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Imagine
Contributed by The Gray Dog Subtle, yet ironic is the proximity of the fifth anniversary of 9/11 to the thirty-fifth anniversary of the September 9, 1971 release of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Subtle, because of the differences of magnitude and time between the two events, yet ironic for the way that each defined the American psyche of its era. Many of us, particularly Baby Boomers have a strong recollection of both events, yet few may see the eerie correlation. While I naively spent many years mumbling half remembered lyrics that easily wafted atop this simplistic melody, to many others, “Imagine” was becoming an anthem emblematic of a generation. For decades I ignored the impact of John Lennon’s words, yet now, I hear them each day resounding from the speeches of John Kerry, the protests of Cindy Sheehan, the actions brought to court by the ACLU and the decrees issued by Anna Diggs Taylor. Imagine there’s no heaven Not one to subject myself to the ritualism of religion, I have lived an agnostic life. Yet even I dare to imagine a heaven. To not imagine a heaven is easy, only if you do not try. Hell, on the other hand requires little imagination. I attended my 10th high school reunion in 1979. While fortunate to have not lost any of our classmates due to combat in Viet Nam, we were no less shaken to learn that three had returned only to take their own lives. Only a visit to hell could have caused such young men to relinquish their spirit before their time. Yes John, imagine. And like the seventies, America continues to be cursed by its very blessings. While our military is engaged in a protracted multi-front war, many have time to energetically protest our government and blame America for the ills of the world, while never missing an episode of 24 or American Idol. Living for today… Imagine there’s no countries In Europe’s rush to find Utopian bliss, their dreams of a European Union are quickly distorting into a Euro-Arabian nightmare. America, likewise dons blinders while an invasion from the south threatens to turn the “great melting pot” into a centrifuge of disparate cultures and language. No longer is there a unifying identity in America. Instead, young men driven by ethnic hatred kill and die for a few blocks of turf or an ounce of smack, ignorant and unaware of the blood spilt by their fathers and grandfathers for a nation that was intended to be their salvation. Religion remains sacrosanct as long as it does not involve Christianity. America has become a nation intolerant of the very Christian tenets on which it was founded. Living life in peace… Imagine no possessions In the Utopia of Sharia law, possessions, greed and hunger abound. Of course women are the possessions, greed is tolerated for those in power, and hunger is a shared virtue. Yes John, imagine this idyllic brotherhood of man. Sharing all the world… You may say I’m a dreamer Yes John, you were a dreamer and not the only one. Like your homophonic brother Vladimir, your lyrics have helped to slow the natural advance of human progress while leaving it vulnerable to an enemy even you didn’t imagine. I can only hope that as 9/11 approaches, I will hear a more hopeful positive message than the one you left behind. Maybe Dylan’s “The Times, They are a-Changin’” comes to mind. |
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Contributed by The Gray Dog on August 24, 2006 at 11:59 AM in Best of Old War Dogs, Current Affairs, Islamism Delenda Est, Music, Patriotism, Politics, Religion, The Gray Dog, War? What war? | Permalink Comments Posted by: Zero Ponsdorf Oh yeah... Well said. Was never a Beatles fan, nor Lennon, but your point is well taken. Posted by: Zero Ponsdorf | Aug 22, 2006 10:42:46 PM Posted by: 1st Cav Excellent! Now I'm asking myself if Lennon and Cat Stevens were ever buddies? Posted by: 1st Cav | Aug 22, 2006 10:55:17 PM Posted by: JB Those dog gone musicians sure do have a good sense of humor don't they? I happen to like muscians even if I am one. I'm not a good one mind you, but I do know some that are. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Thanks Mike for the vote of confidence. I don't forget. Posted by: JB | Aug 22, 2006 11:11:26 PM Posted by: Bill Faith Outstanding. I'll move it to the top of the site at noon. Posted by: Bill Faith | Aug 23, 2006 11:03:06 AM |