The anti-choice right is having a collective freak out over the Komen foundation's "cave" to "political pressure" and "bullying" by those who objected to Komen's decision to cut its ties to Planned Parenthood. The irony, or dare I say hypocrisy, is rich given that these same folks have been pressuring Komen to cut its ties to Planned Parenthood. Pink bibles, used for Komen fund raising, were recalled by a Southern Baptist publisher because of Komen's connection to Planned Parenthood. Catholic bishops banned Komen fund raising in their diocesan institutions for the same reason. The word "politicization" has been thrown around by those who are unhappy about the policy reversal. This, too, is rich given that these same folks want congress to defund Planned Parenthood which is the subject of a partisan congressional investigation. That they have a friend in Fox was shown during Friday's "America Live" in which Megyn Kelly could hardly contain her anger over the turn of events and who framed the issue as being about Komen giving in to those nasty bullies at Planned Parenthood.
Looking and sounding very intense, official "news" person Kelly announced "a dramatic about face" from Komen. She reported that the group had originally cut funding from Planned Parenthood because it was under congressional investigation. Her eyes flashing and her voice full of indignation she loudly said "then came the fierce criticism of the Komen foundation and Komen went on the defensive." She played video of Komen chief, Nancy Brinker, saying "we will never bow to political pressure..." and talking about "scurrilous accusations." Kelly framed what is now the main meme in the "pro-life" community. She said, dramatically, "well two hours ago, they did bow to political pressure, from the look of it and now" (her eyes shooting daggers) "the funding to Planned Parenthood is back." After introducing contributors Sandy Rios, and Jehmu Greene, Kelly seemed agitated as she noted how "stunning" this was given Brinker's emphatic earlier comments about not "bowing to political pressure." Kelly, looking really pissed, said Brinker was "trying to say" that "political pressure" wasn't the reason for "yanking" funding yet "that does seem that that that's what happened here." FACT CHECK - Komen anti-choice VP, Karen Handel led the effort it does seem the original policy was based on anti-choice pressure.
Self appointed arbiter of morality, Sandy Rios proceeded with her trademark blather that gives new meaning to the term batshit crazy. She's upset that women senators voiced their opinion about this and asked why these elected officials would pressure a private organization. (LOL - GOP congressman Cliff Stearns is, essentially, harassing Planned Parenthood with his bogus witchhunt investigation). Naturally she worked in the requisite anti-choice meme of how Planned Parenthood "kills women." And this was followed by a real gem: "This is quintessential feminine confusion, the part of my gender I'm ashamed of." (We gals are just so silly, now pass me my fan cuz I'm having the vapors!) She continued to rant. She commended the "investigation" which is being done "for very good reasons."
Kelly said the pressure on Komen worked because Planned Parenthood got large donations. Jehmu Greene then spoke eloquently about women's health and was repeatedly interrupted by Rios. When she tried to talk over Rios' interruptions, she was scolded by Kelly. Kelly asserted that "Komen, clearly did cave" and shouted about how the lesson here was that if you pull funding from "a group as powerful as this" the backlash will be "epic." Rios wanted to see "evidence" of political pressure on Komen to make the original decision. (How bout "Life International's" boycott) Kelly told Greene, "you agree that Komen can give its money to whoever it wants." Greene spoke about the "right to life" pressure on Komen that Rios denies. Kelly continued to allow Rios to interrupt with comments about how Margaret Sanger wanted to "exterminate" blacks. And so it went.
American women stood with Planned Parenthood. Too bad Fox "News" doesn't.
Addendum: Jezebel has a great time line for the Komen thing.
These conservative frauds scream about liberals trying taking away their freedom, but in reality, it’s the conservatives who want to take our freedoms by imposing their values on us.
The masses must stand up to these Jim Crow TeaNuts before it’s too late. These extremists are a danger to this nation.
And I know, Prissy- I realized after I posted that I probaby shouldn’t have made something like that a post here. OT, not completely appropriate… my judgement sucks today. But if you do wanna talk, drop me a line.
http://gawker.com/5881982/susan-g-komen-foundation-kicks-off-pr-rehab-by-promoting-pink-handguns
But yeah- you keep thinking the “about face” is the outrage here, Megyn.