Komen Foundation Caves to Right Wing Pressure, Defunds Planned Parenthood

The right wing war on Planned Parenthood

PoliticsJanuary 2012 • Views: 33,111

A terrible precedent: apparently caving in to the right wing crusade against Planned Parenthood, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has decided to cut off funding to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer prevention. It’s a concrete example of how the religious right’s reactionary anti-choice agenda is hurting women right now.

NEW YORK – Planned Parenthood Federation of America today expressed deep disappointment in response to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation’s decision to stop funding breast cancer prevention, screenings and education at Planned Parenthood health centers. Anti-choice groups in America have repeatedly threatened the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation for partnering with Planned Parenthood to provide these lifesaving cancer screenings and news articles suggest that the Komen Foundation ultimately succumbed to these pressures.

“We are alarmed and saddened that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation appears to have succumbed to political pressure. Our greatest desire is for Komen to reconsider this policy and recommit to the partnership on which so many women count,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

In the last few weeks, the Komen Foundation has begun notifying local Planned Parenthood programs that their breast cancer initiatives will not be eligible for new grants (beyond existing agreements or plans). The Komen Foundation’s leadership did not respond to Planned Parenthood requests to meet with the Komen Board of Directors about the decision.

To ensure that the Komen Foundation’s decision doesn’t jeopardize any woman’s access to lifesaving screenings and services, Planned Parenthood has launched a Breast Health Emergency Fund. The fund will offset the support that 19 local Planned Parenthood programs stand to lose from Komen. The Komen-funded Planned Parenthood programs have helped thousands of women in rural and underserved communities get breast health education, screenings, and referrals for mammograms.

Pink Bibles Recalled Because of Abortion Cooties

Also see

Why Komen Defunded Planned Parenthood

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136 comments

Kragar Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:26:40pm

I'm really getting pissed off with the self righteous sons of bitches shoving their religion into everyone else's business.

Lidane Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:32:28pm

No more pink ribbon products for me. Simple as that.

If anti-choice lies and fundamentalist religious propaganda are more important to Susan G. Komen than helping women in need, then screw 'em.

wrenchwench Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:32:32pm

In the war against women, as in the war against gays, the war against black people, the war against Hispanics, the war against immigrants, etc., it's the poor ones who are the first victims.

But it's not class warfare. //

TedStriker Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:33:43pm

The RWNJs keeping playing their long con against anyone who's a threat to their theocratic designs for America. Organizations like the Komen Foundation needed to and should have told these misogynistic throwbacks to pound sand, but that would have required a backbone first.

Cowards...

CuriousLurker Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:36:00pm

Women will die because of this, and their deaths will be on the heads of these fundie socon miscreants. I don't know how anyone who has ever loved a woman or a girl can vote for them.

Kragar Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:38:03pm

re: #5 CuriousLurker

Women will die because of this, and their deaths will be on the heads of these fundie socon miscreants. I don't know how anyone who has ever loved a woman or a girl can vote for them.

Its not their fault, God has a plan. Who are they to interfere?

Now off to get a Viagra refill.

simoom Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:38:19pm

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

Komen spokeswoman Leslie Aun said the cutoff results from the charity’s newly adopted criteria barring grants to organizations that are under investigation by local, state or federal authorities. According to Komen, this applies to Planned Parenthood because it’s the focus of an inquiry launched by Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., seeking to determine whether public money was improperly spent on abortions.

They're not even owning their decision, instead they're claiming it's the unfortunate side-effect of some brand new policy they've just adopted that just so happens to bump up against the current Planned Parenthood GOP BS going on in the Congress.

Iwouldprefernotto Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:38:25pm

This is going to hurt Komen more than it hurts PP.

TedStriker Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:40:21pm

re: #5 CuriousLurker

Women will die because of this, and their deaths will be on the heads of these fundie socon miscreants. I don't know how anyone who has ever loved a woman or a girl can vote for them.

It's easy, if one takes the twisted, misogynistic RWNJ view that women are chattel.

Targetpractice Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:40:46pm

re: #7 simoom

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

They're not even owning their decision, instead they're claiming it's the unfortunate side-effect of some brand new policy they just adopted that just so happens to bump up against the current Planned Parenthood GOP BS going on in the Congress.

Fraking cowards.

Political Atheist Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:41:30pm

re: #8 Iwouldprefernotto

This is going to hurt Komen more than it hurts PP.

Irrelevant. it's going to hurt ordinary women most of all. Sorry if I sound brusque,I'm about as angry as I get and still post. It's personal. PP has been very good to my wife when we had no money.

re: #5 CuriousLurker

Women will die because of this, and their deaths will be on the heads of these fundie socon miscreants. I don't know how anyone who has ever loved a woman or a girl can vote for them.

QFT

Gotta go take a deep breath. BBL

Dancing along the light of day Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:42:26pm

This is very sad news, but exposing these gutless wonders, helps the rest of us make our donation choices.

Bulworth Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:43:05pm

So rightwing groups will step up and provide the tests now. Right? //

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:43:46pm

re: #5 CuriousLurker

My feelings exactly.

These bastards and the Taliban have so much in common, it makes my blood boil.

Targetpractice Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:44:19pm

re: #13 Bulworth

So rightwing groups will step up and provide the tests now. Right? //

Sure, sure. But while you're here, have you given consideration as to your immortal soul? Now, we know you're not Christian, but God loves you, and we think you should accept that love as the Bible dictates.

Bulworth Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:45:41pm

So is Komen directing the money for tests to some other entitie(s)?

CuriousLurker Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:47:08pm

re: #11 Rightwingconspirator

Gotta go take a deep breath. BBL

Ditto. I can feel my pulse pounding in my temples. Time to step away. BBL

TedStriker Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:48:35pm

re: #8 Iwouldprefernotto

This is going to hurt Komen more than it hurts PP.

I guarantee that the backlash on this is gonna make the Komen Foundation pay attention; my estimation is that most private donations to them are from what could be considered "liberals" and "moderates", because I can't see RWNJs freely giving money to an organization that has given money to groups such as PP.

Let them reap the whirlwind on this gutless decision; hopefully, they'll reverse course.

Petero1818 Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:49:34pm

It's weird. I am having trouble with where my anger should be directed. I mean my anger towards the religious right and their campaign to deny women choice is a perpetual target for my anger. But I have to say I am really pissed off at the Komen group over this. In my mind they have tainted the pink ribbon campaign and I don't imagine I will look on that logo with the same feelings ever again. That is a shame. They have destroyed a brand that did a lot of good.

