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Mixing Religion and Policy
Author: BobR
Date: 02/03/2012 13:53:15
There's a common idea that people shouldn't discuss politics or religion in certain circumstances, lest the discussion become heated and contentious. Put the two together, and you have a real bomb with a lit fuse. This is why the first amendment in the Bill of Rights is so important: religion influencing politics and politics influencing religion are really bad for the country.
The reality, of course, is that it happens all the time. Churches will host political events (I've actually voted in a church on more than one occassion), and politicians will invoke their religion as the driving force behind legislative action (or inaction). When money is added to the equation, it gets really ugly.
Raine's comprehensive investigative blog yesterday laid out how conservative politics - driven by religion-borne anti-abortion ideals - pushed a pro-woman organization (SG Komen Foundation) to take an anti-woman stance. The anti-abortion movement is strong in political conservatives (almost exclusively), and SGK taking on a Republican politician and lobbyist seemed to forshadow this event.
It's also prompted people to dig a little deeper into SGK's doings, and the results are even more enlightening. The job that Karen Handel took was to head the lobbying arm of the SGK foundation. That position was previously occupied by a Democrat, who was ousted:
(bold-face mine)
The implication here of course is that Luray was pushed out to bring Handel in. That would signal an abrubt change in course in their ideology. Bring religion into the mix, and suddenly an organization ostensibly dedicated to eliminating breast cancer takes steps that will likely increase the number of breast cancer deaths.
Karen Handel was from Georgia. While the Deep South doesn't have an exclusive franchise on conservative religious zealots, it certainly has a lot of them. Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry is from Florida, Moral Majority founder Jerry Falwell was from southern Virginia, Billy Graham was from North Carolina, Pat Robertson was also from southern Virginia. All of these organizations/people used religion as pretext for lobbying and trying to get legislation passed/blocked.
A state senator from Alabama is using "the Word of God" as a rationale for trying to pay teachers less, comparing teaching to preaching as a calling:
Forget economic realities - teachers should just sit on steps in robes, eking out subsistence on whatever food parents lay at their feet and teach children how to thrive in the modern world. It boggles the imagination.
As noted on the Rachell Maddow Show last night, the comparison between Republicans' use of religious rhetoric - vs- their actions compared to Democrats is pretty illuminating. I've written before that Republicans claim to be more Christian, yet seem to embrace an Old Testament fiery punising judging God, while Democrats quietly embrace the New Testament values of helping one's fellow man.
President Obama's speech at the National Prayor Breakfast showed exactly that. He used the Bible to show that Jesus wants us to tax the rich, as well as help the poor. While Santorum preaches doom and gloom and Republicans vote on bill after bill to reduce women's rights to Old Testament chattel status, the President is trying to push for a jobs program for veterans. While both Santorum and Obama have said they're personally against abortion, only Santorum (and other Republicans) would seek to make it public policy - THAT is the difference.
It seems that mixing politics and religion CAN do some good, depending on the religion. It is, however, a dangerous slippery slope. Better that people in power practice their religion in their personal lives, and work for the common good in their public lives. Mixing politics and religion cheapens both.
The reality, of course, is that it happens all the time. Churches will host political events (I've actually voted in a church on more than one occassion), and politicians will invoke their religion as the driving force behind legislative action (or inaction). When money is added to the equation, it gets really ugly.
Raine's comprehensive investigative blog yesterday laid out how conservative politics - driven by religion-borne anti-abortion ideals - pushed a pro-woman organization (SG Komen Foundation) to take an anti-woman stance. The anti-abortion movement is strong in political conservatives (almost exclusively), and SGK taking on a Republican politician and lobbyist seemed to forshadow this event.
It's also prompted people to dig a little deeper into SGK's doings, and the results are even more enlightening. The job that Karen Handel took was to head the lobbying arm of the SGK foundation. That position was previously occupied by a Democrat, who was ousted:
It wasn’t until 2008 that the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a 501©3, founded the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Advocacy Alliance, a 501©4 non-profit that, under IRS rules, can spend unlimited donor funds on lobbying. It’s that arm of the Komen Foundation that former Secretary of State and failed gubernatorial candidate Karen Handel (R-GA) was hired to run in April 2011...
[..]
