Lennon - Eric Nelson
I do believe that music can save lives in certain ways. Music can offer someone a hobby, an escape from life and the stress it causes, a form of release from anger and sadness, or a message. All of these things can save a life in one way or another.
I don’t believe Lennon’s attempts to change things was a complete failure. Sure, Nixon was re-elected, but he is remembered as a crooked politician, while Lennon is remembered as a hero of peace. Besides he had a huge impact on millions of American youth, who protested the war, and gave a new perspective to the world on how they could have peace if they really wanted it.
The government felt threatened because they new the impact music and a voice in general could have on the population. Music hits people on a whole new level of realization and delivers a message that will be heard by people whether by listening to it or by people talking about it. The government took extreme measures to put a stop to the message Lennon was preaching, but it was unwarranted because it broke the ideals that this country was built on.
Being disloyal and disagreeing with a point of view are two very different things. You can disagree and be heard without being a traitor. A traitor is someone who gives help to your enemies in the form of information or supplies neither of which Lennon did. The enemy was the communists, not the American people who disagreed with the Nixon administration.
America is supposed to be a country where you as a citizen are allowed to speak your mind. America was founded on the belief that you can think for yourself and you will not be silenced by the government. To tell people to leave if they don’t agree with the government is the least American anyone could do.