Charles Johnson Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:52:36pm

Remember the pink Bibles with abortion cooties, that were recalled by the Southern Baptists and taken off the market because of the Komen Foundation's link to Planned Parenthood.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:53:23pm

Wingnuts will be wingnuts.

The real villains here are the yellow-bellied bunch of fuckers that this "Komen" foundation directors are.

TedStriker Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:53:32pm

re: #19 Petero1818

It's weird. I am having trouble with where my anger should be directed. I mean my anger towards the religious right and their campaign to deny women choice is a perpetual target for my anger. But I have to say I am really pissed off at the Komen group over this. In my mind they have tainted the pink ribbon campaign and I don't imagine I will look on that logo with the same feelings ever again. That is a shame. They have destroyed a brand that did a lot of good.

It's actually pretty simple; the Komen Foundation deserves to be pilloried because this is a gutless, cowardly decision that they have made, while the RWNJs deserves it for doing what they do best, which is to be RWNJs.

Olsonist Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:54:42pm

re: #8 Iwouldprefernotto

This is going to hurt Komen more than it hurts PP.

If I'm an RWNJ this is double plus good news. But I'm not and this is bad. Hopefully, Komen will listen and reverse itself.

Petero1818 Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:55:29pm

re: #22 talon_262

It's actually pretty simple; the Komen Foundation deserves to be pilloried because this is a gutless, cowardly decision that they have made, while the RWNJs deserves it for doing what they do best, which is to be RWNJs.

Yeah I get that. But taking out the Komen Foundation will hurt women as well. The pink ribbon campaign was a marketing juggernaut that raised a lot of dollars and awareness to fight breast cancer. Writing them off has some deleterious effects too.

Iwouldprefernotto Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:55:58pm

re: #11 Rightwingconspirator

Irrelevant. it's going to hurt ordinary women most of all. Sorry if I sound brusque,I'm about as angry as I get and still post. It's personal. PP has been very good to my wife when we had no money.

re: #5 CuriousLurker

QFT

Gotta go take a deep breath. BBL

Don't know the outcome, but part of my point is that some will cancel donations to Komen and make them to PP instead.

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:56:08pm

re: #20 Charles

This is getting ridiculous from these fanatics. We no longer have to leave the US to deal with reactionary religious extremism.

It is now threatening women in their own homes, and intimidating businesses in our hometowns.

We need to become louder and more defiant of these wretched throwbacks.

wrenchwench Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:58:51pm

Sarah Kliff
@sarahkliff Sarah Kliff
Relevant: Komen Policy VP Karen Handel ran for public office on a platform of defunding Planned Parenthood (bit.ly/zQpnw2)

Targetpractice Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:00:11pm

re: #24 Petero1818

Yeah I get that. But taking out the Komen Foundation will hurt women as well. The pink ribbon campaign was a marketing juggernaut that raised a lot of dollars and awareness to fight breast cancer. Writing them off has some deleterious effects too.

Punitive action's called for, even if it amounts to nothing more than withholding donations or staging a letter writing campaign.

Kragar Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:02:20pm

Arizona Republicans Launch ‘All Out Assault’ On Public Unions

The bills include a total ban on collective bargaining for Arizona’s public employees, including at the city and county levels. The move would outpace even the tough bargaining restrictions enacted in Wisconsin in 2011 that led to massive union protests and a Democratic effort to recall Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

“At first glance, it looks like an all out assault on the right of workers to organize,” Senate Minority Leader David Schapira (D) told TPM on Tuesday. “And to me, that’s a serious problem.”

The bills were crafted with the help of the Goldwater Institute, a powerful conservative think tank in Phoenix that flew Walker to the state for an event in November. Nick Dranias, director of the institute’s Center for Constitutional Government, told TPM he sees Walker as a “hero” but that Wisconsin’s laws were “modest” compared to Arizona’s measures.

“In Arizona, we believe that the political will exists to do even more comprehensive reform,” Dranias said. “The environment, the climate that we face in Arizona is much more receptive to these kinds of reforms than Wisconsin is.”

Beyond a ban on collective bargaining, the bills would also prohibit state and local government workers from deducting money from their paychecks to pay union dues.

They would ban state and local governments from paying anyone to spend time doing union work, a practice known as “release time.”

And in another break from the Wisconsin model, the restrictions would affect every type of public union, including police and firefighters.

Locker Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:02:47pm

re: #2 Lidane

No more pink ribbon products for me. Simple as that.

If anti-choice lies and fundamentalist religious propaganda are more important to Susan G. Komen than helping women in need, then screw 'em.

Exactly.

Locker Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:08:49pm

Here is a thread on the Komen foundation website about this issue:

[Link: apps.komen.org...]

The Sound Off forum has a lot of these types of threads already:

[Link: apps.komen.org...]

Iwouldprefernotto Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:09:10pm

re: #27 wrenchwench

Checked out the link and this is the 2nd response to the article. Fuck her too.

I’m still concerned on how you can view that rape or incest is a cause to terminate a human life? These acts are appauling and animalistic, but if God chose a child to be conceived this way, then who are we to get rid of it? How can you add on to a tragedy? Thank you for supporting crisis centers as these tragedies can get help. We need to make adoption for these type of situations easier. There are so many couples that have so much love to give even if the child was not conceived in such a way.

TedStriker Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:09:34pm

re: #20 Charles

Remember the pink Bibles with abortion cooties, that were recalled by the Southern Baptists and taken off the market because of the Komen Foundation's link to Planned Parenthood.

Oh, yes, how could we forget?

How long before the RWNJs feel their oats some more and attempt to petition states to get rid of their Komen vanity plates?

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:12:20pm

re: #33 talon_262

We need to stop them before they get that far.

If we can get Congressional Control in November, the first order of business should be investigating the links between the Southern Baptist Convention, the Mormon Church, and the Catholic Church with Political Activism.

In addition, I think there may be grounds to impeach Justice Thomas. Try that as well.

jaunte Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:12:45pm

re: #32 Iwouldprefernotto

We need to make adoption for these type of situations easier.

This is part of the conversation that pisses me off. As the adoptive father of four, I can tell everyone that the barriers to adoption are not that high, and if the 'pro-life' forces really cared about the lives of children as much as they trumpet, there would not be any left waiting for years to be adopted.

Targetpractice Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:13:47pm

re: #32 Iwouldprefernotto

Checked out the link and this is the 2nd response to the article. Fuck her too.

