Daily Caller sets new standard for “he said/she said” journalism

The Daily Caller today takes a shot at breast cancer awareness group Susan G. Komen for the Cure, publishing a hit piece taking the organization to task for providing funds to Planned Parenthood. The article attempts to concoct an accusation of hypocrisy by saying that “some groups allege” that abortion can cause breast cancer:

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation is a breast cancer awareness powerhouse. As its influence has grown, so too have the number of its critics, who, while appreciative of the group's good works, cringe at the fact that some of the donations to Komen end up in the coffers of abortion provider Planned Parenthood.

In addition to the debate over the propriety of allocating money to Planned Parenthood, some groups allege that studies prove abortions and certain oral contraceptives can cause breast cancer -- while organizations such as Komen deny such links.

First of all, as the article itself points out, Komen has said that it rigorously audits the funds in question to ensure they are used “for screening, treatment or education of breast cancer only.” Indeed, according to Planned Parenthood, 3 percent of its health care services spending goes to abortion services, while 17 percent goes to cancer screening and prevention.

More importantly, the Daily Caller's presentation of the question of whether abortion causes cancer as a “he said/she said” matter for debate is pathetic and irresponsible.

Here's who thinks abortion causes cancer: the anti-abortion Religious Right and the Limbaugh brothers.

Here's who doesn't: the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.

At the Daily Caller, that's two sides of an even argument. In the real world, it's ideologues with no idea what they're talking about versus actual experts.