Before Handel’s hiring, Komen’s lobbying shop was staunchly Democratic — from its head to its hired guns, former Democratic aides did most of the heavy lifting on everything from the breast cancer stamp to breast cancer research to its advocacy on the health care bill. And when their lead lobbyist, former Democratic staffer Jennifer Luray, quietly left in 2010, she took with her a six-figure severance package not in keeping with an employee that just found a new job.
[..]
...according to lobbying disclosure records filed with the House of Representatives, Luray ended her tenure as a lobbyist with Komen in the third quarter of 2010, joining pharmaceutical device manufacturers Becton, Dickinson & Co. instead. IRS filings by Komen indicate she was given a $134,000 severance package upon her departure, which was almost a full year’s salary.
[..]
Savvy observers might recall that one of the women who accused Herman Cain of sexual harassment during his tenure at the National Restaurant Association also got a year’s salary, equivalent to $35,000 — and a non-disclosure agreement prohibiting her from discussing the matter. Neither Luray nor the members of the Komen Advocacy Alliance Board responded to inquiries by press time. But American League of Lobbyists president Howard Marlowe told Raw Story that “usually [severance packages] don’t last that long,” even when people are offered them.
(bold-face mine)
The implication here of course is that Luray was pushed out to bring Handel in. That would signal an abrubt change in course in their ideology. Bring religion into the mix, and suddenly an organization ostensibly dedicated to eliminating breast cancer takes steps that will likely increase the number of breast cancer deaths.
Karen Handel was from Georgia. While the Deep South doesn't have an exclusive franchise on conservative religious zealots, it certainly has a lot of them. Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry is from Florida, Moral Majority founder Jerry Falwell was from southern Virginia, Billy Graham was from North Carolina, Pat Robertson was also from southern Virginia. All of these organizations/people used religion as pretext for lobbying and trying to get legislation passed/blocked.
A state senator from Alabama is using "the Word of God" as a rationale for trying to pay teachers less, comparing teaching to preaching as a calling:
A Republican State Senator from Alabama claimed this week that keeping teacher salaries low is actually an order from the Christian deity figure, imparted in ancient texts written by Jewish tribesmen thousands of years ago.
[..]
“It’s a Biblical principle. If you double a teacher’s pay scale, you’ll attract people who aren’t called to teach. To go and raise someone’s child for eight hours a day, or many people’s children for eight hours a day, requires a calling. It better be a calling in your life. I know I wouldn’t want to do it, OK?”
He continued: “And these teachers that are called to teach, regardless of the pay scale, they would teach. It’s just in them to do. It’s the ability that God give ‘em..."
Forget economic realities - teachers should just sit on steps in robes, eking out subsistence on whatever food parents lay at their feet and teach children how to thrive in the modern world. It boggles the imagination.
As noted on the Rachell Maddow Show last night, the comparison between Republicans' use of religious rhetoric - vs- their actions compared to Democrats is pretty illuminating. I've written before that Republicans claim to be more Christian, yet seem to embrace an Old Testament fiery punising judging God, while Democrats quietly embrace the New Testament values of helping one's fellow man.
President Obama's speech at the National Prayor Breakfast showed exactly that. He used the Bible to show that Jesus wants us to tax the rich, as well as help the poor. While Santorum preaches doom and gloom and Republicans vote on bill after bill to reduce women's rights to Old Testament chattel status, the President is trying to push for a jobs program for veterans. While both Santorum and Obama have said they're personally against abortion, only Santorum (and other Republicans) would seek to make it public policy - THAT is the difference.
It seems that mixing politics and religion CAN do some good, depending on the religion. It is, however, a dangerous slippery slope. Better that people in power practice their religion in their personal lives, and work for the common good in their public lives. Mixing politics and religion cheapens both.
Comments:
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Comment by 
wickedpam on 02/03/2012 14:14:54
wickedpam on 02/03/2012 14:14:54
Morning 
Comment by wickedpam on 02/03/2012 14:16:06
wickedpam on 02/03/2012 14:16:06
Comment by wickedpam on 02/03/2012 14:16:36
wickedpam on 02/03/2012 14:16:36
I still think Trump was going to endorse Newt and Mitt paid him off.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 02/03/2012 14:19:36
Mondobubba on 02/03/2012 14:19:36
Comment by 
BobR on 02/03/2012 14:22:01
BobR on 02/03/2012 14:22:01
Blog is up. Apologies for the delay.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/03/2012 14:57:44
Mondobubba on 02/03/2012 14:57:44
This whole purge of the lobbying staff is very Tom Delay K Street Project.