I’m still concerned on how you can view that rape or incest is a cause to terminate a human life? These acts are appauling and animalistic, but if God chose a child to be conceived this way, then who are we to get rid of it? How can you add on to a tragedy? Thank you for supporting crisis centers as these tragedies can get help. We need to make adoption for these type of situations easier. There are so many couples that have so much love to give even if the child was not conceived in such a way.

I really, really have to wonder about a woman who believes that rape or incest is God's doing. How could a loving, caring God visit two of the most horrific experiences on a woman for the purpose of conceiving a life? If that's the God she worships, she's welcome to him, because I want nothing to do with such a cruel bastard.

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:13:50pm

re: #35 jaunte

They just a bunch of Authoritarian Hypocrites. To try and get them to change is a fool's errand.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:14:07pm

re: #35 jaunte

Man. Respect.

jaunte Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:15:54pm

re: #38 Sergey Romanov

Thanks; it really wasn't such a big deal, just the way things worked out.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:16:29pm

re: #35 jaunte

This is part of the conversation that pisses me off. As the adoptive father of four, I can tell everyone that the barriers to adoption are not that high, and if the 'pro-life' forces really cared about the lives of children as much as they trumpet, there would not be any left waiting for years to be adopted.

So true.

I intend to adopt with my partner when we are more financially stable (although we will see. My partner would certainly like a child of our own birth too).

Lidane Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:16:47pm

re: #24 Petero1818

The pink ribbon campaign was a marketing juggernaut that raised a lot of dollars and awareness to fight breast cancer. Writing them off has some deleterious effects too.

Now that they've defunded PP, maybe all those concerned religious fundamentalists will pick up the slack and give Komen money.

Personally, I don't give a damn. I'm going to toss out my pink ribbon products and won't ever give Susan G. Komen another dime.

mr.fusion Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:19:17pm

re: #2 Lidane

No more pink ribbon products for me. Simple as that.

If anti-choice lies and fundamentalist religious propaganda are more important to Susan G. Komen than helping women in need, then screw 'em.

I can't believe I'm saying this about Susan G. Komen, but I agree with you 100%. I'm done with them.

This is absolutely disgusting and a group like Komen should be above this nonsense. Just despicable

mr.fusion Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:22:04pm

re: #19 Petero1818

But I have to say I am really pissed off at the Komen group over this.

It's 100% on Komen. There will always be lunatics out there.......it's up to the group to do what's right. This decision by Komen is not right. No other way to look at it

Vicious Michigan Union Thug Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:22:25pm

I totally do not understand how cancer screening, prevention and treatment can have anything to do with abortion. What does Komen have to do with abortion? They are all about finding a cure for cancer!

I don't know how these people think.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:22:37pm

Pinkwashing in cause marketing
Komen has also been caught up in the controversy over "pinkwashing"—the use of breast cancer and the pink ribbon by corporate marketers, especially to promote products that might be unhealthful—in return for a donation to the cause. Komen benefits greatly from these corporate partnerships, receiving over $55 million a year from them.[46] However, critics say many of these promotions are deceptive to consumers and benefit the companies more than the charity.[47]
Organizations such as Breast Cancer Action, an advocacy group, say that such promotions are often financially ineffective.[48] For instance, in 2005 Yoplait donated ten cents to Komen for each lid mailed in by consumers at a time when postage to mail a letter cost 37 cents.[48] Since the Save Lids to Save Lives campaign began in 1998, Yoplait has donated more than $25 million to Komen. In 2010 their annual maximum commitment was raised to $1.6 million.[49]
In April 2010, Komen received national attention when it paired with fast food restaurant chain KFC to offer "Buckets for the Cure," a promotion in which fried and grilled chicken was sold in pink branded buckets. The collaboration garnered criticism from media outlets including The Colbert Report[50] and Bitch magazine,[49] and it raised concerns about the promotion of unhealthful eating habits and obesity.[51] KFC contributed over $4.2 million to Komen, the largest single contribution in the organization's history.[52] The partnership with KFC, which has since ended, allowed Komen "to reach many millions of women that they had been unable to reach before," said Brinker. Brinker did not quantify this opinion with hard numbers. [46]
[edit]Legal battles over trademarking
In 2007, the organization changed its name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and trademarked the running ribbon as part of its new branding strategy.[53] Komen has come under fire for legal action against other nonprofits or organizations using the phrase "for the cure" within their names. An August 2010 article in the Wall Street Journal detailed a case in which the organization Uniting Against Lung Cancer was told in a letter from Komen that they should no longer use the name "Kites for the Cure" for their annual fundraising event. Komen also wrote to the organization to warn them "against any use of pink in conjunction with 'cure.'"[54] More than 100 small charities have received legal opposition from Komen regarding various uses of the words "for the cure" in their names, at a cost of nearly $1 million per year in donor funds.[55] Among the offending charitable organizations and events were "Par for the Cure," "Surfing for a Cure," "Cupcakes for a Cure" and "Mush for the Cure".[55] Komen says that the organization protects its trademarks as a matter of financial stewardship and that they want to prevent confusion among donors. According to Komen general counsel Jonathan Blum, a mixup could result in a donation being inadvertently sent to another charity.[56] Others suggest that the trademark issue is more about dominating the pink ribbon marketplace.[57]

TedStriker Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:22:41pm

re: #24 Petero1818

Yeah I get that. But taking out the Komen Foundation will hurt women as well. The pink ribbon campaign was a marketing juggernaut that raised a lot of dollars and awareness to fight breast cancer. Writing them off has some deleterious effects too.

I don't want to "take out" the Komen Foundation, but I do want them to feel some pain over this half-baked decision.

Komen Foundation, actions do have consequences.

simoom Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:23:01pm

re: #27 wrenchwench

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

Planned Parenthood has been at the center of a lot of heated political battles lately. Most center on whether the group, as an abortion provider, should receive government funds for other services it provides, such as offering contraceptives and preventive screenings.

So far, plans to curtail Planned Parenthood’s funds within government have been stymied. Both the Democrat-controlled Senate and President Obama, for instance, stood in the way of House Republicans’ attempts to end Planned Parenthood’s federal funding. Similarly, when a handful of states passed laws that would have barred abortion providers (such as Planned Parenthood) from receiving federal dollars through Medicaid, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services stepped in. The agency has warned states that they could lose all of their Medicaid funding if they implemented such a policy. Those defensive moves have allowed Planned Parenthood to weather various political attacks.

