# Susan G Komen cuts funding to PP

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [February 1, 2012, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413 "2012-02-01T13:08:01Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 10

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**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/181 "2012-02-03T17:39:49Z")

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> [@Martin\_Hyde](#):
>
> … Anyway, as an old male I don’t care if both organizations go defunct tomorrow.

You don’t have a wife? Sister? Daughter? Niece? Old flame you’re still fond of? Female co-worker? Literally **no** women in your life at all that you’d rather not see drop dead of a preventable cause?

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**Author:** ![Beware\_of\_Doug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/182 "2012-02-03T18:04:56Z")

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> [@Marley23](#):
>
> If this was the first time Komen had ever made people angry, it would probably be a different story. But when you combine this with their lawsuits against smaller charities and to a lesser extent the ubiquitous pink stuff, it gives a more negative impression of the organization. Breast cancer screenings are very relevant to what Komen does, and even if “PR is tough,” you might think this is the kind of thing that warrants a real explanation and not what they actually did- which was use an investigation that was politically motivated in the first place to make a decision that looks equally political.

[Never apologize, never explain - it’s a sign of weakness.](http://exileinportales.blogspot.com/2009/08/never-apologize-never-explain.html)

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**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/183 "2012-02-03T18:12:14Z")

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> [@Kolga](#):
>
> Never underestimate the [power](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/03/susan-g-komen-planned-parenthood_n_1252651.html)of pissed-off women and their allies.

From your link:

> [@](#):
>
> 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.

This sounds kind of weasely to me. They were already planning to fund existing grants, and preserving their eligibility to _apply_ for future grants isn’t a promise of much of anything.

They can file the paperwork, hallelujah, we’re saved! :rolleyes:

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**Author:** ![Vihaga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Vihaga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vihaga)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/184 "2012-02-03T18:15:32Z")

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Yeah, it won’t get really interesting until their next round of proposal funding goes through.

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**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/185 "2012-02-03T18:32:59Z")

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> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> You don’t have a wife? Sister? Daughter? Niece? Old flame you’re still fond of? Female co-worker? Literally **no** women in your life at all that you’d rather not see drop dead of a preventable cause?

I don’t think that saying SGK could disband is equivilent to saying Lets let breast cancer kill all the women. A badly run charity does more damage to a cause than good, and there are thousands of other organizations out there who would fill the gap if SGK wasn’t around. They just advertise less.

PP - that’s a more difficult issue given how few organizations there are that provide low cost womens health services in the US.

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**Author:** ![SnakesCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@SnakesCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakesCatLady)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/186 "2012-02-03T18:34:18Z")

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All in all, a rather informative few days. I have formerly donated to SGK - the owner of the local hockey team regularlly runs “for the cure”, but that won’t happen again. After learning their lobbying and PR budget and activities, I think my money is better spent elsewhere. I no longer trust them.

Any donation to them was unusual for me as I usually give at the local level and avoid “facilitators” such as United Way like a rabid skunk. Which is what SGK is starting to smell like.

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**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/187 "2012-02-03T18:36:52Z")

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> [@Moonlitherial](#):
>
> I don’t think that saying SGK could disband is equivilent to saying Lets let breast cancer kill all the women.

No, but it’s still pretty ridiculous to say “I’m a guy, so I don’t care about Komen or Planned Parenthood.” Diseases and health care issues can affect you even if you’re not likely to get them yourself.

Signed,  
Another Guy

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**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/188 "2012-02-03T18:37:27Z")

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> [@Vihaga](#):
>
> Yeah, it won’t get really interesting until their next round of proposal funding goes through.

Correct.  
Interestingly, [lifenews.com](http://lifenews.com), an anti-abortion website, has an article that says the same thing you and I are saying.  
[Komen May Continue to Fund Some Planned Parenthood Grants - LifeNews.com](http://www.lifenews.com/2012/02/03/komen-may-continue-to-fund-some-planned-parenthood-grants/)

> [@](#):
>
> Austin Ruse, the president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute, who has been very closely following the Komen decision-making process, told LifeNews that the statement is not really a change in position but he says the sentence “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” is “troubling” for pro-life advocates.
> 
> “This represents nothing new. We have known and have reported that they are continuing five grants through 2012. This is a reference to that. The second clause about eligibility is certainly true. Any group can apply for anything. It does not mean they are going to get anything,” Ruse told LifeNews.

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**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/189 "2012-02-03T18:47:17Z")

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That’s true: they’re revising the rule so Planned Parenthood is not definitely being excluded, but we don’t know what’ll happen next. This may be stage one in a dispute that gets renewed in a few months. Meanwhile, who was investigating the stem cell research groups?

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**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/190 "2012-02-03T18:47:48Z")

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> [@Moonlitherial](#):
>
> I don’t think that saying SGK could disband is equivilent to saying Lets let breast cancer kill all the women. A badly run charity does more damage to a cause than good, and there are thousands of other organizations out there who would fill the gap if SGK wasn’t around. They just advertise less.
> 
> PP - that’s a more difficult issue given how few organizations there are that provide low cost womens health services in the US.

