In light of some recent headlines, I decided to create a matching game. Each quote in the list below relates to one of three organizations: Planned Parenthood, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). Certain key words have been removed, so see if you can correctly match the quotes and the organizations to which they refer (answers are at the bottom of the post - let me know how you do!).
1. A website criticizing this organization claims the website’s supporters “…are concerned with the alarming choices [BLANK] has been making (using the money we have paid and raised for them)…”
2. In a recent interview, the head of this organization stated, “Our support actually grew over the past year, not only in terms of activists and particularly a lot of young people who had never been active on issues related to [BLANK]…”
3. In a statement issued by this organization, “Throughout our [BLANK-year] history, our priority has always been and will continue to be the [women/girls] we serve.”
4. An executive in this organization said, “The scurrilous accusations being hurled at this organization are profoundly hurtful to so many of us.”
5. In response to the feud, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg stated, "Politics have no place in health care. Breast cancer screening saves lives and hundreds of thousands of women rely on [BLANK] for access to care…"
6. In response to recent controversy, a leader in this organization was quoted as saying, “[BLANK] does not take a position on abortion or birth control, and these topics are not part of [BLANK] or our materials...”
7. This organization asserted that, “[BLANK] will always fight for and serve the people who need us the most. We won't rest until every woman — rich, poor, insured or uninsured — can face a life without [BLANK].”
Unless cut off from news sources and social media sites, by now most people have heard about the controversy surrounding the Komen Foundation and their decision to cut Planned Parenthood funding.
However, before this story broke, there was another popular organization facing scrutiny over alleged ties to Planned Parenthood: the Girl Scouts.
In my experience, Girl Scouts were known for two things: the motto, "be prepared," and, more importantly, delicious cookies.
I should know, I was a Girl Scout. In fact, it was recently brought to my attention that I still am a Girl Scout.
So imagine my surprise when I saw that a local church kicked out a number of Girl Scout troops, no long permitting them to use the church as a meeting space. Reports assert this is a result of GSUSA connections to Planned Parenthood, allegations which leaders in the organization vehemently deny.
Let’s be honest here. As much as I wish being a Girl Scout was badass, it’s not. GSUSA is an organization that helps girls garner self-esteem and develop skills, social and otherwise. It is a great way to make friends and enhance your college application. It is not a front for socialists to brainwash the next generation, or push a liberal agenda.
I assure you, Girl Scouts didn’t corrupt us. High school did.
Sometimes I wonder what politicians were like in high school. Were they the ones picked on, or the ones putting others down to always gain the upper hand?
Based on recent actions, I’m guessing the latter. The problem is politicians' behavior has had a Reaganomic effect; their divisiveness and unwillingness to compromise has trickled down to the rest of society.
The decision made by Komen executives to revoke funding is a prime example of this behavior. It is becoming all too common for people to ignore the end goal in order to promote their own self interests, regardless of the cost to others.
Komen is the foremost breast cancer research foundation, and Planned Parenthood is highly regarded for its preventative care measures.
It seems logical that these two organizations on the forefront of women’s health would band together, uniting for the cause. Of course, as with most good things, politics interfered and mucked it up.
In addition to providing services, such as breast screenings, to women who may not have access to such care otherwise, Planned Parenthood also offers services relating to sexual education and reproductive choice. As a result, it is often under scrutiny from pro-life advocates and the religious right.
Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), who arguably fits into the aforementioned category, launched an investigation into Planned Parenthood last September, citing allegations that it was misappropriating federal funds. Komen cited this investigation as the reason for eliminating their Planned Parenthood grants.
However, critics of Komen’s decision believe the foundation, under the helm of Karen Handel, a self-proclaimed conservative who was recently appointed as Komen’s senior vice president of public policy, finally succumbed to political pressure from the right.
Komen’s founder and CEO, Nancy Brinker, dismissed these allegations, stating “We will never bow down to political pressure.”
Whether that’s true or not, Komen was quick to fold under the pressure from the criticism they received following yesterday’s announcement. Today they released a statement reversing that decision, saying Komen, “will amend the criteria to make clear that disqualifying investigations must be criminal and conclusive in nature and not political. That is what is right and fair.”
While the reversal is being applauded, it remains to be seen if Komen will suffer any long-term impact from their initial decision to rescind Planned Parenthood grants.
The organization was naïve not to anticipate a heated response to a decision that would negatively impact thousands of women. Besides, I would think an organization led by women would understand the phrase, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
Live and learn, Komen. Live and learn.
Answers:
1. C 2. A 3. B 4. B 5. A 6. C 7. B
Full quotes:
A website criticizing this organization [GIRL SCOUTS] claims supporters “…are concerned with the alarming choices [GSUSA] has been making (using the money we have paid and raised for them)…”
In a recent interview, the head of this organization stated, “Our support actually grew over the past year, not only in terms of activists and particularly a lot of young people who had never been active on issues related to [PLANNED PARENTHOOD]…”
In a statement issued by this organization, “Throughout our [30 YEAR] history, our priority has always been and will continue to be the [WOMEN] we serve.”
An executive in this organization [KOMEN] said, “The scurrilous accusations being hurled at this organization are profoundly hurtful to so many of us.”
In response to the feud, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg stated, "Politics have no place in health care. Breast cancer screening saves lives and hundreds of thousands of women rely on [PLANNED PARENTHOOD] for access to care…"
In response to recent controversy, a leader in this organization was quoted as saying, “[THE GIRL SCOUT ORGANIZATION] does not take a position on abortion or birth control, and these topics are not part of [THE GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM] or our materials...”
This organization asserted that, “[SUSAN G. KOMEN] will always fight for and serve the people who need us the most. We won't rest until every woman — rich, poor, insured or uninsured — can face a life without [BREAST CANCER].”