In some ways, the Komen decision isn’t particularly surprising. The group has been under pressure from anti-abortion rights groups not to fund Planned Parenthood. It also hired a vice president last year who had previously advocated for the group’s defunding in her run for Georgia governor. With a congressional investigation underway, Komen pulled its support. And when private institutions move to cut off Planned Parenthood’s funding there’s not much Democrats can do.The only possible backstop here might be pressure from Planned Parenthood supporters pushing back in the opposite direction.

Political Atheist Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:23:49pm

re: #35 jaunte

This is part of the conversation that pisses me off. As the adoptive father of four, I can tell everyone that the barriers to adoption are not that high, and if the 'pro-life' forces really cared about the lives of children as much as they trumpet, there would not be any left waiting for years to be adopted.

THIS
(I hope it goes +100)

Alexzander Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:24:26pm

re: #42 mr.fusion

I can't believe I'm saying this about Susan G. Komen, but I agree with you 100%. I'm done with them.

This is absolutely disgusting and a group like Komen should be above this nonsense. Just despicable

The organization was always kind of ugly in my opinion.

They tried to trademark the phrase "for the cure" and I believe they actually sued other organisations for using it.

They have also allowed very unhealthy products to be endorsed under the banner of the organisation, as long as they provide a portion of their proceeds to to to the group.

This is not an aberration.

Lidane Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:25:03pm

re: #44 Alouette

I totally do not understand how cancer screening, prevention and treatment can have anything to do with abortion. What does Komen have to do with abortion? They are all about finding a cure for cancer!

I don't know how these people think.

It's all about the anti-choice zealots and their debunked lies that tie abortion to breast cancer.

sunnygal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:26:13pm

I suggest that those who are disgusted with Susan G. Komen Foundation, not contribute to them (and their "walks"), and send contributions to their local Planned Parenthood, to be used for breast cancer screenings instead. AND THEN, write to the foundation and tell them why you are no longer donating and that you are donating directly to Planned Parenthood. If a lot of people did that, I'll bet that PP would get a lot more money. I don't know what percentage of donations to the foundation actually goes to screening since there are layers of beaurocracy between the giver and the final payment. Not so, with local PP clinics.

Vicious Michigan Union Thug Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:26:21pm

I have to admit that I never liked the Komen marketing campaign of pink everything. Cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, great. Pink appliances, not so great. Pink electronics: gah. Pink cars: Mary Kay thought of that first.

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:26:21pm

re: #49 Alexzander

I just saw that from Mr. Romanov up on Post #45

The Left needs to be more fight-y.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:27:10pm

re: #53 ProLifeLiberal

I just saw that from Mr. Romanov up on Post #45

huh

docproto48 Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:28:29pm

I suggest not playing their game but attending races with banners of protest or even as the support planned parenthood team.

wrenchwench Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:28:34pm

re: #32 Iwouldprefernotto

Checked out the link and this is the 2nd response to the article. Fuck her too.

I’m still concerned on how you can view that rape or incest is a cause to terminate a human life? These acts are appauling and animalistic, but if God chose a child to be conceived this way, then who are we to get rid of it? How can you add on to a tragedy? Thank you for supporting crisis centers as these tragedies can get help. We need to make adoption for these type of situations easier. There are so many couples that have so much love to give even if the child was not conceived in such a way.

Looks like Handel caved to the RWNJ's first when she was attacked for approving funding for PP as a county commissioner. Now she's doing penance. Handel was called 'not pro-life enough' for supporting a woman's right to an abortion in the cases of rape or incest. Georgia Right To Life only allows for an abortion if the mother would be killed by carrying a fetus to term. I'm sure there are others who find that not 'pro-life enough'.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:29:00pm

re: #53 ProLifeLiberal

I just saw that from Mr. Romanov up on Post #45

The Left needs to be more fight-y.

The left can be as "fight-y" as you want it to be. LGF is for the most part center-left but there is an entire world beyond that.

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:29:52pm

re: #54 Sergey Romanov

What?

I think it's an okay way to refer to you.

re: #56 wrenchwench

These nuts need to be attacked as being the Christian Taliban. Because that is exactly what they are.

Lidane Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:30:12pm

re: #55 proto87

I suggest not playing their game but attending races with banners of protest or even as the support planned parenthood team.

Attending races or participating in them involves giving them money.

After this? Not a chance in hell. They can go get money from the anti-choice nutjobs instead.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:30:30pm

re: #58 ProLifeLiberal

Up to you, but that sounded like you were pissed off at me ;) I prefer "Sergey".

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:30:37pm

re: #57 Alexzander

We don't tend to be nearly as aggressive with Rhetoric as the Right.

Unfortunately, that is the only way we will win.

docproto48 Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:31:00pm

re: #56 wrenchwench

Looks like Handel caved to the RWNJ's first when she was attacked for approving funding for PP as a county commissioner. Now she's doing penance. Handel was called 'not pro-life enough' for supporting a woman's right to an abortion in the cases of rape or incest. Georgia Right To Life only allows for an abortion if the mother would be killed by carrying a fetus to term. I'm sure there are others who find that not 'pro-life enough'.

by this logic shouldn't rapists be able to get off on a god made me do it defense??

wrenchwench Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:32:38pm

re: #62 proto87

re: #56 wrenchwench

by this logic shouldn't rapists be able to get off on a god made me do it defense??

Or at least that God chose his victim, and decided she should conceive as a result...

The stupidity and cruelty never end.

Lidane Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:32:48pm

re: #62 proto87

by this logic shouldn't rapists be able to get off on a god made me do it defense??

They already do, since it's the woman's fault for how she dressed, what she drank, etc. After all, she provoked him, and he couldn't help himself.

///

docproto48 Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:33:42pm

re: #64 Lidane

They already do, since it's the woman's fault for how she dressed, what she drank, etc. After all, she provoked him, and he couldn't help himself.

///

excellent point

wrenchwench Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:34:10pm

re: #61 ProLifeLiberal

We don't tend to be nearly as aggressive with Rhetoric as the Right.

Unfortunately, that is the only way we will win.

Rhetoric doesn't win. Votes and money win.

Political Atheist Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:35:29pm

Pages are powerful, join me in this one, in direct support of the topic.

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Alexzander Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:36:02pm

re: #61 ProLifeLiberal

We don't tend to be nearly as aggressive with Rhetoric as the Right.

Unfortunately, that is the only way we will win.

We dont need to be "aggressive with rhetoric" necessarily.

I'd say it is more an issue of confidence (and grounding) in an ethical/political ideology.

