The U.S vs. John Lennon Reflection
This country was built on the idea that all people were created equally and that we all have the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If these rights are being stifled it is our right if not our duty to stand up and rebel against the injustices of this country. Being a rebel is not being disloyal. The disloyalty lies with those who are ignoring the needed change in the country. I think that the line between disloyal and loyal is clear cut. If you are deliberately trying to hurt your country and its citizens then you are definitely being disloyal but if you are trying to make your country better and improve the quality of life for every citizen then you are being loyal to your country. As for free speech I do not think it is ok to say things to deliberately hurt someone, such as racial or bigoted slurs, and I also do not think there is a line for free speech. John Lennon did not cross a line. According to Street, “music has symbolic force, it deploys the power of language to create visions, articulate ideals and form bonds” through political expression (254). This expression is exactly why the right to free speech is so sacred. He used the right to free speech the way it should be used.
As for the quote from the FBI agent, I think he is an ignorant fool who does not truly care about this country. I completely disagree with this quote. You need to speak out against the government otherwise things do not change. If the system is left to itself it becomes corrupt and unbalanced. As citizens we should be checking in with government and make sure they are doing the right thing and the best thing for all of us. Change is hard for people and it is easy to conform. To conform is a good way to not upset the delicate balance of life as it is. It is easier for people to do nothing than to do anything. Most American’s are lazy and care for nothing except themselves so they conform to keep it simple. The radicals from the 60’s had to be so radical to show the inequalities in our country. I think that this lazy, selfish idea still lives today. I really noticed this right after 9/11. Anyone who spoke out against the actions taken by Bush was outcast and frowned upon. You can see it know too. Bush has been cutting funding for public broadcasting for last few years and it is clearly because they have spoken out against him since he was elected. In times of was dissent is ok depending on the circumstances. In a war like WWII, where America was attacked dissent is fine but not necessary. If it is a war like Iraq, or Vietnam, then yes I think dissent is essential.
Grant Flatgard