I think the Komen/Planned Parenthood controversy is really interesting. It lays out a clear example of how when you don't stand up for what's right you will get thrown into the mess anyway.

"Neither the decision nor the changes themselves were based on anyone's political beliefs or ideology," Handel said in the letter. Rather, both were based on Komen's mission and how to better serve women, as well as a realization of the need to distance Komen from controversy.

By trying to distance themselves from 'controversy', Komen allowed themselves to be bullied by right wing radicals who only need one fellow radical in congress to ask for an investigation on an organization that is a lot of the time the only health care for women with no health insurance. Staying out of the fight isn't distancing yourself from controversy its laying down and allowing yourself to  be railroaded by those that are trying to win.

We are seeing this on the Gulf Coast. Folks that say hey there is a public health crisis down here directly due to BP and dispersant use are being railroaded into submission by scientists and political leaders who are getting big bucks from BP through public attacks. Strong environmentalists that should be helping are allowing it to happen.