It it no wonder that the democrats have so much difficulty inspiring strong speech, as they effectively stand for very little other than the popular (which is to say generationally old) current of leftism. it is nothing to be inspired by. It is in fact mostly pretty reprehensible.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:36:42pm

If Komen isn't funding mammograms, what are they doing?

Kragar Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:36:55pm

Gingrich Campaign In Debt To Super PAC Head, Paid Newt $47K For Email List

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:37:31pm

re: #66 wrenchwench

Fair point. What we need are ways to kneecap the right.

For example, this:

Islamic and Christian fundamentalists are generally opposed to each other, with the subscribing to opposing religions and all. However, creationist works and arguments critical of Darwinism tend to pass between both groups, as do tracts critical of homosexuality.

Use this habit of the Christian Right against them. Call them out on siding and helping terrorists. They want to accuse us of doing it? Two can play at this game.

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:39:28pm

re: #68 Alexzander

Then that might explain why I am so harsh for a Liberal. I tend to believe in Nordic-Style Social Democracy. Old, yes, but it works, and is relatively consistent on many issues.

Alexzander Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:42:10pm

re: #72 ProLifeLiberal

Then that might explain why I am so harsh for a Liberal. I tend to believe in Nordic-Style Social Democracy. Old, yes, but it works, and is relatively consistent on many issues.

Don't be afraid to be harsh.
Liberalism in American has to shed its pathetic egg-shell stepping history and anxiety. Be mindful of systems of oppression and one's own 'privileges', yet bold and strong in envisioning a more perfect union.

Anyway I'm out for a bit.

Political Atheist Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:43:36pm

re: #61 ProLifeLiberal

We don't tend to be nearly as aggressive with Rhetoric as the Right.

Unfortunately, that is the only way we will win.

You may underestimate your own side of the aisle. When I go to see Occupy, or May day, there is no lack of passion. Or smart rhetoric. (This time I mean rhetoric in the classical sense, not the pejorative)

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:44:16pm

re: #73 Alexzander

Why I generally like Scandinavia. Though, Sweden does need a law requiring transsexuals to be sterilized to be repealed.

kirkspencer Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:44:44pm

re: #35 jaunte

This is part of the conversation that pisses me off. As the adoptive father of four, I can tell everyone that the barriers to adoption are not that high, and if the 'pro-life' forces really cared about the lives of children as much as they trumpet, there would not be any left waiting for years to be adopted.

ummm, counterpoint. We wanted more than one child (wife had problems that meant one birth only), and tried to adopt a daughter. Sole income making 125% of median household income, owned a 3 bedroom house with just one child, my application was "taken under advisement", and eventually refused. They didn't like that I'd moved more than once in five years (even though from army to rental to purchase), they didn't like us having a sole source of income, and they didn't like the fact neither my wife nor I attended church regularly. Colorado, 1997.

Barriers can show up in the most unexpected places.

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:46:28pm

re: #74 Rightwingconspirator

No, what I mean it really pointed stuff to cause people to take a look at the other side in a poor manner.

The cooperation between Christian and Islamic Fundamentalists on Same-Sex Relationships and Evolution is a very good starting point. Everyone here remembers 9/11.

jaunte Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:47:48pm

re: #76 kirkspencer

True, we did have to put up a bit of a fight over the church attendance issue, too.

William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:48:03pm

re: #35 jaunte

This is part of the conversation that pisses me off. As the adoptive father of four, I can tell everyone that the barriers to adoption are not that high, and if the 'pro-life' forces really cared about the lives of children as much as they trumpet, there would not be any left waiting for years to be adopted.

Well, yes and no. We adopted internationally instead of stateside. I did not want someone (a parent or even grandparent in this state) to decide years later to oppose the adoption and legally steal the child back.

I love my son and would die if that could have happened. Instead we took a very long plane ride to Vietnam. Our finances have never really recovered but it was worth every penny.

Political Atheist Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:48:08pm

re: #77 ProLifeLiberal

I agree. Put it out there. Heck use those PAC donations for some of that.

William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:51:19pm

re: #76 kirkspencer

Wisconsin requires you to be a foster parent first. That's a huge honking barrier.

Kragar Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:53:21pm

re: #76 kirkspencer

ummm, counterpoint. We wanted more than one child (wife had problems that meant one birth only), and tried to adopt a daughter. Sole income making 125% of median household income, owned a 3 bedroom house with just one child, my application was "taken under advisement", and eventually refused. They didn't like that I'd moved more than once in five years (even though from army to rental to purchase), they didn't like us having a sole source of income, and they didn't like the fact neither my wife nor I attended church regularly. Colorado, 1997.

Barriers can show up in the most unexpected places.

Did they have a list of officially approved churches they would have found acceptable?
/

Fucking assholes.

jaunte Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:54:50pm

re: #76 kirkspencer

re: #79 wlewisiii

I do believe that if half the energy devoted by pro-lifers to preventing abortions was devoted to getting waiting children adopted, there would be many many fewer in foster care. But I don't think they're really struggling over who gets to care for the children after they're here.

allegro Tue, Jan 31, 2012 3:55:41pm

re: #76 kirkspencer

ummm, counterpoint. We wanted more than one child (wife had problems that meant one birth only), and tried to adopt a daughter. Sole income making 125% of median household income, owned a 3 bedroom house with just one child, my application was "taken under advisement", and eventually refused. They didn't like that I'd moved more than once in five years (even though from army to rental to purchase), they didn't like us having a sole source of income, and they didn't like the fact neither my wife nor I attended church regularly. Colorado, 1997.

Barriers can show up in the most unexpected places.

They now consider it better if both parents work outside of the home? Leaving the kids in day care?

Donna Ballard Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:02:28pm

I am deeply disturbed by the religious wackos of this world having so much power over a woman's right to choose. What are we, pets now? And my family wonders why I won't go to church anymore.
The next thing you know they're going to want to put cameras in our bathrooms, bedrooms and the right to monitor our doctors office records so they can stop a woman from choosing to exercise her right to her own body! If these so called people of GOD had their way every woman would be wearing a veil and declare them the property of GOD so that no one can say they have any kind of individual right except the members of their little anti-female rights church. I said it before, I didn't leave the Republican party, they left me. A long time ago.
This whole thing makes me want to puke. Excuse me if I go and do just that. I might be back later. Maybe.

moderatelyradicalliberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:06:23pm

re: #1 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I'm really getting pissed off with the self righteous sons of bitches shoving their religion into everyone else's business.