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 02/03/2012 15:51:54
Will in Chicago on 02/03/2012 15:51:54
Good morning, bloggers!! I hope that everyone is well.
BobR, thanks for a blog showing how politics and religion is mixing in the Susan G. Komen affair.
I think what we more accurately have is an interpretation of what Christians call the Old Testament, as there are verses that are being ignored on such topics as loving one's neighbor, and defending the cause of the widow and orphan. Then again, selectivity of reading scripture has no limits in any faith. I prefer to use Thom Hartman's phrase Neo-Calvinists or Neo Puritans to more accurately describe some politicians and preachers. As well as Dominionists. So, rather than having a complex view of religion and scripture, including realizing that works were likely composed over centuries by various authors and editors, we have people cramming words that they consider holy into their world view. It seems that they are making God in their own image. If that is not blasphemy, what is?
My grand niece is home, but has to go in to the hospital for an appointment. Ironically, it is the one 3 HOURS away that she just came back from.
BobR, thanks for a blog showing how politics and religion is mixing in the Susan G. Komen affair.
I think what we more accurately have is an interpretation of what Christians call the Old Testament, as there are verses that are being ignored on such topics as loving one's neighbor, and defending the cause of the widow and orphan. Then again, selectivity of reading scripture has no limits in any faith. I prefer to use Thom Hartman's phrase Neo-Calvinists or Neo Puritans to more accurately describe some politicians and preachers. As well as Dominionists. So, rather than having a complex view of religion and scripture, including realizing that works were likely composed over centuries by various authors and editors, we have people cramming words that they consider holy into their world view. It seems that they are making God in their own image. If that is not blasphemy, what is?
My grand niece is home, but has to go in to the hospital for an appointment. Ironically, it is the one 3 HOURS away that she just came back from.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/03/2012 16:01:04
Will in Chicago on 02/03/2012 16:01:04
One of my favorite sites on monitoring the Religious Right is Jews on First: The Jewish Response to the Religious Right.
Long time members of this blog and its predecessor at Air America Place may remember a story from 2006 about a Delaware school district's sponsorship of fundamentalist Christianity at school events and in the classroom. Well, there is an update, courtesy of the site that I mentioned. (Yes, this shows you how LONG things can drag on in our judicial system.)
I put part of the article in bold. There are some places in this country where it seems that tolerance is but an illusion. I think that mixing politics and religion at the national or local level is a tragedy, as it leads to someone always being the outcasts. Typically, the fate of the outcast is to be marginalized, ridiculed and persecuted. I love my country, but there are some people who make me fear for its future.
Long time members of this blog and its predecessor at Air America Place may remember a story from 2006 about a Delaware school district's sponsorship of fundamentalist Christianity at school events and in the classroom. Well, there is an update, courtesy of the site that I mentioned. (Yes, this shows you how LONG things can drag on in our judicial system.)
Victory in Delaware School District Religion Case
Supreme Court declines to hear case about school board prayers
By Jane Hunter, JewsOnFirst.org, January 24, 2012
The Supreme Court's refusal last week to hear a case about religion in public schools that JewsOnFirst has followed for years was a resounding victory for the Jewish "Doe" family in Delaware who brought the case, and for countless families across the country. By declining to review the case, Indian River School District vs. Doe (11-569), the high court put an end to more than six years of litigation -- and to that school board opening its meetings with prayers.
JewsOnFirst brought national attention to the case with a report in 2006. The Doe and Dobrich families had filed suit the year before. They went to court after repeatedly failing to persuade the school district, in Delaware's Sussex County, to end its sponsorship of fundamentalist Christianity in the classroom and at school events.
The families' complaints were resolved in 2008 with undisclosed settlements and changes in the district's policies regarding religion, as we reported here.
