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Article Source: Daily Kos
Yes! Just heard the news report...Karen Handel quits Susan G. Komen Foundation. It's my opinion that Susan G. Komen is unsure about its future and doesn't see it getting any better until one of the forces behind the decision is gone.
Yesterday, on Lawrence O'Donnell, he stated that very, very large donors are backing away from Komen.
And more info is coming in:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/komen-official-quits-planned-parenthood-dispute-15529421#.TzFiYeOXQuE
So, Karen Handel became too much of a liability. Will Susan G. Komen be able to sustain itself?
It's sad that all this had to be politicized by one press release... it does go to show the speed of modern day news though. Can't take a @!$%# without having a camera up your ass...
Maybe someday things will be right... but I dont trust a charity that can't keep it's political agenda neutral...
So, Karen Handel became too much of a liability. Will Susan G. Komen be able to sustain itself?
It is ALL about the MONEY.
The big corporate sponsors wanted to get out of their current contracts and told SGK that they will not be renewing their contracts with SKG when they do expire.
It is not about doing the right thing for fighting breast cancer or they would never had defunded PP in the first place and they have also defunded stem cell research with the donations that pay for their overpaid CEO and managers.
Never forgive or forget that this once proud charity is ONLY in it for the money not for the health of women.
I'm glad it was exposed though. If it wasn't and it was kept under wraps who knows how much money would still be donated to support this right wing decision.
And there's so many companies that have jumped on the Charity bandwagon that now will come under the "Political" spotlight when I'm sure their intention was helping fight breast cancer. What a mess.
Shelby Davenport
Will Susan G. Komen be able to sustain itself?
Of course they will. They just need to clean house - get rid of their executive staff that created this mess, and, maybe a few directors, as well.
Once the organization gets back on track - helping to fund the "cure" of cancer and not being a political entity - they will regain their rightful place.
Bible scripture, "go forth and multiply", somehow became the confused cause for the GOP.
Pink ribbons SAVED a lot of woman's lives..... educated a lot of women....and supported a lot of families.
The Planned Parenthood vendetta that Handel embraced was not keeping with the Komen MISSION STATEMENT.
If PENIS Cancer was an issue...there is no way men would oppose vasectomies at PP.
Hinckley Springs being one such company that's already re-done so many of their trucks.
"I openly acknowledge my role in the matter and continue to believe our decision was the best one for Komen's future and the women we serve."
Karen Handel
Didn't Nancy Brinker go on YouTube, and flatly say that this policy change had nothing to do with Handel?
Why yes - she did.
Shame. People don't deserve to be lied to.
This is a good first step, but by no means the end. There is some very fundamental and comprehensive housecleaning needed at Komen before they become a reputable and trustworthy charity again.
LasVegasRocks - I think it is going to be years before Komen reestablishes itself. Rocks are still being overturned showing past political associations up to and including taking money from Georgia Pacific and the Koch Bros, known for using carcinogens in their products. Pink ribbons are emblazoned on those products.
Komen had to know when they hired Handel, who she was and where she was coming from politically, so my money, will go directly to Planned Parenthood where it will go for what it is intended for, breast screenings. Komen needs a whole new leadership, with extreme vetting to recover.
#1.2:Never forgive or forget that this once proud charity is ONLY in it for the money not for the health of women
Call me suspicious, but I trust very carefully and minimally. I am almost 66 and I have learned a lot in my short lifetime.
This distrust of the charities started when I was a kid and discovered that some of the people in charge of the money was themselves taking most of the money - as we were turning it over to them from our little collection containers. And as I think about it now, we didn't get paid anything either.
I was one of the little kids with the "donation cans" that thought I was fighting for a good cause. Little did I know that this was a SALARY for those keeping the money from our little cans! What a betrayal and disappointment.
Now this small time schemata has played out with the bigger charities as well. I remember the "Community Chest" scandal; and the "Jerry's Kids" scandal. There were others too but I think everyone gets the message.
Charity- is just another word for "official con". It is too bad so say it, but that's all it is now.
It is much like the repugs campaigning for office of the President of the United States. It is a way to raise enough money to pay the rent and keep the charade going. They are having fun without having to go to a "9 to 5", and getting dirty and sweaty while doing it. They also know that they can not- repeat CANNOT WIN! It is merely a game that they are playing- with others money because they don't have any of their own!
Nice work if you can get it!
MaryEllen,
It's unfortunate that you had a bad experience with a charitable organization. I'll tell you from over 23 years in nonprofit development, there are some bad ones out there. There are also some very good charities who happen to have bad people work for them (those that you reference, keeping little kids money). I could tell you so many stories that have never even made the news.