I'm getting equally pissed at the cowards who bow to them. I give to the Komen Foundation and do the walk every year, but not this year. My money will be going to PP and I will be sending the KF a letter telling them why I won't give to them again. If there is a walk to support PP I'll be doing that this year.

kirkspencer Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:06:25pm

re: #84 allegro

They now consider it better if both parents work outside of the home? Leaving the kids in day care?

If I'd made 150% of national median there wouldn't have been a problem. As it is they were afraid I didn't make enough to have savings and other protections in the event of loss of job or other disaster.

meh.

The whole adoption situation is a weird thing. The people running it really are trying to do right by the kids, and for the most part really do want people to adopt. At the same time they don't want to drop the kids in the hands of child rapists and people who don't realize what work it is to raise them. It's complicated by a lot of rules set up because of preconceptions of what does and does not do right by the kids -- church attendance, sexual orientation, residential stability, and so on and so forth.

The unfortunate thing is that it all boils down to perfect being the enemy of the good.

That noted, the number of people who object to abortion by saying adoption is the answer but have never even tried to adopt themselves is legion.

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:09:49pm

re: #87 kirkspencer

Right on that last paragraph. You have no idea how many well-off pro-life people I met in COS. I only met a handful of adopted people, and none my age.

Come to think of it I have yet to met anyone who was adopted from my age cohort. And I admit that I have never met a Jewish Person either.

Colorado Springs is a bit of a bubble.

jamesfirecat Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:11:23pm

re: #29 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Arizona Republicans Launch ‘All Out Assault’ On Public Unions

Dark Falcon, your party has some spalinin' to do!

(Only name dropping DF because he's the most vocal supporter of public union busting on the board though I'm pretty darn sure even he draws the line when you bust the unions of firefighters and police officers... still only time will tell)

kirkspencer Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:11:42pm

re: #85 Dragon_Lady

I am deeply disturbed by the religious wackos of this world having so much power over a woman's right to choose. What are we, pets now? And my family wonders why I won't go to church anymore.
The next thing you know they're going to want to put cameras in our bathrooms, bedrooms and the right to monitor our doctors office records so they can stop a woman from choosing to exercise her right to her own body! If these so called people of GOD had their way every woman would be wearing a veil and declare them the property of GOD so that no one can say they have any kind of individual right except the members of their little anti-female rights church. I said it before, I didn't leave the Republican party, they left me. A long time ago.
This whole thing makes me want to puke. Excuse me if I go and do just that. I might be back later. Maybe.

Atwood's Handmaid's Tale was 1985.
Heinlein feared Nehemiah Scudder in the 1950s.

kirkspencer Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:12:37pm

re: #88 ProLifeLiberal

Right on that last paragraph. You have no idea how many well-off pro-life people I met in COS. I only met a handful of adopted people, and none my age.

Come to think of it I have yet to met anyone who was adopted from my age cohort. And I admit that I have never met a Jewish Person either.

Colorado Springs is a bit of a bubble.

Oh, I'm aware of COS. Graduated from Harrison back in 1978, just to give you a little idea.

William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:15:09pm

re: #87 kirkspencer

That noted, the number of people who object to abortion by saying adoption is the answer but have never even tried to adopt themselves is legion.

This. Ever sweet loving Lord save us but, this.

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:15:33pm

re: #91 kirkspencer

Graduated from Liberty in 2008. Parents still live in Briargate. They have already said the moment my sister graduates (2014) the house is on the market. If she goes to college in state, they will go to another city.

If she leaves to another state, they go to Florida. They have had it with the city.

And so have I. It's a Reality-Free Bubble.

Political Atheist Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:17:23pm

re: #86 moderatelyradicalliberal

I'm getting equally pissed at the cowards who bow to them. I give to the Komen Foundation and do the walk every year, but not this year. My money will be going to PP and I will be sending the KF a letter telling them why I won't give to them again. If there is a walk to support PP I'll be doing that this year.

I'm trying to get email addresses for my letter. Not easy from the web site! If you have any, would you please get them to me? I clicked my nic.

I drafted this, it's in my drafts waiting for the right addy's.
Suggestions welcome.

""After reading recent reports of the decision to cut funding to Planned Parenthood, I was just appalled. While an arguably manufactured/false abortion controversy surrounds Planned parenthood, breast cancer efforts are above the fray. The work PP does with mammograms for women is beyond reproach. Please reconsider, and restore the funding. When the investigations are concluded I of course invite you to act accordingly.

Accordingly to your laudable focus on breast cancer.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,""

simoom Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:17:30pm

[Link: jezebel.com...]

The Susan G Komen Foundation's official line is that they didn't end their relationship with Planned Parenthood in response to relentless bullying from pro-life groups, but because the family planning organization is currently under investigation by Congress. They have a rule, you see, that bars them from contributing to organizations that are under investigation at the local, state, or federal level.

Interestingly, this brand new rule that suddenly appeared in the books of the Komen Foundation just so happened to coincide with a Congressional investigation launched by a Republican legislator, who himself was pressured by the pro-life group Americans United for Life. And last year's assault on Planned Parenthood also coincided with the addition of a vocally anti-abortion ex-politician to the ranks of Susan G Komen For the Cure.

Karen Handel, who was endorsed by Sarah Palin during her unsuccessful bid for governor of Georgia in 2010, has been the Foundation's Senior Vice President for Public Policy since April 2011. During her gubernatorial candidacy, she ran on an anti-choice platform, vowing that if elected, she'd defund Planned Parenthood. ... She even promised to eliminate funding for breast and cervical cancer screenings provided by the organization.

...

But other forces besides Karen Handel may be at work here. Komen's relationship with Planned Parenthood has been on the radar of anti-choice groups since the two organizations began their relationship in 2005. Last year, a shipment of pink Bibles were recalled after the publishing house behind them realized that by supporting Komen, they were kinda sorta supporting mammograms for poor women who received services from Planned Parenthood and thus kinda sorta supporting abortions, ...

...

At any rate, the lesson we can learn from all of this is that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. And then defund 'em and lie about why you did it.

William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:17:45pm

re: #90 kirkspencer

Atwood's Handmaid's Tale was 1985.
Heinlein feared Nehemiah Scudder in the 1950s.

Scudder was elected, according to the Future History, in 2012.

SCUDDER/ROMNEY 2012! The real outcome of the brokered convention ... ///

Decatur Deb Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:23:50pm

re: #96 wlewisiii

Scudder was elected, according to the Future History, in 2012.

SCUDDER/ROMNEY 2012! The real outcome of the brokered convention ... ///

Romney ahead of Gingrich by 20 pts with 7% reporting. Go find Mr Scudder.

