freakoutnation.com — Susan G. Komen Foundation’s initial decision to defund Planned Parenthood put Vice President Karen Handel under scrutiny. The foundation stated that their controversial decision was not politically motivated. But it was, according to emails obtained.
Feb 6, 2012 View in Crawl 4
laurahoustonFeb 6, 2012
such a shame, the very well paid executives at the top of this wonderfull charity promoted their own personal agendas.
This same kind of corruption happens even in small charities and small local Govs across America.
hackwrenchFeb 6, 2012
And what does Planned Parenthood do that's so important? Provide referrals for breast exams? Who else provides this service and why is it so important that Planned Parenthood be among them? How effective is Planned Parenthood at providing that service and do they let an agenda they might have get in the way? If I understand correctly, independent doctors provide the same exact service.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
hydianFeb 6, 2012
Independent doctors cost money.
hackwrenchFeb 6, 2012
Which is usually paid for by insurance. The breast exam costs money too, which is also usually covered by insurance. If they don't have insurance how do you expect them to pay for the breast exam?Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
anomaly100Feb 6, 2012
According to Komen Foundation's statement, they donated funds to Planned Parenthood because their organization gives breast screening services to women where there are none. Rural areas, etc.
hackwrenchFeb 6, 2012
This statement does not appear to be in the article and you have provided no link.
armchaireconFeb 6, 2012
The internet is a wonderful thing. Here, let me help: www.google.com
hackwrenchFeb 6, 2012
I shouldn't have to work for something you claim to already have access to. Plus, I can't trust your memory. For all I know you could be sending me on a wild goose chase filled with almost matches.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
armchaireconFeb 6, 2012
Oh wait. You want me to hand feed it to you? Of course you shouldn't need to work for it, let me guess, you were an Occupy supporter?
Take some responsibility for your enlightenment, otherwise feel free to wallow in your ignorance.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
anomaly100Feb 6, 2012
I provided him the link, and he twists the words. I give up.
anomaly100Feb 7, 2012
LOL @ "another key word: 'the..."
hackwrenchFeb 8, 2012
They're weasel words and you know it.
anomaly100Feb 6, 2012
"Planned Parenthood may be the only local
source of breast health care.
Decisions to fund Planned Parenthood programs are based on a thorough assessment of breast health
needs and resources in the communities served by our Affiliates.
http://www.komenie.org/assets/controversial-issues-and-komen/planned-parenthood-2011.pdf
hackwrenchFeb 6, 2012
Key words "may be" as in we're not sure. Then there's that vague word "local". For example, is Hagerstown, IN local to New Castle? For someone without a car, not really. But planned Parenthood could go out there, write a referral to the New Castle hospital, and in some people's minds, provided a "local breast screening program" and they'd still have to find a ride into New Castle to seal the deal.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
armchaireconFeb 7, 2012
another key word: 'the'
what does it really mean? what is it referring to in that statement? without a formal definition, we are lost and cannot possibly understand what planned parenthood REALLY does.
aadyssFeb 7, 2012
Abortion is only about 3% of PP activities (state the PP supporters) with between 300,000 and 350,000 abortions provided annually. 74% of the American people want abortion they say with 37% of those wanting stricter requirements. They don't mention what those 50% of supporters stricter requirements would be. The left claims that the Republican Party is ignoring the "majority" opinion.
I wonder what the polls would show if the American people were asked if the federal income tax should be eliminated? I could imagine that more than 90% of the American people would be in favor. I wonder if the liberal members of society would embrace that "majority" opinion?Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
upnorthgirlFeb 6, 2012
I'm really beginning to wonder how much of our hard-sought donations got into various research and outreach programs? What percentage went to the foundation admin, including salaries of the higher execs?
upnorthgirlFeb 6, 2012
Looks like someone is already on this investigation http://digg.com/newsbar/politics/i_will_not_be_pinkwashed_komen_s_race_is_for_money_not_cure_1
anomaly100Feb 6, 2012
As it should be.
howdoesseanrollFeb 6, 2012
The article says 11% went into administrative costs. I'd say that's reasonable. Not that I agree with their decision to defund PP at all, I think that's deplorable.
aadyssFeb 7, 2012
That is a fantastic number, 11%. I see you are being dugg down obviously by highly qualified executives and administrators of charities and corporations who know all about how charities are operated and the efforts involved. I'm sure they would do much better. Of course they would.
The worst offender of the world of charities for the 11th year in a row is UNICEF's CEO who receives a $1,2000,000 annually salary along with the use of a Rolls Royce. Less than $0.14 of every dollar goes to charity. They sure do have great PR though.