But, again, there are some very wonderful organizations out there who are doing fantastic work (I just happen to work for one, which will remain nameless). The important thing is that you do your research before you make your gift. An informed donor is much less likely to be ripped off.
One thing that people have to understand is that there WILL be administrative costs to run a charitable organization. They need good people to administer the programs. It all comes down to just how much overhead becomes too much overhead. I'd limit it to around 20% - that is acceptable.
Again, do your homework. There is some excellent work being done out there.
Ari Fleischer as well as all other anti-women's reproductive rights people have no place in an organization that we once thought was dedicated to all levels and accesses for women's reproductive healthcare.
SGK is self destructing. Karen Handel, Ari Fleischer, and those that associate with them at SGK are at the helm. The want to control the brand for their failed ideology.
SGK will go the way of their ideology and deservedly so given their suspicious 34% expenditure on "education" and only 15% on screening.
You judged by the company you keep. They need an independent audit.
Well, as far as the political investigation.....I think we gave it to them.
Susan G. Komen is questioning its very existence. It was only a matter of time before Handel went. Were they to plant their feet and NOT act, they would definitely go out of business. It's a two year road back to relevance.
#2 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 10:54 AM ESTI think it might be too late to undo the damage Handel has done.
I have already said so, Komen Foundation as it is will not survive. A house cleaning and a name change will happen. And even still what emerges will have to shake off a public image implanted. And now that Ari Fleisher, however it's spelled, has admitted to his involvement the connection will be made.
What is an politician doing at the head of a charity anyway? Handel should never have been appointed in that key role to drive policy.
This charity deserves what it got.It simply lost its direction in the bid to control women's lives and lost miserably.
I think it might be too late to undo the damage Handel has done.
Agree- and Brinker is not handling the controversy well at all. She is going to have come clean about lying to their donators or step down... before anything good light is shone on them.
I hope they realizetheir fight is with cancer not abortion.
I have already said so, Komen Foundation as it is will not survive. A house cleaning and a name change will happen.
Absolutely. Too much negative light has shone on it already.
Since Komen has repeatedly lied about the motivation for this, I'd say stick a fork in them - they're done. I doubt they will ever recover completely. As for me, I'll never donate nor participate in another fundraiser for Komen ever again. I'll donate to ACS and PP directly. Komen has let political ideology subvert, and pervert, their stated mission. They deserve all the derision that can be heaped upon them for this disaster.
What the hell were they thinking?!?
What the hell were they thinking?!?
Kind of a rhetorical question, isn't it.
Think it might be backlash against bagger politics?
#3 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 10:58 AM ESTI'm hoping it is backlash over the religious right inserting themselves in to politics!
I agree. The right wing has been under the impression that no one would oppose them.
Now they know. 80% of America opposes all of their paranoid delusions....
The responses this summer to the OWS demonstrations will further solidify the 99%... let's get it on!
#3.2:The responses this summer to the OWS demonstrations will further solidify the 99%... let's get it on!
I'm with you- let's go -FORWARD! And if we stick together, we can get it ALL done.
I'm with you- let's go -FORWARD! And if we stick together, we can get it ALL done.
Amen to that!
I'm right behind you, MaryEllen! Crossing the Pond and joining hands is nothing where injustice is concerned. :o)
Selfish greedy people have been allowed their own way for far too long. There are many flashpoints in history and this could be one of them. What Komen/Handel did was simply a bridge too far!
Bye, bye. Now that Ari Fleischer admitted he was involved and it's clear this was political; her resignation was the only way to begin doing any damage control at all.
#4 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 11:03 AM ESTMy new mantra - You Will Not Take My Body Through Eminent Domain!
Komen seriously screwed this up. I wonder what Handel's golden parachute was and how much of it was donor $$?
I wonder what Handel's golden parachute was and how much of it was donor $$?
I don't think that she took the severance package.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0212/72550.html
Her 6 figured salary is another story.
Yes, and will she continue to receive it for how many more months? Severance packages aren't necessarily one time payouts.
It just seems to me that she would get something - you can't convince me that she wasn't brought in to the organization to help the charity in the direction they took. The timeline supports a direct objective to defund PP.
In her resignation letter posted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Handel writes, "I openly acknowledge my role in the matter and continue to believe our decision was the best one for Komen’s future and the women we serve ... What was a thoughtful and thoroughly reviewed decision [to sever ties with Planned Parenthood] — one that would have indeed enabled Komen to deliver even greater community impact — has unfortunately been turned into something about politics."
The woman is delusional.
The woman is delusional.
Yes, that is a good word for her.
She is also dangerous.
I'm sure that she will be in the news once again trying to get Planned Parenthood out of business.