_Hint_: I don’t give a flying fuck about SGK. Never liked 'em, even before this … the noise-to-deeds ratio always made me :dubious: and they made buying anything during the month of October a pain in the non-cancerous ass. Now? Fuck 'em.

Does that clarify my post?

Thanks for backing me up, **Marley23** /Another Guy

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**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/191 "2012-02-03T18:49:30Z")

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> [@SnakesCatLady](#):
>
> …I think my money is better spent elsewhere. I no longer trust them.

My guess is that many people will think exactly like you do **SnakesCatLady**.

SGK could (and should) fire every person on the board, but it will be too little, far too late. The damage has been done. Once you lose your credibility and trust, it will take a very long time to repair this, if ever.

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**Author:** ![Frosted\_Glass](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frosted_glass/32/3926_2.png) [@Frosted\_Glass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frosted_Glass)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/192 "2012-02-03T19:13:51Z")

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> [@Moonlitherial](#):
>
> PP - that’s a more difficult issue given how few organizations there are that provide low cost womens health services in the US.

I am speaking as a male who used to volunteer with Planned Parenthood so clearly I have a bit of bias. However, its hard to deny the fact that women’s health directly affects Men’s health.

Before this week I was largely indifferent to SGK. I was impressed with their ability to turn all of October pink but it always felt like their dominance snuffed out other worthwhile causes (Does anyone even know about [Domestic Violence Awareness Month](http://dvam.vawnet.org/about/index.php)?). For anyone who has not played season-mode in Madden '12, the logos and gear turns pink during October. That is some far-reaching pull if you ask me.

Personally, it is nice to see people reminded of the fact that Planned Parenthood is not a giant “baby killing factory” and that a host of other services are provided by this organization.

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**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/193 "2012-02-03T19:41:23Z")

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> [@Turek](#):
>
> Apparently, they’ve thought better of their decision:
> 
> [http://blog.komen.org/?p=994](http://blog.komen.org/?p=994)

Hmm, it looks like that blog post has disappeared.

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**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/194 "2012-02-03T19:42:56Z")

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> [@Martin\_Hyde](#):
>
> Right, I’ve admitted we’re just speculating.

It looks like the leaders of SKG have realized that this was a horrible PR move and are doing their best to backpedal.

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**Author:** ![Kolga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e56c9b/32.png) [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/195 "2012-02-03T19:51:10Z")

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[Three million dollars raised in three days, according to this article](http://www.nationaljournal.com/planned-parenthood-raises-3-million-in-wake-of-komen-funding-controversy-20120203). I am not familiar with the source, is it credible?

If so…damn. That’s a lot of angry people.

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**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/196 "2012-02-03T20:20:53Z")

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Planned Parenthood saved my mother’s life when she had an ectopic pregnancy. I hope another, less stupid and litigious, organization arises to work on breast cancer in the future, because the the Komen Foundation is dead.

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**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/197 "2012-02-03T20:36:01Z")

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> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> _Hint_: I don’t give a flying fuck about SGK. Never liked 'em, even before this … the noise-to-deeds ratio always made me :dubious: and they made buying anything during the month of October a pain in the non-cancerous ass. Now? Fuck 'em.
> 
> Does that clarify my post?
> 
> Thanks for backing me up, **Marley23** /Another Guy

“non-cancerous ass”? You need [this ribbon](http://www.amazon.com/Colon-Cancer-Awareness-Ribbon-Magnet/dp/tech-data/B005MZX9PG)! (Or pick one from[this list](http://www.trinitylondon.com/awareness-ribbon-meanings.asp).)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/198 "2012-02-03T20:50:53Z")

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HA! Although, actually, that’s a nice example of what I said upthread about already not liking SGK. When the fuck have any of those other ribbons taken over _your_ grocery store? It was all marketing, nothing more.

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**Author:** ![Duke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Duke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/199 "2012-02-03T20:53:52Z")

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> [@Bridget\_Burke](#):
>
> “non-cancerous ass”? You need [this ribbon](http://www.amazon.com/Colon-Cancer-Awareness-Ribbon-Magnet/dp/tech-data/B005MZX9PG)! (Or pick one from[this list](http://www.trinitylondon.com/awareness-ribbon-meanings.asp).)

Apparently a teal ribbon is used to show sympathy for tsunami victims. Great, memorialize their loss by wearing a ribbon that’s the color of the ocean. I say we make gray and white ribbons for shark victims too.

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**Author:** ![Katriona](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/katriona/32/113_2.png) [@Katriona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katriona)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2012, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/susan-g-komen-cuts-funding-to-pp/611413/200 "2012-02-03T21:30:41Z")

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> [@davidm](#):
>
> From your link:I can’t directly debunk this, but I will say that the sex trafficking charge is suspiciously similar to the bogus accusations that brought down ACORN.
> 
> Plus, anyone who refers to Planned Parenthood as “the Planned Parenthood abortion business” obviously has an agenda.

Could that stem from the James O’Keefe videos sending an “underaged” girl (college student who looked young, IIRC) in?

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