Once again the third most egregious offender in the charity world is United Way's Gallagher. $375,000 annual salary, paid lifetime memberships to two golf clubs, (1 in Canada and 1 in the U.S.), 2 luxury vehicles, a membership to a yacht club, 3 major major gold credit cards for 'personal expenses' and such. Estimated salary - greater than $1,000,000 annually. $0.51 of every dollar goes to charity. They also have great PR.
2011: Nancy Brinker, Founder, CEO Susan Komen Foundation
Total Compensation $417,171 Oh, she flew first class. I know if the complainers on Digg were running that charity they would definitely fly coach...the first time. After that, not so much. I know I flew first class as often as I could. Other salaries were listed at $17 million, not including millions more for payroll taxes, pension payments and other benefits. Taxes, pension payments and other benefits? Whoa, the left doesn't believe in those things unless you belong to a union. That is simply not allowed or acceptable with charities, is it?
The lowest paid executive...Salvation Army's Todd Basset. $13,000 annual and living quarters. No first class, no Rolls Royce, no golf, no yachts, no Gold American Express Cards. Life sucks at that cheap Christian organization.
Perhaps the angst should be directed at UNICEF and the United Way first? When you get those two cleaned up, let us all know so we can redirect our anger at an organization that dared cross such a political and lobbyist organization as Planned Parenthood. If we are not careful, they may rat us out to their favorite liberal Senators. Are you listening Bernie? Bernie's too liberal to be a Democrat.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
marcglezFeb 7, 2012
aadsys, This claim is false, for the past 12 years UNICEF the U.S. Fund's tax returns are published annually and are readily available to the public. Their financial statements are independently audited by non-profit watchdog groups such as Charity Navigator.
Look in here: http://www.unicefusa.org/about/faq/is-it-true-that-your-ceo.html
And stop believing everything Fox News shows
aadyssFeb 7, 2012
Gullible at the very least. The UN is a great organization. You know how I know? They told me.
Fox News. You are a hoot!.
marcglezFeb 7, 2012
aadyss claim is completely false: http://www.unicefusa.org/about/faq/is-it-true-that-your-ceo.html
aadyssFeb 7, 2012
Sorry, I do admit my error but the UNICEF CEO still receives more in compensation than Susan Komen's sister and the Komen fund has a higher rating than UNICEF. Where does the Susan G. Komen Foundation receive its funding versus Planned Parenthood?
marcglezFeb 7, 2012
Both foundations received most of their funding through private corporate donations and other foundation charities, in this case the Susan Komen's foundation is much bigger.
aadyssFeb 8, 2012
How about Planned Parenthood?
skews13Feb 6, 2012
Nancy Brinker knew what she was getting when Handel was put in the position. This didn't happen in a vacuum. Brinker is just as responsible for those decisions as anybody. Don't let the Komen Foundation try to seperate itself from the issue. They're right in the middle of it. They're now nothing more than another rightwing political organization. The next step in this story is to investigate, and uncover just who they have given money to. Especially any political donations to candidates and organizations. That information would be the final nail in the coffin.
laurahoustonFeb 6, 2012
It still is possible (and legal) they will vote Nancy Brinker right out of her own charity she started and keep on with their political agenda.
That's happened to plenty of foundations and charities over history.
aadyssFeb 7, 2012
I sure am glad that PP is not political and has no agenda. I vote their management out.
Ouzel7Feb 6, 2012
"The next step in this story is to investigate, and uncover just who they have given money to. Especially any political donations to candidates and organizations. That information would be the final nail in the coffin."
Are you as willing to apply this to Planned Parenthood?Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
skews13Feb 6, 2012
Sure. The problem you have with this argument is Planned Parenthood isn't waging a covert war on Komen. Any donations PP would make to political candidates is an act of self defense against the unprecedented attacks from multiple fronts against the organization. Donations by Komen to political candidates expressly for the purpose of defunding PP, is the clear act of the furtherance of a polkitical agenda. Big difference there pal. As not being even closely related by any comparison.
