The U.S. vs. John Lennon

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007

Say kids! We're getting a flashy new website soon, so I apologize for those who haven't seen my superhero face yet.. its coming! Haha! Yeah right, dream on Bilal! 

First off.. let's take the time to remember the victims of this tragic occasion 6 years ago. I feel the utmost pain and sympathy for the families who lost their loved ones that day. Whether they were victims of a terrorist cell operating off the radar or a government ploy to create havoc and put a certain idea in the minds of their people.. they are still victims and should not be forgotten!

Now, lets get down to business. I just rented a great documentary called "The U.S. vs. John Lennon".. needless to say, its an integral part of rock/world history and should be regarded as a wake up call to all of us. In a time where the United States embarked on a senseless war with Vietnam, a regular dude that used to make girls pass out when he took the stage with his band mates, decided to speak up! John Lennon gave music a backseat to his opinion in The Beatles' later years and into his solo efforts that followed. He said what we were all thinking and said it with such intelligence and truth that no one could contradict him. Because he was first and foremost a "Beatle".. revered by the world and worshiped by so many young Americans, his public opposition to the war in Vietnam and the "radical activists" he supported terrified the powers that be to the point where the U.S. government branded him a National Threat! Yes, John Lennon was considered a "peaceful terrorist" in the eyes of the Nixon administration because he was leading people against the government and their war. As a result, Lennon was put under heavy surveillance by the FBI. How close? I'll let you rent it and find out!

Decades later, here we are in the middle of more senseless wars and this time with the media-driven idea that "terrorists" will strike on our way of life if we refuse to support the government's decision to fight. Let's just say the current administration is relieved that they don't have John Lennon to deal with this time around.. or did they plan it that way? This film will give you the facts and testimonies from well-respected reporters and even former FBI agents.. then let you decide for yourself!

If you were around to follow the Beatles and John through these times, this doc is a great summary of events with some footage and photos you've never seen before. Pick it up at your local video store, sit back and remember.. more importantly, use it to educate your children. They ARE the future and need to know that they have a voice. Hang on.. there are four tall scary-looking guys in black suits snooping around outside the studio.. I think I might have typed a few "trigger-words" there!  ; )

Here's a link to more info on this documentary:  http://imdb.com/title/tt0478049/

Rockin' the night away!!

Bilal

bilal@chom.com