I guess Komen just couldn't handle Handel being around anymore huh?
#5 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 11:07 AM EST"You're not wanted" seems to be the theme of your professional career, Ms. Handel.
Buh-bye.
#6 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 11:09 AM ESTShe probably destroyed Susan G. Komen, but she made Planned Parenthood even more powerful!
That seems to have all worked out for the best!
#7 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 11:14 AM ESTEven Handel's parting statement was defiant - that she felt it was the right decision for Komen and the best decision for women's health.
HUH?
#8 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 11:16 AM ESTHow dare she not cower!
She probably destroyed Susan G. Komen
Only in your dreams...
Not slinking... unfortunately there's some right wing organization out there right now salivating to have this extremist on their staff. What they don't realize is that Handel made two mistakes. One in her personal politics, and one in her absolute inability to see past her personal politics. She'll find a job and mess up the next organization the same way by being so totally sure that she's right and having no sensitivity to other people.
Good riddance. This woman did immeasurable damage to Komen. The good news, all of this has brought millions of dollars and lots of public support to Planned Parenthood.
Oh, I'm not sure she'll end up at Fox. There are hundreds of right wing organizations out there, who are doing work to stop women's rights, who would scoop her up. I bet she is fielding offers as we speak.
She might be in line to work for Gov. Perry of Texas. They are birds of a feather.
Good move on Handels part. When Komen no longer associates with PP Handel will not be a lightning rod.
#9 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 11:19 AM ESTWhen Komen no longer associates with PP Handel will not be a lightning rod.
Handel will always be known for this debacle, and for every other failure her name is associated with - does Georgia ring and bells???!!!
My interest is in Komen, not Handel. I could not care less what she does at this point.
Komen has become a parasite. When you spend more money on overhead and "education" than you do on detection, research, and treatment then you are no longer helping the cause you are hurting it. Cancer is not something that education prevents, you can know all there is to know about it and still get it. Of course the "conservatives" will argue for you to keep funding Komen, because Komen has proven they are willing to dabble in "conservative" politics.
When Komen gets rid of the rest of the activists, especially those who selected Handel, then perhaps they will be able to start recovering.
When you spend more money on overhead and "education" than you do on detection, research, and treatment then you are no longer helping the cause you are hurting it.
Very well written.
The mask has been ripped off and can not be put on again.
When Komen gets rid of the rest of the activists, especially those who selected Handel, then perhaps they will be able to start recovering.
They are already recovering. They will especially recover when they quietly are not associated with PP. They want to remain neutral in the abortion issue.
you can know all there is to know about it and still get it.
Well, people know how to avoid getting pregnant...but they still do it.
The mask has been ripped off and can not be put on again.
Nonsense. More wishful thinking. They will do more than fine despite the smear from some on the intolerant left.
So!
These nonprofits have a history of bring in incompetent management... Kinda like the sorority clicks, they don't have any idea of who they are to help but would like to be seen as doing it.
Abortion is a right, by which a women makes a decision that is none of the business of elite Christian fascist, busy bodies.
The right thinks that if abortion is stopped white people will be a majority..sic. Man, that right there is a reason to keep abortion...less creepy right wingers..lol
I think Komen seems to be very worried IV.
Do you have some kind of inside info that would seem to say otherwise?
They will especially recover when they quietly are not associated with PP. They want to remain neutral in the abortion issue.
Komen didn't fund abortions. They paid for screening and only screening for women's health issues at a free & cost controlled women's clinic. Crazy concept.
You may continue with your misinformation now.
#9.6:The right thinks that if abortion is stopped white people will be a majority..sic. Man, that right there is a reason to keep abortion...less creepy right wingers..lol
That is ironic and funny at the same time! Rotflmao, truly the truth!
Inside info? I have a guess what it is inside of.
Santorum, maybe?
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll !!!
Proper smackdown for politicizing Female sex organs...something republicans have pursued with such zeal since 2010...if they put as much energy as the had to crush choice as job creation we'd be at full employment!
American Women voted 57% for Obama and 43% for McCain in. Let her You roar in '12, 65% + For Obama and against states ownership of your uterus!
#10 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 11:31 AM ESTThis will be her legacy, it will follow her always. The SGK foundation has lost credibility and funding and Handel can take credit for that. To quote Handel, cry me a river.
This will be her legacy,
She hopes that it will be...do you honestly think she cares what the left thinks? Really? LOL
it will follow her always. The SGK foundation has lost credibility and funding and Handel can take credit for that.
It will not hurt Komens funding; in fact it will increase when Komen is no longer associated with PP and becomes neutral in the abortion debate.
...do you honestly think she cares what the left thinks? Really? LOL
Do you honestly think that it was only the left and not all WOMEN of different political beliefs who spoke up the loudest?
