Excuse me for applauding

It was hard to find anything to cheer me in today’s news. The president is going to war-demonstrating he can make awful blunders just like his predecessors— and the Redskins’ pathetic slide continues. But a small piece in the New York Times Arts section provided a glimmer of hope for our society.

Apparently, ABC canceled a free concert it had scheduled for its “Good Morning America” program by “American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert. ABC’s action was based on Mr. Lambert’s earlier behavior on ABC’s American Music Awards. Reportedly (I missed the event, wisely) Lambert sang a song from his new album, and according to the Times, “variously thrust his crotch at dancers of different genders (how many genders are there?), kissed his male keyboardist and extended his middle finger to the camera.” Our standards are so low for performers’ behavior that one can imagine popular stars asking, “What’s wrong with that?” ABC received 1,500 complaints from grouches like me.

Lambert told one media questioner that he was the victim of a double standard. That suggests we have any standards at all in such situations. He said also that he respects ABC’s decision. So do I.

Showbiz being what it is, the Times also reported that when ABC dropped Mr. Lambert, hours later CBS booked Lambert for its competitive morning show. That’s the marketplace?