Monday, December 14, 2009

Politicizing Cancer [UPDATED]

The Susan Koman Foundation is considered one of the premier advocates for breast cancer research. Unfortunately, it's also in danger of becoming known for its political and anti-semitism problems, as well. Recently, the organization sponsored a breast cancer awareness program in Egypt; unfortunately, Israeli survivors and researchers were specifically excluded. While the blame for this is primarily the Egyptian government's, it seems to me that the Foundation, as a matter of principle, should have cancelled the event.

One of its most visible, and effective, spokespeople is Hadassah Lieberman; Mrs Lieberman's husband has gone on record as being opposed to Doc Reid's version of ObamaCare, and so those who advocate the destruction of our current health care system feel it's appropriate to lash out at the senator's better half. Having heard her speak, I have no doubt that she can fend for herself, but will the Komen Foundation toss her under the bus?

One hopes that the Foundation will eschew the rabid demands of a small group of "activists;" if not, it seems to me that there are other, less prejudiced, cancer researchers worthy of our support. After all, nationalized systems are no friends of cancer patients.

UPDATE: The national health care proponents are in full-blown conniption mode, and it's hysterically funny. You cannot make this up:

"The Progressive Blogs, a feared and highly organized hegemonic force, are very upset with Hadassah Lieberman for continuing to raise money for breast cancer research despite being married to her husband, Joe Lieberman..."

Well, actually you can make it up: that's the tongue-in-cheek analysis of Wonkette's Juli Weiner; she goes on to report that, in all seriousness, noted WhackBlogger Jane Hamsher is demanding that "Ellen DeGeneres, Christie Brinkley and other high-profile celebrities who are associated with Komen to demand that no more money raised for cancer treatment be given to Hadassah Lieberman or any other ex-Pharma/Insurance strategists."

Right, because heaven forfend that women at risk for breast cancer should benefit from any of that tainted blood, er, um, Big Pharma research money.
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