Ouzel7Feb 6, 2012
No, Pal. It's almost EXACTLY the same thing. Here's PP... a non-profit donating BIG to Democrats instead of using those funds to, you know, help women.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
prettyboyfloydFeb 6, 2012
I can't say I was ever a big fan of the Komen foundation. My wife is an oncology nurse, and her program repeatedly applied for grants to Komen to help fund their mobile breast cancer screening project to serve poor uninsured patients in California, but none of their applications were approved. The project received funding from the American Cancer Society and some other sources, but with the skyrocketing cost of fuel necessary for the clinic buses to operate, the program was cancelled last year. She said getting money out of the Komen Foundation was harder than pulling teeth, but Komen continued to solicit their support whenever they were trying to raise funds, and lots of her nurses walked hundreds of miles to raise money for Komen.
Judging from the backlash I've seen this week, it appears that the people most anxious to see the Komen Foundation taken down a notch or two (or ended altogether) are people working directly in breast cancer treatment or oncology in general.
mjm6783Feb 6, 2012
I hate to make this a discussion about the relevancy of planned parenthood, but I can't help myself. All of these people making outdated religious arguments is sickening. 7 billion humans. Let me say that again, 7 BILLION HUMANS. If there is ANYONE on the planet who would like to NOT have children, let's help them out. Especially if they are poor, uneducated, or 16 years old.
If the neo-cons wants to complain about people getting welfare, then they can't simultaneously refuse them the right to birth control. And don't confuse the issue, moves like this are a step towards banning birth control all together.
hackwrenchFeb 8, 2012
What have you got against 7 billion humans? What... you think that we're all going to be stuck on this planet forever?
californicatorFeb 6, 2012
After the Lowes and Komen episodes, I hope people have learned a lesson.
aadyssFeb 7, 2012
What in the world would that be; that Planned Parenthood is a mean spirited and very petty political organization? I learned that Planned Parenthood, when in their minds are 'crossed', all hell breaks loose and they rat you out to their favorite very liberal Senators who then more than likely threaten and cajole. Ah, the freedom of it all.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
inajeepFeb 7, 2012
Looks like lesson not learned.
shyloveFeb 6, 2012
Relgious interference in people right to medical services is a violation of separation of church and state. Any agency that participates in it will suffer the taint of collusion from then on and as such then simply become another culture warrior on a relgious crusade to take away the rest of society's right to please their principles.
shyloveFeb 6, 2012
This is just part of the attempts to infiltrte all levels of society and it's institutiona dn pack them with dogmatic proponents for controling their actions based on their relifious principles in ways that amount ot violation of all of our freedoms. Turning us into a theocracy for the richest churches rather than a just a democrazy for the richest oligarches and multi-national corporations.
shyloveFeb 6, 2012
I support the right of choice of abortion since all women face ther risk of death in pregnancy and childbirth and have a right of choice whether to accept taht risk and also achoice to use birth control and a right to them as a medical option that should be available to them should they chose to do so.,.
hackwrenchFeb 6, 2012
Just to keep the record straight, you support the assisted suicide of anyone above the age of 18, right?
favuquadFeb 7, 2012
Just to keep the record straight, shut the fuk up already we all know you are an idiot with an agenda just like all the other GOPbots.
hackwrenchFeb 8, 2012
I bet you would have never have guessed I'm for government paid for health care. I used to be against homosexual marriage now my position is that they should be allowed to.
favuquadFeb 8, 2012
"Sure you are"
marcglezFeb 7, 2012
In one of the worst and most controversial decisions by a self described Christian conservative the Susan G Komen Foundation's CEO went too far to the Right
stubearFeb 6, 2012
SGKF should have fired Handel the second this story broke. THey are about to bring down an organization that does a lot of good, and for what?
Closed AccountFeb 6, 2012
Well. This is actually some decent reporting from FONation.
Keep working the story - people of this ilk need to be exposed to the light of day.
Mark_LincolnFeb 7, 2012
Getting Karen Handel fired is no solution. Anything that would hire her is the problem that needs to be destroyed.
stubearFeb 6, 2012
This is my shocked face :-|
quisquisFeb 6, 2012
"decision to defund Planned Parenthood"
I didn't realize Susan G Komen was under an obligation to pay for PP's bills...
odkinFeb 7, 2012
OMG! The horror! A private charity actually has IDEAS that DIFFER from the liberal culture czars! Freedom of thought must be beaten out of these apostates in the name of tolerance!
/s
Better yet - mind your own goddamn business. Worry about how the GOVERNMENT pisses away your money, not a private foundation.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
suz123njFeb 7, 2012
A National organization doesn't need an executive with a regional agenda. This woman represents the war on women's health; thank goodness Handel resigned today.
odkinFeb 7, 2012
Good. Apologizing, instead of telling the Left to f**k off, was an epic failure of leadership.
