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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 2652 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 1505 Views
I agree. nossy - 02/02/2012 05:20:17 PM 1392 Views
I can understand it though. Sareitha Sedai - 02/02/2012 05:45:55 PM 1475 Views
I can too, it just isn't for me. nossy - 02/02/2012 05:58:33 PM 1402 Views
Actually, there are longer-acting forms of birth control than the pill. Dreaded Anomaly - 03/02/2012 12:37:42 AM 1383 Views
I do think that preventing abortions is their primary goal. Sareitha Sedai - 03/02/2012 01:08:05 AM 1376 Views
If they don't see that link, it's because they haven't looked. Dreaded Anomaly - 03/02/2012 02:42:42 AM 1462 Views
That is a little unfair. Joel - 03/02/2012 12:48:46 PM 1730 Views
Won't someone please think of the children?! Dreaded Anomaly - 04/02/2012 05:03:27 AM 1452 Views
I think you're leaving out some important points. nossy - 04/02/2012 03:40:48 PM 1343 Views
Ah, the good ol' silent majority. Dreaded Anomaly - 04/02/2012 07:32:29 PM 1349 Views
So which moron is feeding you this crap? Ray - 04/02/2012 10:27:15 PM 1404 Views
A zygote isn't a person, because it doesn't have a brain. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 12:33:29 AM 1378 Views
It worries me when we think alike.... Joel - 05/02/2012 01:22:35 PM 1467 Views
Brain waves at 8 weeks are a myth. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 08:46:06 PM 1524 Views
"brain function... appears to be reliably present in the fetus at about eight weeks' gestation." Joel - 05/02/2012 10:42:35 PM 1461 Views
Oh please. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 11:13:50 PM 1396 Views
Re: Oh please yourself. Joel - 06/02/2012 09:15:26 PM 1280 Views
Quite a telling reply. Dreaded Anomaly - 07/02/2012 04:38:20 AM 1378 Views
Re: I quite agree. Joel - 08/02/2012 06:03:23 PM 1573 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 1395 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 1416 Views
I see you have continued to provide no factual arguments. Dreaded Anomaly - 14/02/2012 04:53:28 AM 1719 Views
I presented factual rebuttals. Joel - 19/02/2012 01:56:45 AM 1462 Views
You continue to miss the point. Dreaded Anomaly - 23/02/2012 10:22:24 PM 1552 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 1477 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 1544 Views
Well, yes. nossy - 04/02/2012 11:14:47 PM 1482 Views
A silent majority may as well not exist, if it has no tangible effects. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 12:54:34 AM 1356 Views
You ignoring it is not the same thing as it having no tangible effect. nossy - 05/02/2012 02:11:36 AM 1472 Views
Ignoring what? You haven't shown me anything solid. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 05:25:23 AM 1355 Views
It's ok, we're done. *NM* nossy - 05/02/2012 09:29:05 AM 808 Views
Since few people oppose ADULT contraception access, that might be wise in this case. Joel - 04/02/2012 08:25:49 PM 1525 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 1398 Views
If you are arguing most sex ed opponents are naïve/ignorant, I agree. Joel - 05/02/2012 08:42:17 AM 1214 Views
Re: If you are arguing most sex ed opponents are naïve/ignorant, I agree. Dreaded Anomaly - 05/02/2012 10:04:59 PM 1411 Views
Re: If you are arguing most sex ed opponents are naïve/ignorant, I agree. Joel - 06/02/2012 08:57:38 PM 1345 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 1492 Views
Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Joel - 08/02/2012 06:01:32 PM 1601 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Dreaded Anomaly - 09/02/2012 05:30:58 AM 1449 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Joel - 11/02/2012 02:58:00 AM 1446 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Dreaded Anomaly - 14/02/2012 04:29:08 AM 1539 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Joel - 19/02/2012 01:54:30 AM 1434 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Dreaded Anomaly - 23/02/2012 10:59:32 PM 1757 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Joel - 07/03/2012 01:47:44 AM 1427 Views
Re: Yet, regrettably, not done misusing it. Dreaded Anomaly - 15/03/2012 10:27:23 PM 1654 Views
There are problems with the implants LadyLorraine - 03/02/2012 01:42:55 AM 1431 Views
Any form of birth control doesn't work for everyone, though. Dreaded Anomaly - 03/02/2012 02:37:00 AM 1448 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 686 Views
You have a talent for understatement. Joel - 03/02/2012 01:08:40 PM 1447 Views
What on earth does that have to do with anything? Cannoli - 03/02/2012 01:47:42 AM 1332 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 1387 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 1577 Views
I agree. Sareitha Sedai - 02/02/2012 06:00:17 PM 1360 Views
yes she is going to have to piss off one group or the other Ray - 02/02/2012 06:12:31 PM 1398 Views
Right nossy - 02/02/2012 06:24:14 PM 1452 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 1322 Views