The case that the court rejected last week concerned the district's practice of opening its meetings with sectarian -- usually Christian -- prayers. The issue of the school board's prayer was left over from the original case and continued by the Doe family following the 2008 settlement. The Dobrich family moved away from the Indian River district during the case. The Doe family remains in the district and maintains anonymity for fear of retaliation.
The Supreme Court's action follows a ruling against the prayer policy last August by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which reversed a trial judge's finding that the school board was a legislative body and thus permitted to open meetings with official prayers. The appeals court ruled that the board was not a legislature because children attended its meetings.
I put part of the article in bold. There are some places in this country where it seems that tolerance is but an illusion. I think that mixing politics and religion at the national or local level is a tragedy, as it leads to someone always being the outcasts. Typically, the fate of the outcast is to be marginalized, ridiculed and persecuted. I love my country, but there are some people who make me fear for its future.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 02/03/2012 16:11:50
Scoopster on 02/03/2012 16:11:50
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!! 
GO PATS!
GO PATS!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/03/2012 16:25:39
I find myself rooting for the Patriots as I will be visiting Boston next month. However, I want a good game.
Also, there are protests related to the recent passage of the Right to Work law in Indiana.
From In These Times:
Will in Chicago on 02/03/2012 16:25:39
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!!
I find myself rooting for the Patriots as I will be visiting Boston next month. However, I want a good game.
Also, there are protests related to the recent passage of the Right to Work law in Indiana.
From In These Times:
Activists ‘Occupy the Super Bowl’ in Protest Over Indiana’s Union-Busting Bill
By Allison Kilkenny
Indiana joins the ranks of states that have adopted controversial right-to-work labor laws prohibiting contracts that require workers to pay union fees. Republicans leaders secured passage of the law with a 28-22 vote in the Senate before rushing the bill to the governor's desk.
Gov. Mitch Daniels, a Republican who is prevented by term limits from seeking re-election this year, skipped the traditional public signing ceremony that typically accompanies such a legislative victory in order to sign the bill in private.
The passing of the bill makes Indiana the 23rd state to implement anti-union measures, and in response pro-worker activists descended upon the Statehouse Wednesday. Police estimate that 3,000 protesters packed the Capitol with another 3,000-4,000 flooding the surrounding lawn.
Uprising
Friday Feb 3, 2012 9:54 am
Activists ‘Occupy the Super Bowl’ in Protest Over Indiana’s Union-Busting Bill
By Allison Kilkenny
Members of area labor unions and Occupy Wall Street demonstrators participate in a "March For Jobs and Fairness" in New York City. Indiana is slated to pass an anti-union law that would exempt nonunion workers from paying union fees. (Spencer Platt/AFP/Getty Images)
Indiana joins the ranks of states that have adopted controversial right-to-work labor laws prohibiting contracts that require workers to pay union fees. Republicans leaders secured passage of the law with a 28-22 vote in the Senate before rushing the bill to the governor's desk.
Gov. Mitch Daniels, a Republican who is prevented by term limits from seeking re-election this year, skipped the traditional public signing ceremony that typically accompanies such a legislative victory in order to sign the bill in private.
The passing of the bill makes Indiana the 23rd state to implement anti-union measures, and in response pro-worker activists descended upon the Statehouse Wednesday. Police estimate that 3,000 protesters packed the Capitol with another 3,000-4,000 flooding the surrounding lawn.
Unions have vowed to fight the law, and see an opportunity in the upcoming Super Bowl, which Indiana hosts this year, since a guaranteed enormous media presence will give activists an opportunity to share their grievances at the national level.
Comment by Scoopster on 02/03/2012 16:46:37
Scoopster on 02/03/2012 16:46:37
Hmmm Supposedly SGK has reversed its decision on Planned Parenthood and pledged to revise its policies to be apolitical.
I don't think that's gonna reverse the wave of negative PR they're getting on this. Handel needs to get sacked.
I don't think that's gonna reverse the wave of negative PR they're getting on this. Handel needs to get sacked.
Comment by 
Raine on 02/03/2012 16:50:23
Hey I heard this on the radio on the way home.
I;m still not buying it -- not after what Brinker said yesterday to Andrea Mitchell.
Raine on 02/03/2012 16:50:23
Quote by Scoopster:
Hmmm Supposedly SGK has reversed its decision on Planned Parenthood and pledged to revise its policies to be apolitical.