BartMFeb 6, 2012
What will be next charity that gets shaken down by the abortion mafia to pay their "protection" money?
barackalypseFeb 6, 2012
Judging from the liberal backlash against the Komen organization this last week it looks like they love abortion more than they hate breast cancer.
rusty0101Feb 6, 2012
Looks like that to you perhaps. To me it looks like the various people who protested Komen's actions were protesting the fact that they stopped funding an organization that was actively working to diagnose and treat breast cancer and provide other medical services to women regardless of those women's financial situation.
But hey, if you want to sling mud, rather than work to provide a solution to that problem, because you've been told that Planned Parenthood is the spawn of the devil, and you can't be responsible enough to find out for yourself just what it is that Planned Parenthood does, I'm not going to tell you not to get mud on your hands.
barackalypseFeb 6, 2012
And do any of these people know where Komen was re-directing the former Planned Parenthood funding? No, they don't, and further, they don't care.
The minute you stop giving money to Planned Parenthood you're automatically going to get attacked regardless of wherever else you give that money and regardless of whatever other organizations you also de-funded.
Planned Parenthood isn't the only organization offering screening, education, or care. It is, however, one of the few providing abortions, and that's the issue here.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
mjm6783Feb 6, 2012
I'm glad to hear you admit that it's about abortion and not breast cancer. Kind of makes your earlier statement about liberals not caring about breast cancer seem hypocritical though.
BTW, if you want to pay more taxes for welfare or adopt a bunch of unwanted children, then by all means don't provide abortions to low income women. If the unintended side effect is massive spikes in the rate of STDs and untreated cancer, then we can all pay more in health care costs too!!
Better than being a godless communist I suppose.
/s
rusty0101Feb 6, 2012
Did you see it in their announcement that they were dropping funding for PP? If the announcement were anything other than a political statement, the director of communications would have been a significant portion of the announcement that PP was no longer being sponsored.
bigbert81Feb 6, 2012
Ya know, only 3% of Planned Parenthood's services are abortions, so yeah...liberals LOVE abortion. They just HAD to have that 3%...bastards. That's why they're upset...not enough babies dying!!!
Oh God, I hope you reply to this. Please reply to this so I can show you just how much of a fool you are. You are clueless.
barackalypseFeb 6, 2012
How many other organizations has Komen stopped funding over the years? Have you heard any of these liberals sites complaining about that?
Do you know where they were going to re-direct the Planned Parenthood funding to? No, you don't, and the reason you don't is that they don't care, the minute you un-fund Planned Parenthood for any reason (other than closing shop entirely), you're going to get attacked regardless of whatever else is going on. Its obvious, its transparent, Planned Parenthood is one of the few organizations that has anything to do with abortion, and thus any re-direction of funds away from them is automatically a big deal to liberals.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
bigbert81Feb 6, 2012
So, your reasoning goes like this:
Susan G. Komen pulls funding from Planned Parenthood, a well-known non-profit organization which has saved countless women's lives, and 'liberals' protest. Therefore, even though only 3% of Planned Parenthood services were abortions, liberals must love abortion because the funding could have gone to another non-profit health organization that did the same thing without abortions (pure conjecture).
This is pure speculation (and ridiculousness) on your part that you've decided to preach as fact. Wake up, educate yourself, and learn SOMETHING about 'liberals' before you form these baseless opinions.
I'll help you to get started. Guess what...liberals do NOT like abortion. Did I just blow your mind? That's right, liberals do NOT like abortion. They understand why it not only SHOULD be legal, but why it NEEDS to be legal. And they make this judgement based off of statistics, facts and rights, as opposed to blind ideology.
So not only are your above statements inaccurate, but also nothing but conjecture and speculation.
barackalypseFeb 6, 2012
You got about half of the argument, the part you missed was that Komen has stopped funding organizations in the past, but its only when it un-funded Planned Parenthood did a massive s**t-storm ensue. So that combined with not caring what other organization the money went to tells me there is obviously something about Planned Parenthood that makes it some special organization to liberals. And the only thing that makes it different from other organizations Komen does still support is that it provides abortions and other contraceptive services.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
bigbert81Feb 6, 2012
I agree that the pulling of stem cell research funding should have been more widely reported; however, the two organizations are different, and I believe these differences were neglected when you made your comments.
One company was refused funding for stem cell research in combating breast cancer (ludicrous for Komen to do this imo), the other has helped and currently still helps save lives NOW. Pulling funding from an organization that is already working to save lives is different than pulling funding from research to hopefully one day help (although again, I agree this should have been made into a bigger deal as it was).