This is NOT a left or right political debate, it is about women's health issues and access to health care.
Even if you thought Handel was right, would you want someone with no political savvy running your organization? Because that's what Handel just showed: a total lack of awareness of the real world and how people in the real world react to having their interests trampled on.
Komen's donations doubled in the two days after the Planned Parenthood assault began, presumably because lots of people wanted to support its apolitical work against breast cancer but did not want to give money to a group that was subsidizing a group that both performs and advocates for abortion.
Komen displayed an appalling naiveté in its approach to the matter. It failed to understand it was dealing with intolerant fanatics.
Komen is under no obligation to fund Planned Parenthood. Its decision not to do so was not punitive and did not even appear to be. Komen's actual aim was to extricate itself from the divisive national battle over abortion by severing its connection with a leading combatant.
The truth is that Komen blundered into a political battle by supporting Planned Parenthood in the first place and was attempting to back out of it quietly.
In this case, neutrality on abortion is portrayed as opposition to "women's health."
Komen would have been better off approaching the matter straightforwardly, by announcing that it wished to opt out of the abortion debate and would not support groups that take a position on either side of the issue, including Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood and its supporters have internalized the notion that abortion is health, and are determined that everyone else internalize it too.
Right IV, thats why in the space of a week Komen reversed its position right quick and and pushed Handel out the door...because they will get more by breaking ties with those they just apologized to...lol! Komen wasn't associated with PP, until Handel and Ari Fleischer try to politicize their organization...a humiliating blow for anti choice cons and a wake up call to those who had any doubt about the conservative agenda, not jobs, uterus'.
Yawn.
You still are relying on a political party to provide you with a job...good grief.
would not support groups that take a position on either side of the issue
This would be impossible. If an organization like Planned Parenthood did not provide abortion services they would then be taking a position against abortion.
Komen's actual aim was to extricate itself from the divisive national battle over abortion by severing its connection with a leading combatant.
You don't hire a known activist from one camp as your VP if your goal is to remain neutral. But carry on with your fantasy, I understand that reality is pretty depressing for conservatives this morning.
Thinknaboutit, repubs are doing their best to find positive spin on this. There is not any, nada, zilch, none.
Independent Voter,
Aside from the fact that it is difficult to read, not block quoting others' comments is bad form and can get you a CoH violation. There is a feature for that. Italicizing is not it.
IV - when you have the right yelling jobs, jobs, jobs for years and then come in and actively attempts to defund Planned Parenthood at every avenue, severely limit abortion providers through building codes, and subject women to medically unnecessary procedures, I'd say jobs is the farthest thing from their minds.
Stay on subject - this seed has nothing to do with jobs.
IndVoter said:
in fact it will increase when Komen is no longer associated with PP and becomes neutral in the abortion debate.
Komen was neutral in the abortion debate until the policy change. By making such a sloppy change, they jumped directly into the abortion debate with both feet. By claiming it was due to a new policy on organizations under "investigation" then that it was due to "direct funding policy", they lost all credibility. Fact is, prior to this, no one thought anything at all about Komen and Abortion.
I do hope that Komen remains neutral and puts breast health above all other concerns. Which means working with organizations like PP to help get more women tested and treated and not getting sucked into politics.
The question about whether to partner with PP should be "Is this an effective way to ensure women have greatest access to free/affordable breast screening and exams?" Any other criteria should be waaaaay down the list.
I put to you Independent Voter this question. If it was indeed a new policy concerning organizations under investigation why start with PP? The investigation that comes to my mind is Penn State, but they received 7.5 million in funding. This was a political plot of Handel's doing and it is now her undoing. Just a short anatomy lesson for those still in doubt, a women breasts and her uterus not in close proximity on her body. We would of expect the Komen foundation to realize this.
IndependentVoter
Yawn.You still are relying on a political party to provide you with a job...good grief.
You got me confused with your compatriots, but then cons always project their behavior onto others...I'm a private sector job creator...and I have volunteered and worked for a conservative non profit foundation....and they in know way injected politics into their agenda, for reasons that should be obvious to cons now...
Komen displayed an appalling naiveté in its approach to the matter. It failed to understand it was dealing with intolerant fanatics
No, it thought its only supporters were intolerant fanatics, and was blindsided to find out otherwise. Now its accounting practices - how much it spends on overhead - are publicized and that is just wonderful! Nobody should donate to an org who spends this much on overhead.
It hired an anti-choice idiot as a main executive, let her drive it into this decision -she's the one who politicized it. And oh, did it backfire. We're getting less tolerant of ignorance.
Keep serving up more Handels and we'll keep smacking them down!
