When John Lennon was shot, a viewpoint towards life, an aversion to nonsensical wars, and a touch of humanity that bloomed alongside the poetry, rhythm and electricity of the 1960s took a bullet with him. And in the nick of time, and not to be left out after years of wandering in the deserts of rejection, Richard Nixon slipped into power in 1969.
In songs and action, Lennon became the icon of peace, love, and humanity. Ironically, when John said the Beatles were more famous than Jesus—he made a point that went further than publicity hits and media coverage. Lennon demonstrated the strength and bravery of a prophet—not the power of muscles, swords, and guns—but a gift for moral leadership and personal risk-taking for the cause of good versus evil that seems to have died with him….. No one has taken his place.
The Nixon administration did everything they could to expel from the United States this slight, British, song writer. Nixon dispatched his minions to use every diplomatic and legal trick to get rid of John Lennon. In his own genius for politics, Nixon knew what he was dealing with, just as the devil in the desert knew what he was dealing with. Lennon had to go. He was a threat. Just as the Prince of Peace was a threat to Rome—Lennon was a threat to the Nixonian viewpoint of the world. These two viewpoints of life have been battling since the Garden of Eden. One side uses every trick on earth to deport its competitor.
There is an old Jewish joke about a man who keeps calling a law firm named Rubinstein and Cohen. When he calls the firm the secretary answers and the man asks for Mr. Rubinstein. The secretary solemnly says: “I’m sorry sir, Mr. Rubinstein died yesterday, would you like to speak with Mr. Cohen?” The caller replies: “No,” and hangs up. Ten minutes later the caller redials Rubinstein and Cohen and asks for Mr. Rubinstein. The secretary seems to recognize the voice again, and says: “I’m sorry Mr. Rubinstein has passed away.” The caller hangs up. Ten minutes later the caller redials Rubinstein and Cohen and asks for Mr. Rubinstein. The secretary, now alarmed and furious, says: “I just told you several times that Mr. Rubinstein is dead! What’s the matter with you?” The caller exclaims, “I know Rubinstein is dead, I just can’t hear it enough times!”
Well, we lost Mr. Lennon 30 years ago and the reveling demons of Richard Nixon are still calling the Dakota asking to talk to Mr. Lennon. No one has replaced him. The office remains empty. And the demons are still dancing in this season of peace.
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