03.02.07
Elaine Donnelly: Opposing Logic and Reality since 1993
After Wednesday’s announcement by Rep. Meehan (D-MA) of the re-introduction of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (MREA), It was expected that Elaine Donnelly, of the Center for Military Readiness (CMR), would have something to say. In an article titled “Zogby Poll Spins Push For Gays in the Military,” Elaine attacks the Zogby Poll from 2006 that shows the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy doesn’t work.
Using classic P.R. strategy, the Zogby news release highlighted the meaningless “comfort” question, “Are you comfortable interacting with gay people?” Of those responding, 73% said they were. But this is an innocuous question, about as relevant to the controversy as an inquiry about daytime talk shows: “Would you rather watch Ellen DeGeneres’ show or Rosie O’Donnell on The View?”
The key question asked of survey respondents was, “Do you agree or disagree with allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military?”
On that question, 26% of respondents agreed, but 37% disagreed. The poll also found that 32% of respondents were “Neutral,” and only 5% said they were “Not sure.”
The 26% of respondents who want the law repealed cannot compete with the combined 69% of people who are opposed or neutral on repeal. This is hardly a mandate for radical change.
Lets start with the first paragraph. Comparing the opinions of individuals of whether or not they feel comfortable interacting with gays and lesbians to if they like a campy, dancing, lesbian who interviews celebrities and kids to a loud, opinionated, lesbian who gossips with three other women for an hour a day, is like comparing the tastes of individuals who can stomach Hawaiian pizza or not to those who choose between Domino’s or Pizza Hut commercials. We can interact with people like we can eat Hawaiian pizza. We can only view Ellen or The View.
The question was not a direct question but it’s no less meaningful. To ask whether or not our armed forces felt comfortable interacting or more aptly put, serving alongside, with gay people, is the premise behind the MREA and the push to repeal this less-than honorable policy. 78 percent is a large portion. Why? Because, people in the military aren’t stupid. They know they already DO serve alongside gay and lesbian service members.
While it’s true that the direct question gave very mixed results but just because you lump 37 percent who agree with the current policy with 32 percent who, frankly, just don’t care either way. Insomuch as I can add the neutral 32 percent to the 26 percent and say that 58 percent of respondents who are in support or are neutral to repeal of the policy soundly defeat the 37 percent who prefer the status quo. This is hardly a mandate for keeping this ridiculous law.
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