#12 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 11:51 AM ESTUnfortunately for Komen Foundation, this has opened up an entire can (or should I say cans) of worms that I'm sure they never bargain on. The "pinkwashing" of everything they can get their hands on, and their association with corporations (Georgia Pacific) and entities (Koch Bros.) who use carcinogens in their products. This is much bigger than just the defunding of Planned Parenthood.
A new documentary from a breast cancer survivor raises questions about the "pinkwashing" she believes brands are using to sell products that are actually carcinogenic.
Dr. Samantha King's investigation into the growing corporate involvement in breast cancer fundraisers is the basis for Léa Pool's new documentary, "Pink Ribbons Inc.," opening in select theatres Friday.
Read more: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Entertainment/20120202/bc_doc_unites_pink_ribbon_120202/#ixzz1liQSThOD
Unfortunately, this will only be shown in Canada. I'm hoping it will travel south in the future!
#13 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 11:52 AM ESTI am surprised they don't put their pink ribbons on cigarette packs.
#13.1:I am surprised they don't put their pink ribbons on cigarette packs.
Sh-h!- don't give them any ideas! And they are going to need some new ideas to get back on track - which personally I don't think they will ever do.
Hi Shelby, an outstanding seed. Loved your link to the article, referring to Dr. King and the film. The article quoted her as saying:
"One of my favourite examples is a breast cancer handgun that went on sale in
the U.S. last year. We've seen Kentucky Fried Chicken, snowshoes -- the list is
really endless."
"Pinkwashing," companies will do any form of advertising to sell their products. It's a crime, and people do need to be punished for their crimes.
It is possible that the film might be copied and added to YouTube.
I hope so, both my daughter and I would really love to see it. Meanwhile, we are getting snippets. And who knows, with the attention this is getting, it may drift south.
Komen has learned a valuable lesson... screw with women and we will bring you to your knees!!!
#14 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 11:53 AM EST"The Killer of Komen" has gone... GOOD!!! Now to track where Handel goes next and make sure her personal ideology doesn't get in the way of her doing her job...
#15 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 11:55 AM ESTShe should not be allowed to associate with enlightened people.
#15:The Killer of Komen" has gone... GOOD!!! Now to track where Handel goes next and make sure her personal ideology doesn't get in the way of her doing her job...
Yes, we will definitely remember her- and keep our eyes on her- from now on! She had no idea that she was digging her own grave when she made the decision to de-fund PP.
Always, always be careful of what you wish. You just might get it!
Not worried. There are a number of businesses that will now donate when Komen becomes neutral in the abortion debate.
No, they will stay away because their consumers have spoken and "We don't need your stinkin' ribbons!!!"
Yeah, neutrality in the abortion debate is what those like Handel were after...
uh, ok.
Reports are that seriously large donors and corporations have fled. The damage is done, and it will be guilty by association for a couple of years, IV.
No obligation at all. It's just the smart thing to do.
They screwed up BIG TIME, and you know it.
Komen is under no obligation to fund Planned Parenthood.
Absolutely true and the public has no obligation to support Komen. Amazing how well that all works out.
Komen is under no obligation to fund Planned Parenthood.
They do if their mission is to improve women's health as they have done for many years.
But the issue here is why Komen decided to stop its funding. It was clearly political.
Komen is under no obligation to fund Planned Parenthood.
I'm under no obligation to support anything or anyone who supports Komen there are better cancer charities then this money grabbing one who are in need of our support.
And NO ONE is under any obligation to donate to Komen or buy their pink ribbon items or purchase any products that have pink ribbons or walk in their events!
Komen is under no obligation to fund Planned Parenthood.
True but it is my right to not give my Money to Religions or Charity's that have a political agenda that I do not agree with, that includes my tax dollars.
It is my opinion that all such groops should have to pay tax's.
It is my opinion that PP should be required to open its books because they do receive tax dollars.
And Planned Parenthood opens its books every year so that it can RECEIVE TAX DOLLARS!!!!
It is my opinion that PP should be required to open its books because they do receive tax dollars.
Their books are WIDE open
Googled,
www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/annual-report-4661.htmCached - Similar
IV - Planned Parenthood is among the most scrutinized organizations out there simply because of their situation. That is why the investigation that Cliff Stearns (R-Fl) was so outrageous. Planned Parenthood complied, and the investigation has just been left to stagnate.
IV, you are joking right? PP is audited by the government annually and the reports are public domain. Asking for a link? How about you use google. That's a few million links out there.
You want a link... find it yourself. What am I, your mother??? Want me to come wipe your tushie too?
Want me to come wipe your tushie too?
Well that depends are you a man?
