Lady Gaga is hugely important and it is absurd when people dismiss her as “just a pop star”.
The fact is, politicians respond to public opinion. Lady Gaga influences public opinion, both short term on the DADT debate and long-term in attitude changes. She helps young gay kids come out and encourages support from friends of these youth. She brings a huge, resource-free spotlight to the issue. Thus, she has a significant impact that goes way beyond the simple and narrow confines of this week’s partisan politics.
If Lady Gaga were anti-gay, a modern Anita Bryant, no one would question the negative influence. So, why do some brush off and dismiss the positive affect of her laudable activism?
The idea that stars don’t have an impact in America is outlandish. Ten thousand slick lobbyists have come and gone in anonymity. Yet, college professors to truck drivers are still dissecting John Lennon’s lyrics and downloading Beatles songs on iTunes.
Pop culture, particularly music and icons, has long played a significant role and moves people emotionally in a way contrived and stale political talking points never will. More important than a simple vote, it shifts the culture. This leads to revolutionary changes in the way we live and experience life.
I’d take one Bono or Lady Gaga over 1,000 political operatives any day of the week for my campaign. (Heck, even a washed up Chuck Norris put Mike Huckabee on the map) So, can some people stop being so damn cynical and dismissive of Lady Gaga and the wonderful work she is doing ?
The Pentagon on Tuesday will release its long-anticipated report on how ending the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy banning gays from openly serving in uniform might impact troop readiness and morale. The comprehensive review — expected to number several hundred pages — will be closely scrutinized by members of the military and lawmakers eager to determine whether they should end the ban.
The report is expected to be released around midday, according to sources. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen and the report’s co-authors, Defense Department General Counsel Jeh C. Johnson and Army Gen. Carter Ham, will meet with reporters shortly after its release.