I don't think that's gonna reverse the wave of negative PR they're getting on this. Handel needs to get sacked.
I;m still not buying it -- not after what Brinker said yesterday to Andrea Mitchell.
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 16:54:41
Raine on 02/03/2012 16:54:41
Hey everyone! I;m back.
Miss me?
good morning!
Miss me?
good morning!
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 16:55:09
ehemmmm.....
Raine on 02/03/2012 16:55:09
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!!
ehemmmm.....
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 16:57:31
Raine on 02/03/2012 16:57:31
Excellent Blog BobR --
Comment by Scoopster on 02/03/2012 16:58:56
Truth be told, I'm a fan of both the Pats AND the Giants so either way I'm happy & hoping for a GREAT game.. 
Scoopster on 02/03/2012 16:58:56
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!!
ehemmmm.....
Truth be told, I'm a fan of both the Pats AND the Giants so either way I'm happy & hoping for a GREAT game..
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 17:07:17
Believe it or not -- I remember you saying that back in 2008.
So I understand scoop.
Raine on 02/03/2012 17:07:17
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!!
ehemmmm.....
So I understand scoop.
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 17:11:03
Raine on 02/03/2012 17:11:03
Now I just read the entire Komen statement ---
It still sounds sketchy to me.
clearly if Komen has a lobbyist -- it is political. The question of which way the politics of the Komen foundation goes is still not being answered.
It still sounds sketchy to me.
Our original desire was to fulfill our fiduciary duty to our donors by not funding grant applications made by organizations under investigation. We will amend the criteria to make clear that disqualifying investigations must be criminal and conclusive in nature and not political. That is what is right and fair.
Our only goal for our granting process is to support women and families in the fight against breast cancer. Amending our criteria will ensure that politics has no place in our grant process. We will continue to fund existing grants, including those of Planned Parenthood, and preserve their eligibility to apply for future grants, while maintaining the ability of our affiliates to make funding decisions that meet the needs of their communities.
clearly if Komen has a lobbyist -- it is political. The question of which way the politics of the Komen foundation goes is still not being answered.
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 02/03/2012 17:12:09
trojanrabbit on 02/03/2012 17:12:09
Good noon (at least it was when I started typing). In Andover today doing more testing. Won't be doing this too many more times, our Burlington lab starts getting demolished next week so my new chamber can get installed (wheeeee)
Spousal unit is taking oldest feline unit (Lucky) to vet this morning. When he welcomed me home last night (what a good boy) I noticed his left eye was closing again. Seems like just a year ago. So I stuck the Cone of Shame on him (which is the first time I ever did it myself and what is most surprising is that he didn't fight - good boy). Even though he didn't look any worse, we'll get him looked at.
Go Pats! My B-I-L is diehard Giants, which in this area is not that unusual since before 1960 the Giants were 'the only game in town". While many switched allegiances to the Patriots, many (like my B-I-L) did not. So he and his family will be at his home rooting for the Giants, while the rest of us will be at my brother's house watching the Pats. I am seriously thinking about asking my niece if she wants to connect the two houses via Skype.
Spousal unit is taking oldest feline unit (Lucky) to vet this morning. When he welcomed me home last night (what a good boy) I noticed his left eye was closing again. Seems like just a year ago. So I stuck the Cone of Shame on him (which is the first time I ever did it myself and what is most surprising is that he didn't fight - good boy). Even though he didn't look any worse, we'll get him looked at.
Go Pats! My B-I-L is diehard Giants, which in this area is not that unusual since before 1960 the Giants were 'the only game in town". While many switched allegiances to the Patriots, many (like my B-I-L) did not. So he and his family will be at his home rooting for the Giants, while the rest of us will be at my brother's house watching the Pats. I am seriously thinking about asking my niece if she wants to connect the two houses via Skype.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/03/2012 17:16:48
trojanrabbit on 02/03/2012 17:16:48
So if Newt were called to be a sleazy lobbyist asshole, regardless of pay, he would still be a sleazy lobbyist asshole, it's just what he does. So maybe he should be paid nothing.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/03/2012 17:19:51
trojanrabbit on 02/03/2012 17:19:51
OK I accidentally doubled. Trying to do too many things at once.....