If you are a man, (I'm a women) will you spank me and call me poodle?
Do you take mastercard?
/s
Since the are both women, may I watch?
Okay now--that's just wrong.
Since they are both women, may I watch?
Sorry I don't do women, I do take mastercard.
Now, now, you two....
Just trying to lighten up the conversation, won't happen again boss.
#16.2:Yeah, neutrality in the abortion debate is what those like Handel were after......uh, ok.
"If you say so!"......
I think that was his point. They weren't attempting to be neutral by any means.
#16.28:They weren't attempting to be neutral by any means.
Yes, I know. That was MY point!
IV:
Not worried. There are a number of businesses that will now donate when Komen becomes neutral in the abortion debate.
Why is this an issue all of a sudden for Komen?!? It's not like they didn't know before what PP did!
And there's a flaw in your logic: According to Komen, this wasn't ever about "abortion." But it's nice to see that you, at least, can be honest about the REAL motivation behind this: kowtowing to political and religious pressure in the abortion debate, period. Komen did this to themselves.
Reports are that seriously large donors and corporations have fled. The damage is done, and it will be guilty by association for a couple of years, IV.
Link to the reports please. I would like to see them.
#17 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 12:07 PM ESTPardon me for interjecting in response to #17 here is one I ran across just from one Komen affiliate.
No doubt there will be some that hold the view that if you do not support organizations that perform abortions then you do not deserve funding. However, make no mistake, there are those that will now contribute because they know there is no chance of their money going to an organization that performs abortions.
there are those that will now contribute because they know there is no chance of their money going to an organization that performs abortions.
Komen reversed it's decision. Didn't you hear?
Well, I agree with IV on 17.4. Only time will tell if PP gets any more money from SGK. Afterall, you can apply and they can graciously accept their grant application. It remains to be seen if SGK will actually fund.
My guess is they will - they don't want this issue to come back and bite them AGAIN!
My point is that Komen publicly announced the reversal, so how can any donor be absolutely positive that none of their money will go to PP? (Hint--they can't.) Then there's the flip side. Many people won't give because they don't trust that Komen has really reversed the decision. So where does that leave Komen?
IV: If Komen is "just fine," then what is your problem?
The issue is that Komen LIED about their motivations. People don't take kindly to a "charity" lying to them. Repeatedly. They got caught, they changed their story ... and they have yet to come clean about this.
Their first excuse was that this was about "investigations," yet could not name one other organization that got cut besides PP. Even Penn State got a boat load of cash recently. I'd say that an organization that covered up child sex abuse for YEARS is a MUCH less worthy cause than an organization that helps millions of women, men and children (myself included). Then came to light the internal emails PROVING that this policy change was specifically implemented to target PP. Then Komen changed their story. And they STILL aren't telling the truth.
They have every right to give grants to whomever they want. Just as we have the right to expose their hypocrisy and NOT give Komen our money.
They have no credibility, and their brand is damaged. Time will tell if they'll recover. They could still do a lot of good ... IF they get rid of their board, and Fleischer, and restructure to truly be nonpolitical.
If Komen is "just fine", why did Handel "resign", and Komen go into damage control?
However, make no mistake, there are those that will now contribute because they know there is no chance of their money going to an organization that performs abortions.
I suspect that the Komen foundation is going to become a big and vocal supporter of Planned Parenthood now that they have been shown the error of their ways, not because they want to but because they have little choice unless they want to become irrelevant.
Planned Parenthood has benefited from the controversy no doubt.
#18 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 12:36 PM ESTThings do come around, and often not seen until it happens.
This is an example of America's stance on Obstruction and Regression back to the past VS Progressive change into the future. It pretty obvious that Progress is winning. Planned Parenthood is engaged in one of the most important services that is going on in the nation. They are providing healthcare services to people, especially women who may otherwise not get healthcare. By providing help with birth control, they are actually reducing the number of abortions. On the other hand, Komen, by adopting an obstructionist-regressive agenda, almost or may have destroyed their organization. Time will tell. Komen, knowing Handel's pronunciations when she was running for governor of Georgia should have known and probably did know what was coming when they hired her. They made a pretty costly boo-boo.
#19 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 12:58 PM ESTKomen, knowing Handel's pronunciations when she was running for governor of Georgia should have known and probably did know what was coming when they hired her.
Oh, ain't that the truth!
Agreed. Komen handled this very badly.
Komen would have been better off approaching the matter straightforwardly, by announcing that it wished to opt out of the abortion debate and would not support groups that take a position on either side of the issue, including Planned Parenthood.
The best way to reduce abortions is to donate to Planned Parenthood. Contraceptive services including education is a big part of their mission.
More contraceptions, less needless abortions. It all seems so simple.
