The money will still be used for women’s health

Editor, The Times:

I see from The Seattle Times’ front-page article that Sen. Patty Murray is up in arms about Susan G. Komen’s decision — claiming disappointment that politics comes between women and their health-care needs [“Komen stops all grants to Planned Parenthood,” page one, Feb. 1].

What? Does Murray think that, because the money is not going to Planned Parenthood, that Komen won’t make sure it is used to enhance health care for women? The money will be used for that purpose, we can be sure.

Too bad Murray isn’t as concerned about the health of the babies Planned Parenthood helps kill.

— John Darrow, Fall City

This is another example of right-wing politics

Disturbing as it is, the Susan G. Komen foundation withdrawal from funding mammograms should come as no surprise since their new head has a far-right, intolerant view of the health needs of women.

What is surprising is that so many people have bought into the myth that this huge profitable business with its massively successful pink campaign is a proponent of women’s health.

I am a proud supporter of Planned Parenthood and am appalled that right-wing politics has again compromised the health of women.

— Nancy Pennington, Seattle

This is a shameful display of buckling under political pressure

Whatever happened to “innocent until proven guilty?” The Susan G. Komen foundation has been supported by people of all walks of if life, regardless of political or religious persuasion or ethnic background etc.

Wait until the message of the foundation’s mindless decision of “convicting before the facts are in” sinks in with the supporting public!

What a shameful display of buckling under political pressure without proof!

— Ruth R. Quiban, Seattle

The money isn’t gone, it’s just behind a different door

Susan G. Komen reportedly stops its grant to Planned Parenthood. The Seattle Times reports that Sen. Patty Murry is disappointed that politics comes between women and health care. But we know anytime a powerful lobbying group is being gifted hundreds of thousands for some altruistic purpose, you can bet politics is already between the money and the consumer.

Not to worry. The way this works is that when one organization, such as Planned Parenthood, no longer qualifies for grant money, there is still a very good chance the same money will be available to other organizations for the same purpose.

It’s not gone, Patty. It’s just behind a different door.

— Daniel Pryor, Bothell