Do you see a way Komen could have avoided pissing off one side? Sareitha Sedai - 02/02/2012 06:55:36 PM 1362 Views
No, I don't. I don't believe I said that? nossy - 02/02/2012 07:53:50 PM 1298 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 1481 Views
I know I'm not always clear. nossy - 02/02/2012 08:32:47 PM 1369 Views
Just curious... Narg - 02/02/2012 10:07:49 PM 1370 Views
Not at all. nossy - 02/02/2012 10:24:19 PM 1407 Views
Not at all? Narg - 02/02/2012 10:32:31 PM 1318 Views
No. nossy - 02/02/2012 10:47:04 PM 1260 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 1344 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 1355 Views
wow that may be the worst advice I had in weeks Ray - 03/02/2012 12:13:18 AM 1342 Views
Ooor, the best. nossy - 03/02/2012 12:25:56 AM 1321 Views
ok now you are just being mean *NM* Ray - 03/02/2012 12:46:12 AM 801 Views
The thread was going too well - I thought we needed the meanness. *NM* nossy - 03/02/2012 11:30:39 AM 741 Views
rabble rouser *NM* Ray - 04/02/2012 04:24:01 AM 815 Views
I misread this at first Sareitha Sedai - 03/02/2012 12:51:44 AM 1366 Views
not to mention codeine seems to make me double post Ray - 02/02/2012 11:17:26 PM 2409 Views
I'm not so sure I agree. Or not completely. nossy - 02/02/2012 06:14:11 PM 1317 Views
I don't diagree with the way you see it Ray - 02/02/2012 06:39:41 PM 1394 Views
More inevitable than anything, considering who started Komen. Joel - 02/02/2012 10:19:34 PM 1390 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 1440 Views
You don't know stuff. nossy - 02/02/2012 08:43:38 PM 1418 Views
I know the stuff that matters. Legolas - 02/02/2012 09:55:08 PM 1293 Views
That's true. nossy - 02/02/2012 10:34:32 PM 1419 Views
they may also be a afraid that PP will go the way of ACORN Ray - 02/02/2012 11:04:16 PM 1461 Views
"Accused" of = unfounded slander. Aeryn - 03/02/2012 12:13:30 AM 1487 Views
did you notice I called tactic disgusting? That doesn't mean it isn't effective Ray - 03/02/2012 12:45:10 AM 1422 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 831 Views
This is so foreign a debate for me Lews_TherinThelamon - 02/02/2012 10:16:15 PM 1428 Views
Must be nice. *NM* nossy - 03/02/2012 12:26:49 AM 823 Views
Re: stuff rebelaessedai - 03/02/2012 09:18:53 AM 1294 Views
I'm sorry, but what're we talking about when we're talking about "cancer" LadyLorraine - 03/02/2012 12:49:34 PM 1367 Views
Obviously not adenocarcinoma, no. rebelaessedai - 04/02/2012 07:36:06 AM 1457 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 1301 Views
Fair enough. rebelaessedai - 04/02/2012 10:17:31 PM 1457 Views
Once I looked up Nancy Brinker at Wikipedia it all made sense. Joel - 02/02/2012 10:54:34 PM 1458 Views
Re: Once I looked up Nancy Brinker at Wikipedia it all made sense. nossy - 02/02/2012 11:03:32 PM 1328 Views
After a little more digging I have to say you are probably right. Joel - 03/02/2012 02:23:14 AM 1244 Views
They restored funding incidentally Isaac - 03/02/2012 05:43:47 PM 1360 Views
Unless I've missed it nossy - 03/02/2012 05:56:15 PM 1394 Views
You must have missed it then Isaac - 03/02/2012 07:07:13 PM 1363 Views
If you're referring to Cannoli nossy - 03/02/2012 07:19:25 PM 1493 Views
Multiple was not an accidental choice of words Isaac - 03/02/2012 11:46:30 PM 1350 Views
Then I agree that maybe this is not the thread for you. nossy - 04/02/2012 12:41:42 AM 1391 Views
Re: Then I agree that maybe this is not the thread for you. Isaac - 04/02/2012 01:53:25 AM 1587 Views
Well, I'll try again for both of us. nossy - 04/02/2012 02:56:42 PM 1455 Views
Re: Well, I'll try again for both of us. Isaac - 04/02/2012 07:40:25 PM 1375 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 1484 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 1310 Views
I think that ship sailed long ago. Joel - 03/02/2012 08:45:13 PM 1339 Views
Truth Dannymac - 04/02/2012 02:07:20 AM 1377 Views
I do wonder a bit which lawmakers Fox thinks "pressured" Komen. Joel - 03/02/2012 08:29:50 PM 1312 Views
Beyond the 26 senators, I'd imagine rumor of the more reliable sort Isaac - 03/02/2012 08:46:31 PM 1399 Views
Well, if they wrote AS senators rather than friends of Nancy Brinker, that probably qualifies. Joel - 03/02/2012 10:24:11 PM 1426 Views
Judge for yourself Isaac - 04/02/2012 12:01:06 AM 1450 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 1381 Views
are you trying to disprove the study you posted? random thoughts - 03/02/2012 09:20:12 PM 1486 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 1320 Views
you admit you have no incite into what happened Ray - 04/02/2012 04:27:17 AM 1395 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 1449 Views
educated guess don't work when you are tinfoil hat wearing kool-aid drinker Ray - 04/02/2012 09:33:49 PM 1346 Views
Dude. nossy - 04/02/2012 11:20:49 PM 1231 Views
Yo mama? Joel - 05/02/2012 05:32:11 AM 1411 Views
whhhhhhyyyyyy nossy - 04/02/2012 11:23:58 PM 1403 Views
Why would I not think that? Joel - 05/02/2012 05:46:15 AM 1255 Views
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