This does NOT mean that you are right in saying that '[liberals]...love abortion', when people were upset about the actual fact of the matter that PP helps people now and needs funding to continue to do so. That is an assumption you've made without thinking it through entirely.
That is why it was a bigger deal than the other.
barackalypseFeb 7, 2012
@bigbert81, given their organization is named "Komen For the Cure" I think its a way bigger deal cutting off funding for the stem cell research than cutting off funding for one of many organizations doing breast cancer screening.
Charities and companies stop funding organizations that help people right now all the time, but people only seem to get worked up over it when its Planned Parenthood that gets cut off. Be honest, why do you suppose that is? Because they perceive it as a threat to abortion rights.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
prettyboyfloydFeb 6, 2012
Though it's not been widely reported, the Komen Foundation cancelled a $12 million grant to Johns Hopkins Medical Research Institute for stem cell research on breast cancer tumors. This happened the same week as the Planned Parenthood s**t hit the fan. And no, Johns Hopkins does not perform any abortions.
barackalypseFeb 6, 2012
That was exactly my point. They de-funded John's Hopkins back in November and you didn't see the liberal blogosphere explode with allegations of them being anti-science or anything. Its only when they did the same thing to Planned Parenthood did the outrage suddenly appear.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
inajeepFeb 7, 2012
Well, what are you going to do about it? Make some noise, spread it out among your caring GOP and Libertarian cohorts. I'm sure you will be able to get the stem cell research reversed too. Thank you for caring.
Closed AccountFeb 6, 2012
Judging by the backlash against the Komen organization, you may conclude that the majority of Americans can see past the issue of abortion, and recognize that the value of the services provided FAR outweighs any reasonable concern for the abortion services they provide.
No one "loves" abortion, sir, and for you to suggest this immediately ruins your credibility. Your words harbor the exaggerations of zealotry.
This is a serious issue that requires a bit more than witty repartee
Modern life does not promote sexual health for many reasons. Perhaps if you had realistic goals about preventing the NEED for abortions, you would align yourself with Planned Parenthood, as they do far more to prevent unwanted pregnancies to begin with ( and thus reduce abortions), than all the picketing, screaming, clinic bombing, and general ill-mannered and confrontational tactics used by those who claim to venerate life.
barackalypseFeb 6, 2012
Let me ask you a question that might shed some light on this: prior to this Planned Parenthood escapade, had you ever heard anything about the organizations Komen funded or stopped funding? Back in November they stopped funding embryonic stem cell research, but the first I heard of that was last week after this Planned Parenthood thing blew up. Where was the backlash over them cutting the stem cell funding over 2 months ago? Or backlash over any other funding they have ever cut?
Why do you suppose its only in de-funding an organization that provides abortions that anyone suddenly started caring what Komen is spending their funds on? The obvious conclusion is that this is about abortion, not the value of the services organizations Komen has stopped funding hold.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
Closed AccountFeb 6, 2012
Certainly, sir, abortion is an important issue to many in this country, more important that stem cell research, unfortunately.
However, your comment brings up a darker side to things. Is Komen engaged in a systematic defunding of projects thought to be controversial by their VP, the former Republican Secretary of State of Georgia (that is, a known politician now working in the non-profit sector?) This is all perfectly legal, however people have a right to disagree and assemble said disagreement. And turning something like breast cancer research into a political tool isn't seen as very well-intentioned, especially given Komen's financials.
Where is my outrage? It is right here, sir, if this is the case. Please excuse me if I cannot attend to every major crisis in real-time but I can assure you that i consider defunding stem cell research to be far worse than defunding abortions, in the scheme of things. Though I do consider access to abortion to be critical to a healthy future human specie, a future I hope to be virtually free of the practice.
This seems to have been about abortion for the people who started this mess, I will grant you that. However, I think that many people see it as an integrity issue for a charity supporting women's health.
prettyboyfloydFeb 6, 2012
As I mentioned in an earlier comment, my wife has worked in oncology for over a decade, and she never managed to get any funding from Komen (and this was while she was running the Oncology Service Line at a Catholic Hospital, St. Mary's in San Francisco). She got the impression that Komen was more of a fundraising machine than a research partner since they were constantly soliciting volunteer help from the nursing staff to coordinate their annual Walk for the Cure events, sending hundreds of pink ribbons for the hospital staff to wear during Breast Cancer Awareness Week and other activities. When it came to actually funding St. Mary's cancer treatment efforts, though, Komen didn't give them a single dime.