2012 12:25:56 AM 835 Views
ok now you are just being mean *NM* Ray - 03/02/2012 12:46:12 AM 560 Views
The thread was going too well - I thought we needed the meanness. *NM* nossy - 03/02/2012 11:30:39 AM 509 Views
rabble rouser *NM* Ray - 04/02/2012 04:24:01 AM 522 Views
I misread this at first Sareitha Sedai - 03/02/2012 12:51:44 AM 904 Views
not to mention codeine seems to make me double post Ray - 02/02/2012 11:17:26 PM 1942 Views
I'm not so sure I agree. Or not completely. nossy - 02/02/2012 06:14:11 PM 833 Views
I don't diagree with the way you see it Ray - 02/02/2012 06:39:41 PM 900 Views
More inevitable than anything, considering who started Komen. Joel - 02/02/2012 10:19:34 PM 855 Views
Never having heard of any of those except PP, my opinion may not be the most relevant... Legolas - 02/02/2012 08:32:48 PM 978 Views
You don't know stuff. nossy - 02/02/2012 08:43:38 PM 937 Views
I know the stuff that matters. Legolas - 02/02/2012 09:55:08 PM 841 Views
That's true. nossy - 02/02/2012 10:34:32 PM 917 Views
they may also be a afraid that PP will go the way of ACORN Ray - 02/02/2012 11:04:16 PM 979 Views
"Accused" of = unfounded slander. Aeryn - 03/02/2012 12:13:30 AM 999 Views
did you notice I called tactic disgusting? That doesn't mean it isn't effective Ray - 03/02/2012 12:45:10 AM 910 Views
The investigation by Congress is well-known to be specious. It's the House GOP abusing their power. *NM* Dreaded Anomaly - 03/02/2012 12:41:58 AM 616 Views
This is so foreign a debate for me Lews_TherinThelamon - 02/02/2012 10:16:15 PM 951 Views
Must be nice. *NM* nossy - 03/02/2012 12:26:49 AM 616 Views
Re: stuff rebelaessedai - 03/02/2012 09:18:53 AM 860 Views
I'm sorry, but what're we talking about when we're talking about "cancer" LadyLorraine - 03/02/2012 12:49:34 PM 872 Views
Obviously not adenocarcinoma, no. rebelaessedai - 04/02/2012 07:36:06 AM 899 Views
I"m not that fussed. I'm just generally leary of research that has results like that LadyLorraine - 04/02/2012 08:35:04 PM 855 Views
Fair enough. rebelaessedai - 04/02/2012 10:17:31 PM 904 Views
Once I looked up Nancy Brinker at Wikipedia it all made sense. Joel - 02/02/2012 10:54:34 PM 925 Views
Re: Once I looked up Nancy Brinker at Wikipedia it all made sense. nossy - 02/02/2012 11:03:32 PM 863 Views
After a little more digging I have to say you are probably right. Joel - 03/02/2012 02:23:14 AM 809 Views
They restored funding incidentally Isaac - 03/02/2012 05:43:47 PM 825 Views
Unless I've missed it nossy - 03/02/2012 05:56:15 PM 922 Views
You must have missed it then Isaac - 03/02/2012 07:07:13 PM 841 Views
If you're referring to Cannoli nossy - 03/02/2012 07:19:25 PM 979 Views
Multiple was not an accidental choice of words Isaac - 03/02/2012 11:46:30 PM 866 Views
Then I agree that maybe this is not the thread for you. nossy - 04/02/2012 12:41:42 AM 888 Views
Re: Then I agree that maybe this is not the thread for you. Isaac - 04/02/2012 01:53:25 AM 1088 Views
Well, I'll try again for both of us. nossy - 04/02/2012 02:56:42 PM 924 Views
Re: Well, I'll try again for both of us. Isaac - 04/02/2012 07:40:25 PM 878 Views
well at least there will not be any doubt about this being a political decision random thoughts - 03/02/2012 06:24:14 PM 1029 Views
Re: well at least there will not be any doubt about this being a political decision Isaac - 03/02/2012 06:29:34 PM 807 Views
I think that ship sailed long ago. Joel - 03/02/2012 08:45:13 PM 836 Views
Truth Dannymac - 04/02/2012 02:07:20 AM 936 Views
I do wonder a bit which lawmakers Fox thinks "pressured" Komen. Joel - 03/02/2012 08:29:50 PM 830 Views
Beyond the 26 senators, I'd imagine rumor of the more reliable sort Isaac - 03/02/2012 08:46:31 PM 912 Views
Well, if they wrote AS senators rather than friends of Nancy Brinker, that probably qualifies. Joel - 03/02/2012 10:24:11 PM 949 Views
Judge for yourself Isaac - 04/02/2012 12:01:06 AM 964 Views
Well, a public letter makes whether they signed it "Sen. so-and-so" irrelevant: It is political. Joel - 04/02/2012 04:07:20 PM 897 Views
are you trying to disprove the study you posted? random thoughts - 03/02/2012 09:20:12 PM 958 Views
To me, it depends on the nature of the contact, which I have not dug enough to discover. Joel - 03/02/2012 10:43:45 PM 870 Views
you admit you have no incite into what happened Ray - 04/02/2012 04:27:17 AM 873 Views
Actually, it looks like Komens new VP (and former GOP GA gubernatorial candidate) had the incite. Joel - 04/02/2012 04:24:14 PM 926 Views
educated guess don't work when you are tinfoil hat wearing kool-aid drinker Ray - 04/02/2012 09:33:49 PM 822 Views
Dude. nossy - 04/02/2012 11:20:49 PM 778 Views
Yo mama? Joel - 05/02/2012 05:32:11 AM 930 Views
whhhhhhyyyyyy nossy - 04/02/2012 11:23:58 PM 900 Views
Why would I not think that? Joel - 05/02/2012 05:46:15 AM 817 Views
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