More contraceptions, less needless abortions. It all seems so simple.
Not for the people who wish to control women's bodies, Shelby! :o(
I don't care. Komen handled this badly, hard to trust the organization any longer. Losing my contribution may not matter much but word of mouth is a powerful thing....
#20 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 1:29 PM EST#20:I don't care. Komen handled this badly, hard to trust the organization any longer. Losing my contribution may not matter much but word of mouth is a powerful thing....
I'm with you echo. My contribution might not have been in the millions of dollars- as with some rich repugs- but the thumping has been so huge, debilitating and denigrating, that Komen is in big trouble.
I, personally, do not think Komen can recover enough to be a viable organization, like before the snafu, EVER!
My sincere hope is that the foundation will survive. That being said, I believe Karen Handel infiltrated the Komen foundation with one goal in mind. Stop funding Planned Parenthood. And I suspect this will not be the last attempt by the right wing to sabotage any charity that has funding for Planned Parenthood. We must not allow them to do that.
#22 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 1:43 PM ESTStevie:
Karen Handel infiltrated the Komen foundation with one goal in mind. Stop funding Planned Parenthood.
And there are emails that proves it. However, I don't know that she "infiltrated" the organization. They HAD to know who she was and what she was about. She ran for governor of Georgia on a "defund PP" campaign! It's not like she was a complete stranger.
As far as Komen "reversing" their decision, unless they get rid of the board and Fleischer, it's my guess that when the time comes for the grants to be awarded again, PP will not get one. Komen only said it wouldn't use the witch hunt "investigation" (which has gone nowhere in months) as criteria. This is a ruse. Once the heat dies down, I believe they'll continue down this same road and defund one of the best organizations out there for women's reproductive health. Which makes no sense, if they're serious about finding a cure and helping women.
According to Gail Collins, New York Times, Nancy Brinker, founder of the Komen foundation is a long standing Republican. Now I am left to wonder how much of the donors money went into Republican Super Pacs. No, I will never trust them again. In the future there will be some one else that will build an organization that will replace komen and Nancy Brinker.
I'm not sure, Stevie, but if Komen gave donor money to any SuperPacs, it would have to be disclosed on a 990 - I could be wrong. But if they diverted donor money to one, they would be in deep crappola with donors.
Whether they did or not, people are in a position never to trust them again because of their political undertones.
Shelby
Well of course it is only speculation on my part, but when it comes to the money and the Republicans well....
I'm not sure, Stevie, but if Komen gave donor money to any SuperPacs, it would have to be disclosed on a 990 - I could be wrong. But if they diverted donor money to one, they would be in deep crappola with donors.
Whether they did or not, people are in a position never to trust them again because of their political undertones.
I'm sure that Komen's tax returns are going to be well scrutinized.
As I hope their grant recipients will be, too!
I read in another article that the bulk of Komen's money goes to education programs - which loosely translated could mean self-promotion. Very little goes to actual screenings or even research. Can't find a cure without doing your homework!
Shelby,
I guess we can all agree, this whole episode is a blessing in disguise. Planned Parenthood will continue and another scam has be exposed.
I guess we can all agree, this whole episode is a blessing in disguise.
This entire matter couldn't have worked out any better for Planned Parenthood. It brought them money and much need publicity about the assault against them. This has made PP stronger.
This has made PP stronger.
Without a doubt, while it has damaged Komen!!
Many women will die of Breast Cancer for the righteous cause of abortion now. And Im prochoice. They made a business decision on the account of an investigation no matter how stupid the investigation is. Now women will die when Komen is no longer helping at all. I Guess YAY!????????
#23 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 1:53 PM ESTWell, David, there are many, many other organizations out there who are doing the same work as Komen. Actually, this is kind of a prickly point to me. I really think this is duplicative work of many who just want to capitalize on "pink."
One of my problems with Komen is the fact that they got SO big SO fast. This meant their marketing and PR departments had to be huge to put it all out there so quickly. Their pink ribbons on so many products just seemed to change the actual focus from breast cancer to their cause relating marketing. When I see my horse chow coming in pink bags, I have seriously reached my limit.
The Avon Breast Cancer Walk (if you are in to events) is a good one. When I worked at American Cancer Society, the president of Avon was on our board of directors. They were deeply committed and hugely involved.
They got seriously spanked, but Komen will come back. Like United Way, so many years ago, it may take a while. But, if they refocus their commitment....
Now women will die when Komen is no longer helping at all.
And Brinker and her cronies won't be able to pocket $5m a year in salary at the public's expense either. So there!!
And Brinker and her cronies won't be able to pocket $5m a year in salary at the public's expense either. So there!!