William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:27:05pm

re: #97 Decatur Deb

Romney ahead of Gingrich by 20 pts with 7% reporting. Go find Mr Scudder.

He'll only come out of the smoke filled back room. ///

kirkspencer Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:27:38pm

re: #97 Decatur Deb

Romney ahead of Gingrich by 20 pts with 7% reporting. Go find Mr Scudder.

One of the reasons I always looked askance at Mike Huckabee...

100

Gus Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:28:33pm

The wingnuts are doing a little Snoopy dance over this. A little victory for the far-right factions in America. Another step towards a theocracy. Freedom loses at the hands of the Republican zealots once again in America.

101

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:29:31pm

politically commoditized, taken apart, hollowed out, stuffed with ideological wackos

breast cancer awareness and prevention itself, being cooked and dressed like a christmas turkey, to be consumed by the rich white republican men who control the tastes of Right Wing America

Is it becoming the new 80s? Can I at least have a real punk scene while the pigs burn the country down?

102

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:30:57pm

re: #100 Gus 802

The wingnuts are doing a little Snoopy dance over this. A little victory for the far-right factions in America. Another step towards a theocracy. Freedom loses at the hands of the Republican zealots once again in America.

Oh, i think there'll be some domestic terrorism before we get to theocracy ^_^

_{don't tell killgore tee hee}

Buy the ticket, take the ride!

103

Dancing along the light of day Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:31:21pm

re: #69 EmmmieG

If Komen isn't funding mammograms, what are they doing?

Fucking women's causes due to politics.

104

Decatur Deb Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:31:22pm

re: #101 WindUpBird

politically commoditized, taken apart, hollowed out, stuffed with ideological wackos

breast cancer awareness and prevention itself, being cooked and dressed like a christmas turkey, to be consumed by the rich white republican men who control the tastes of Right Wing America

Is it becoming the new 80s? Can I at least have a real punk scene while the pigs burn the country down?

There was no punk scene in the 1880s.

105

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:32:06pm

re: #104 Decatur Deb

There was no punk scene in the 1880s.

you win this thread :D

106

Wozza Matter? Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:32:29pm

re: #104 Decatur Deb

There was no punk scene in the 1880s.

Steampunk FTW!

107

Four More Tears Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:33:26pm

Hardly surprising that they don't want to fund an organization when abortion is 90% of what they do...

108

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:34:11pm

re: #106 wozzablog

Steampunk FTW!

Nikola Tesla and the Field Emitters, Live at Budapest

109

JAFO Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:34:39pm

Romney 50% to Gingrich's 30% with 41% reporting.

110

Wozza Matter? Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:34:45pm

re: #107 JasonA

Hardly surprising that they don't want to fund an organization when abortion is 90% of what they do...

#NotIntendedToBeAFActualStatement

111

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:35:06pm

re: #109 mracb

OT

Romney 50% to Gingrich's 30% with 41% reporting.

Don't drop out, Gingrich! Sit on Romney so he can't move!

112

Decatur Deb Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:35:56pm

re: #108 WindUpBird

Nikola Tesla and the Field Emitters, Live at Budapest

I worked at a lab with one of Tesla's students. One or both of us are/were old.

113

William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:37:47pm

re: #104 Decatur Deb

There was no punk scene in the 1880s.

Sure there was. We call it Ragtime.

114

researchok Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:42:43pm

re: #100 Gus 802

The wingnuts are doing a little Snoopy dance over this. A little victory for the far-right factions in America. Another step towards a theocracy. Freedom loses at the hands of the Republican zealots once again in America.

I'm less impressed with the cultural 'big picture'.

Undercutting PP ends up costing the rest of us in money and other longer term consequences.

Morality is supposed to be a responsible response.

115

Killgore Trout Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:43:09pm

re: #102 WindUpBird

Oh, i think there'll be some domestic terrorism before we get to theocracy ^_^

_{don't tell killgore tee hee}

Buy the ticket, take the ride!

Lovely.

116

Kragar Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:43:17pm

re: #113 wlewisiii

Sure there was. We call it Ragtime.

My compatriots and I proudly represent the antiquated learning institution from the Eastern portions of our fine metropolis.

117

funky chicken Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:43:50pm

re: #6 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Its not their fault, God has a plan. Who are they to interfere?

Now off to get a Viagra refill.

Or to force a very ill baby and child to undergo painful invasive treatments to extend its life, a la Rick Santorum. I didn't realize they have a trisomy 18 child and rejected doctors' recommendations to provide only palliative care at her birth. So these kinds of creeps ... gah. It makes me very angry. We'll leave it at that so I don't lose my LGF account.

118

TedStriker Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:45:51pm

re: #113 wlewisiii

Sure there was. We call it Ragtime.

Scott Joplin had some hellacious mosh pits at his performances, I hear.

119

zora Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:46:01pm

[Link: www.politico.com...]

CNN's Erickson revels in Occupy tasing

CNN commentator and conservative blogger Erick Erickson described the tasing of an Occupy DC protester as "hilarious" and "made of awesome" on his radio show yesterday.

"Watching a hippie protester get tased just makes my day," he said.

what will it take for cnn to fire this asshat?

120

William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:48:36pm

re: #118 talon_262

Scott Joplin had some hellacious mosh pits at his performances, I hear.

Never know what you'll find in Storyville...

121

JAFO Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:49:22pm

re: #119 zora

[Link: www.politico.com...]

CNN's Erickson revels in Occupy tasing

what will it take for cnn to fire this asshat?

A loss of revenue.

122

Killgore Trout Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:49:38pm

re: #119 zora

Speaking of OWS...
Cameras no longer welcome at Occupy Wall Street? Attack highlights conflict

Tim Pool, a mini-celebrity for giving OWS the Walter Cronkite treatment through his nonstop web-based, TimCast live video stream, was involved in some kind of scuffle at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday night -- there is, of course, video evidence. On other occasions, marchers have been seen harassing him and yelling for him to turn off his camera. And there are ominous statements directed at him online, like this one: "I suggest you stick by his side because unfortunately he's probably going to need protection."
...
I probably will get severely injured in these next coming months,” he said. “...I pretty much expect to wind up in the hospital. The threats I'm hearing, with words like 'protection' in them, sound awfully Mafioso."

Pool has been called a snitch who has helped police identify protesters for arrest. But he says transparency is one of the primary goals of Occupy Wall Street and he plans to keep his camera on, no matter what it reveals -- even events that might be counterproductive to the protesters' cause.

Occupiers and their apologists seem awfully interested in hiding the evidence of what's going on.

