It's hard not to notice the flamboyant, publicity-seeking singer as she seems to be in the media all the time. But it's not just because of the extraordinary outfits that she wears, because this is a celebrity with conviction.
Can you believe that in 2010, American soldiers are forbidden from admitting their sexuality? Effectively, you can now only be a homosexual in the military provided you don't admit to it.
It was the Bill Clinton administration, now more than a decade ago, that changed the law so that gay soldiers could no longer be expelled as their superiors were prevented from asking them to disclose their sexuality. Although an improvement from outright disqualification of army service for gay people, the so-called "Don't ask, don't tell" policy is both ridiculous and abhorrent in these supposedly enlightened times.
In her speech to a rally in Maine, Lady Gaga suggested that the policy be changed to "If you don't like it, you can go home". She wants prejudiced straight soldiers who hate gays to be ejected from the military in stead.
It's not just her body that your grandfather admires. I like celebrities who use their fame to convey important moral messages. And I wholeheartedly agree with Lady Gaga's condemnation of the US military's anachronistic position on homosexuality. It's time for America to grow up and accept that society is made up of people of all shapes, sizes and sexuality.
I must go now, as I am running to the toilet in preparation for tomorrow's colonoscopy. I've started to drink this ugly substance which is doing its job very efficiently. The doctors will need a clear passage to explore tomorrow afternoon. Wish me luck.
