Message from Lady Gaga
Posted by HausOfGaga on 9/21/2010 | Comments (60)
Today was an enormous DISAPPOINTMENT, for myself, and for many young American people. Not only because Don't Ask Don't Tell was not repealed by our Senators, but moreover because LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE is being abused to stop public business, public debates, from happening while America is watching. There was a debate today, we just didn't get to watch it. Instead, it has been customary now for antiquated procedures and partisan politics to take precedence over debate, America's needs, and today, sadly, over the needs of US troops. I will keep fighting, I will not give up. I am passionate about the rights of the LGBT Community and SLDN and I will continue to activate as many young people as I can, and encourage them to get politically involved in their future.
link: http://www.ladygaga.com/...
In 2008, Barack Obama -- along with Democratic candidates nationwide -- received heavy support from minorities, young people (ages 18-29) and first-time voters. Democrats hoped to carry that support along into 2010, but the simple fact is that these groups are historically less likely to vote in low-information, low-profile midterm elections.
link: http://www.prospect.org/...
In case that intro is too subtle for folks:
- The Dems need young people to turn out in the midterms
- Young people don't historically vote in midterm elections the way they do in Presidential elections
- Lady Gaga reaches young people
- Gay rights is an issue that young people care about
Aside from the fact that protecting equal rights for a minority population is always the right thing to do, right now the politics of this are playing on Democratic strengths. President Obama going Truman on DADT sends a message that regardless of the outcome of the midterms, he will have the back of gay men and women soldiers. There is a political strength in the Commander in Chief flexing his muscles that cannot be underestimated. This is a big issue for his base, and it is an issue that many young people passionately care about.
Let the Senate try to drag their feet later after the military issues its report. Better yet, given the overwhelming support of repealing DADT and the continuing trend of growing support for equality for gay Americans among the general populace, see if the next President six years from now actually tries to repeal such an executive order.
Ike didn't.
Just sayin.
As Dallasdoc (link: http://www.dailykos.com/... and Meteor Blades (link: http://www.dailykos.com/... ) have noted, the vast majority Democrats want this. The majority of independents want this.
Heck, even the majority of Republicans want this.
I know this is a President who believes that you go big or go home.
It's time to go big.