New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced
today, in response to the Susan G. Komen foundation’s “Komen for the Cure’s”
decision to cut its ties with Planned Parenthood, that he intends to donate one quarter of a million dollars to Planned Parenthood.
Bloomberg, himself a billionaire who
has prided himself on championing causes relating to public health like limiting
individual salt intake and taking an interest in regulating
liquor sales in New York City into scarcity, also said he plans to match
the next $250,000 that Planned Parenthood raises dollar for dollar.
“Politics have no
place in health care,” read a statement
released by Bloomberg’s office. “Breast cancer screening saves lives and
hundreds of thousands of women rely on Planned Parenthood for access to care.
We should be helping women access that care, not placing barriers in their way.”
Komen’s foundation, now headed by a
Republican former office-holder and staunch pro-life advocate, announced
its intention to cease coordinating with Planned Parenthood earlier this
week. Komen announced that it would also no longer share donations with the organization.
The culture warriors on both sides of
the abortion issue have been out in force attempting to litigate this issue in the
court of public opinion – the level of hyperbolic, self-righteous outrage
expressed in equal measure by both opponents and advocates of abortion rights
has been difficult to stomach.
I really don’t understand this one: If
you approve of the work that Planned Parenthood does, why would not simply donate
to Planned Parenthood? Likewise, if you do not, why were you donating to Komen
for the Cure in the first place? There are many charities that do great work advancing
women’s health issues.
Or did you even know that Komen had a partnership with
Planned Parenthood before this whole controversy erupted? Honestly. That’s right; I’m talking to YOU.
Bloomberg’s decision to take sides in
this ongoing battle for the soul of America will surely add fuel to already
raging cultural fire. It’s a statesmanlike maneuver, if you ask me.
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