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/03/2012 17:30:04
Sounds like they are trying to walk this shite back. Not too successfully if you ask me. The only way Komen will make this right is firing Handel and restoring funding to PP. That will lessen the stank on them, but it work remove it.
Mondobubba on 02/03/2012 17:30:04
Quote by Raine:
Now I just read the entire Komen statement ---
It still sounds sketchy to me.Our original desire was to fulfill our fiduciary duty to our donors by not funding grant applications made by organizations under investigation. We will amend the criteria to make clear that disqualifying investigations must be criminal and conclusive in nature and not political. That is what is right and fair.
Our only goal for our granting process is to support women and families in the fight against breast cancer. Amending our criteria will ensure that politics has no place in our grant process. We will continue to fund existing grants, including those of Planned Parenthood, and preserve their eligibility to apply for future grants, while maintaining the ability of our affiliates to make funding decisions that meet the needs of their communities.
clearly if Komen has a lobbyist -- it is political. The question of which way the politics of the Komen foundation goes is still not being answered.
Sounds like they are trying to walk this shite back. Not too successfully if you ask me. The only way Komen will make this right is firing Handel and restoring funding to PP. That will lessen the stank on them, but it work remove it.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/03/2012 17:42:17
to me the damage is done with Komen, I will never trust them again
wickedpam on 02/03/2012 17:42:17
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Now I just read the entire Komen statement ---
It still sounds sketchy to me.Our original desire was to fulfill our fiduciary duty to our donors by not funding grant applications made by organizations under investigation. We will amend the criteria to make clear that disqualifying investigations must be criminal and conclusive in nature and not political. That is what is right and fair.
Our only goal for our granting process is to support women and families in the fight against breast cancer. Amending our criteria will ensure that politics has no place in our grant process. We will continue to fund existing grants, including those of Planned Parenthood, and preserve their eligibility to apply for future grants, while maintaining the ability of our affiliates to make funding decisions that meet the needs of their communities.
clearly if Komen has a lobbyist -- it is political. The question of which way the politics of the Komen foundation goes is still not being answered.
Sounds like they are trying to walk this shite back. Not too successfully if you ask me. The only way Komen will make this right is firing Handel and restoring funding to PP. That will lessen the stank on them, but it work remove it.
to me the damage is done with Komen, I will never trust them again
Comment by 
livingonli on 02/03/2012 17:46:40
livingonli on 02/03/2012 17:46:40
Good day everyone. The lies and deceits of the right-wing have really gone and poisoned public discourse. I know why I really don't trust too many of them.
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 18:19:27
Raine on 02/03/2012 18:19:27
What did I tell you?
Ruse responded to that saying those grants will very likely be the last Komen makes to the abortion business.
“Komen has five outstanding grants going out this year to Planned Parenthood. We have known about them all along. After that, the door is shut,†Ruse said. “Nothing has changed since the decision was made in December to defund Planned Parenthood after these grants are finished.â€Â
“Could these Planned Parenthood groups apply for future grants? Of course they could. Anyone can apply for anything. Will they get them? Highly unlikely for two reasons,†Ruse added. “First, Komen’s new policy says they do not fund groups that are under investigation or groups that do not provide primary care of women or research.â€Â
Comment by livingonli on 02/03/2012 18:31:33
livingonli on 02/03/2012 18:31:33
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 18:42:05
Raine on 02/03/2012 18:42:05
Excellent.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/03/2012 18:58:51
I've got to do some research on my end to fidn out if they get money through my breast cancer awareness tag I have on my car. If so, I will get a regular tag.
Mondobubba on 02/03/2012 18:58:51
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Now I just read the entire Komen statement ---
It still sounds sketchy to me.Our original desire was to fulfill our fiduciary duty to our donors by not funding grant applications made by organizations under investigation. We will amend the criteria to make clear that disqualifying investigations must be criminal and conclusive in nature and not political. That is what is right and fair.
Our only goal for our granting process is to support women and families in the fight against breast cancer. Amending our criteria will ensure that politics has no place in our grant process. We will continue to fund existing grants, including those of Planned Parenthood, and preserve their eligibility to apply for future grants, while maintaining the ability of our affiliates to make funding decisions that meet the needs of their communities.
clearly if Komen has a lobbyist -- it is political. The question of which way the politics of the Komen foundation goes is still not being answered.