According to IRS 990 Brinker makes $417,171. Richards of PP makes $400,000.
Please stick to the facts.
Please stick to the facts.
Priceless coming from you, IV, especially when YOU wouldn't know what the facts were if they got up and whacked you round the head!
Richards of PP makes $400,000.
That might be so, but PP spends much less in percentage on expenses and administration than SGK does! So stick to the facts.
but PP spends much less in percentage on expenses and administration than SGK does
Never said they did not. However, link to your source.
Your credibilty is strained after..
5 Million a year..LOL LOL LOL
Did you pick that figure out of thin air...????
You got caught with your rhetoric and hyberbole down....
Both of their 990's are available online at Guidstar.org or Charitynavigator.org. Honestly, I haven't compared Komen or Planned Parenthood. While Komen politicized their organization with the PP debacle, my issues with Komen are slightly different due to their massive cause related marketing focus. Too much spent on all of that. Branding is one thing. Capitalizing on the merchandising your brand is something else.
Your credibilty is strained after..
5 Million a year..LOL LOL LOL
That figure came from the Daily Beast and, with it being quoted often, they have since apologised for their error. Anyway, I never said I was infallible.
You can smile as much as you wish. I am not the one who is losing credibility hiding my head in the sand and living in denial of the facts by ignoring reality.
I have one comment and one question.
The center where I get mammograms advertises pink ribbon merchandise on its web site. This controversy has left me with a reluctance to do business with them.
Did Nancy Brinker get rich off the death of her sister?
Did Nancy Brinker get rich off the death of her sister?
What in the world does that supposed to mean?
That is like asking if Candice Lightner got rich off the death of her daughter.
I think that depends on how you want to look at it, sms. I just wouldn't purchase any pink ribbon merchandise and that solves your problem. I'd make a direct donation to an organization who actually performs what you need, or directly supports it - not by purchasing anything pink.
She might have. Unless, of course, she began the organization with a really huge personal monetary investment. I just don't like the blatant merchandising that you see absolutely everywhere. It shifts the focus from actual services to a merchandising conglomerate. Personally, I think her sister might be rolling in her grave over the blatant politicization of this.
Did Nancy Brinker get rich off the death of her sister?
Good question, because all the signs point to that! If not, she has certainly benefited financially from her death.
Nancy Brinker is a successful businesswoman in her own right and her husband, Norman Brinker is the owner of Brinker Restaurants. They are very wealthy. The SKG foundation wasn't/isn't a critical source of income by any means.
Did Nancy Brinker get rich off the death of her sister?
That's the way it looks to me.
That's the sort of question I ask once I am suspicious of motives. And, okay, since you brought it up, did Lightner get rich off the death of her daughter? Is Lightner another political operative?
I know who she is. Now I'm just wondering if her motives are questionable. Has she profitted from MADD?
Honestly, I don't know much about the organization. I know what it is, just haven't investigated it. I think IV's trying to make a point.
Yes, I realize he's trying to make a point. I just don't think it's valid unless MADD has the same sort of political stench (on either side) attached to it that Komen now has. Once it becomes obvious that the mission of a fund-raising organization is not "pure", everything is on the table.
I think it's massively over cynical to start throwing around statements like "Did Brinker get rich off the death of her sister?"
Nancy Brinker, in honor of her sister, started an organization which ballooned-- over decades of hard work and dedication-- to a size she would have never imagined possible that has done immeasurable good for awareness, detection and treatment of breast cancer.
It's perfectly valid to criticize the recent PP issue. (I'm quite happy to see Handel go.. as a "VP of public policy" she screwed up big time). But 'get rich off the death of her sister' really implies a sinister motive, where there really isn't any.
Nancy Brinker appeared on MSNBC defending the action Komen took. She is in the line of fire. Perhaps I AM cynical. A good dose of cynicism is called for whenever any organization starts asking for money or telling you how to live. The mere fact that two days of controversy caused them to reverse their position ought to tell you something!
Well, this decision didn't start or end with Karen Handel, something that a lot of people are becoming aware of. That isn't helping.
This was the inevitable move by Komen, given the circumstances. But Komen is still thinking like a conglomerate; and that fact isn't lost on anyone. This organization started off with the altruistic purpose to fund for breast cancer research during a time when that research was barely funded. That mindset has clearly been lost, ironically, because of their immense success. This move does nothing to quell the suspicion that Komen no longer puts women's health at the top of their agenda. We're talking about a breach of trust here: and Komen is still putting the wrong foot forward.
#25 - Tue Feb 7, 2012 3:02 PM ESTBut Komen is still thinking like a conglomerate; and that fact isn't lost on anyone.
Well said, euterpe. Precisely.
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