123

Decatur Deb Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:49:39pm

re: #120 wlewisiii

Never know what you'll find in Storyville...

Sorry--had to close it down to protect the virtue of the US Navy.

124

palomino Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:50:56pm

re: #119 zora

[Link: www.politico.com...]

CNN's Erickson revels in Occupy tasing

what will it take for cnn to fire this asshat?

A lot apparently. The guy has called Obama a Kenyan socialist and Justice Souter a goat fucking child molester.

CNN is afraid of the liberal label at the same time they want some of Fox's RW viewers, so they employ animals like Erickson. But Dana Loesch, one of Eric's co-religionists, may have gone too far with her comments supporting pissing on dead bodies--she's been MIA from CNN for a while. So maybe someday Eric will disappear too.

125

BongCrodny Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:51:19pm

re: #95 simoom

[Link: jezebel.com...]

They have a rule, you see, that bars them from contributing to organizations that are under investigation at the local, state, or federal level.

Coward's way out, because you can investigate anybody for anything.

126

William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jan 31, 2012 4:52:19pm

re: #123 Decatur Deb

Sorry--had to close it down to protect the virtue of the US Navy.

Didn't help too much ;) The Navy had Subic Bay by then thanks to Admiral Dewey and the Spanish American War. Halfway round the world stays halfway round the world.

127

wrenchwench Tue, Jan 31, 2012 5:01:48pm

With 44% of precincts reporting:

Mitt Romney
533,802 47.7%

Newt Gingrich
347,418 31.0

Rick Santorum
144,528 12.9

Ron Paul
77,196 6.9

Rick Perry
5,058 0.5

Jon Huntsman
4,926 0.4

Michele Bachmann
3,012 0.3

Herman Cain
2,429 0.2

Gary Johnson
913 0.1
From the New York Times, where apparently they couldn't find a picture of Gary Johnson.

128

wrenchwench Tue, Jan 31, 2012 5:02:45pm

_{oops, nevermind.}

129

simoom Tue, Jan 31, 2012 5:19:18pm

re: #125 BongCrodny

Coward's way out, because you can investigate anybody for anything.

And at the behest of anyone:

[Link: www.npr.org...]

Aun, the Komen spokeswoman, said such pressure tactics were not the reason for the funding cutoff and cited Stearns' House investigation as a key factor.

That investigation, which has no set timetable, was launched in September when Stearns asked Planned Parenthood for more than a decade's worth of documents.

Stearns, in a statement emailed to the AP on Monday, said he is still working with Planned Parenthood on getting the requested documents. He said he is looking into possible violations of state and local reporting requirements, as well as allegations of financial abuse, and would consider holding a hearing depending on what he learns.

Many of the allegations were outlined in a report presented to Stearns last year by Americans United for Life, a national anti-abortion group, which urged him to investigate.

If you connect the dots here, since the congressional inquiry has yet to even really get started, the SGK Foundation defunded PP solely based on Americans United for Life's activism.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

In 2011, AUL's 501(c)(4) organization, AUL Action, formed a partnership with other organizations, Expose Planned Parenthood, to campaign for the United States Congress to end federal funding of Planned Parenthood.In an article in The Washington Times, the organization's counsel, Anna Franzonello, argued that the federal funding of Planned Parenthood effectively means that U.S. taxpayers are funding abortion procedures. She also voiced criticism of Planned Parenthood's advisory role to the government, particularly with regard to health care reform. The organization released a report on Planned Parenthood in July 2011, based on a study of 20 years of its records and other evidence including law enforcement reports. Based on the findings of the report, AUL called for a congressional investigation into Planned Parenthood's activities.

130

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 5:28:40pm

re: #129 simoom

Americans United For Lie don't seem to care about the lives and mental health of women, the misogynist pigs.

131

Interesting Times Tue, Jan 31, 2012 5:30:49pm

re: #130 ProLifeLiberal

Americans United For Lie don't seem to care about the lives and mental health of women, the misogynist pigs.

I'm assuming that was a typo, but it's appropriate at multiple levels.

132

ProMayaLiberal Tue, Jan 31, 2012 5:37:18pm

re: #131 publicityStunted

Yep, that was a typo.

133

JRCMYP Tue, Jan 31, 2012 5:49:07pm

Time to send in my twice yearly donation to Planned Parenthood. Thanks for the reminder.

134

simoom Tue, Jan 31, 2012 7:30:42pm

[Link: www.slate.com...]

The existence of breast-cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood has always been a thorn in the anti-choice side. Most of Planned Parenthood's services are related to the choice to be sexually active---contraception, STD screening and treatment, cervical cancer screening---making it easy to write off those services as unnecessary if you follow the strict abstinence-only prescription the Christian right has for women. Breast cancer, however, can strike the lifelong virgin, the married woman who only has sex for procreation, and the dirty fornicator (i.e. the vast majority of American women) alike. Because of this, anti-choicers have tried to create a rift between women's health advocates who focus on breast cancer and those who focus on reproductive health concerns below the waist. Today, they had a victory with Komen's act of cowardice.

No matter how much anti-choicers wish otherwise, it's not feasible to create an approach to women's health that separates good girl concerns from bad girl concerns. For instance, many women land in gynocologist's offices seeking contraceptive services and cervical-cancer screenings, and doctors use that opportunity to teach the art of breast self-exam. As noted in my previous post on the Santorums' pregnancy troubles, even the world of the hated abortion provider and the much-vaunted obstetrician can't be so easily separated, as the latter is often called upon to have knowledge of pregnancy termination in case of a medical emergency.

In the end, the grant money is less important than the symbolism of Komen buying into the conservative myth of good-girl health care vs. bad-girl health care. In reality, women's health care can only work if it's comprehensive health care.

135

Ming Tue, Jan 31, 2012 9:02:41pm

There is something especially scary about the right wing going after a medical provider such as Planned Parenthood. I'm sure that for many women, if they don't get medical care at Planned Parenthood, they don't get that particular medical care, period.

It never occurred to me that seeking medical care could be considered a political act. I'm old enough that when I take a medical test, the likelihood is no longer very high that the results will be good news. People my age have enough to worry about medically, without having to consider the political viewpoints of our healthcare providers.

136

Shvaughn Wed, Feb 1, 2012 3:49:15pm

I wonder what would happen if a Democratic congresswoman launched an investigation of Komen. Would they have to stop accepting all funding?

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Komen Foundation Caves to Right Wing Pressure, Defunds Planned Parenthood

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