Sounds like they are trying to walk this shite back. Not too successfully if you ask me. The only way Komen will make this right is firing Handel and restoring funding to PP. That will lessen the stank on them, but it work remove it.
to me the damage is done with Komen, I will never trust them again
I've got to do some research on my end to fidn out if they get money through my breast cancer awareness tag I have on my car. If so, I will get a regular tag.
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 20:13:33
that is a good and smart idea.
Raine on 02/03/2012 20:13:33
Quote by Mondobubba:
I've got to do some research on my end to fidn out if they get money through my breast cancer awareness tag I have on my car. If so, I will get a regular tag.
that is a good and smart idea.
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 20:20:31
Raine on 02/03/2012 20:20:31
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 20:56:30
Raine on 02/03/2012 20:56:30
MArtin Bashir is interviewing Sharon Angle -- holy crap that woman is crazier than ever.
Comment by livingonli on 02/03/2012 21:16:08
She made the chicken woman look sane.
livingonli on 02/03/2012 21:16:08
Quote by Raine:
MArtin Bashir is interviewing Sharon Angle -- holy crap that woman is crazier than ever.
She made the chicken woman look sane.
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 22:13:36
Raine on 02/03/2012 22:13:36
Well look at this crap.
According to a source, during at least one interview, Planned Parenthood was a major topic of conversation. Fleischer indicated that he had discussed the Planned Parenthood issue with Komen’s CEO, Nancy Brinker, and that she was at her wits end about how to proceed. Fleischer described himself as a longtime friend of Brinker.
Fleischer confirmed to ThinkProgress that he would recieve a fee from Komen when the search is complete. Fleischer did not specify the amount of his fee but said it would be “substantially below the normal placement fee charged by executive search companies†because “they’re a charity I believe in.â€
Fleischer’s high-level involvement with Komen further complicates its image as an apolitical cancer charity. Fleischer is a prominent partisan commentator and a longtime critic of Planned Parenthood. In his book, Taking Heat, Fleischer criticized Planned Parenthood as a partisan, idelogolical organization that recieves undeserved positive coverage in the press. In 2001, Fleischer said that the Clinton administration verged too far to the left on family planning efforts because “if Planned Parenthood wanted it, the previous adminsitration favored it.â€
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 22:25:20
Raine on 02/03/2012 22:25:20
Btw-- I will be on Turn up the night this evening to discuss all of the Susan G. Don't Komen crap.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/03/2012 22:29:33
I will be late to the party tonight.
Due to test equipment failure almost all the testing I did today in the Andover lab is invalid. So I'm staying late tonight and coming in Saturday to make up.
Apparently the people who just calibrated this probably $100K piece of equipment hired gorillas to ship it. Busted something internal which didn't really show itself until I started using it.
trojanrabbit on 02/03/2012 22:29:33
Quote by Raine:
Btw-- I will be on Turn up the night this evening to discuss all of the Susan G. Don't Komen crap.
I will be late to the party tonight.
Due to test equipment failure almost all the testing I did today in the Andover lab is invalid. So I'm staying late tonight and coming in Saturday to make up.
Apparently the people who just calibrated this probably $100K piece of equipment hired gorillas to ship it. Busted something internal which didn't really show itself until I started using it.
Comment by Raine on 02/03/2012 22:52:18
Raine on 02/03/2012 22:52:18
Puttinig this here as a place holder: We're very disappointed to announce that anti-choice groups have successfully intimidated and pressured the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to end funding for lifesaving breast cancer screenings for women at Planned Parenthood health centers.
Komen has been an ally and supported PP health centers to provide nearly 170,000 breast exams in the past 5 years – and we’re determined to make sure it won’t stop thousands of women from getting the care they need. Stay tuned.
Komen has been an ally and supported PP health centers to provide nearly 170,000 breast exams in the past 5 years – and we’re determined to make sure it won’t stop thousands of women from getting the care they need. Stay tuned.
Comment by livingonli on 02/03/2012 22:54:17
livingonli on 02/03/2012 22:54:17
Working Knicks-Celtics tonight so I won't be able to catch Turn Up The Night.