Give Peace A Chance

Most people are aware that the U.S. government did not approve of the peace movement during the Vietnam War. Actually, strike that—the U.S. government has never approved of any peace movement ever. Arguably, the most public and well-known figure of the peace movement during the Vietnam era was John Lennon. His "bed-in for peace" is legendary, and songs such as "Give Peace a Chance" and "Imagine" are anthems for peace known all over the world. Fewer people, though, are aware of the U.S. government's effort to silence Lennon. From phone tapping to deportation proceedings, the government seemed intent on showing that freedom of speech and the right to assemble were only allowed if you agreed with the people in power. The U.S. vs. John Lennon, a recent documentary, deals with Lennon's active involvement in the anti-war movement and the government's response. Once again, this film shows that if we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it, as Lennon's views are still relevant today as we deal with our own Vietnam 2.0. One wonders, though, if just as some Americans are confused by Obama and Osama, Nixon simply confused Lennon with the Russian dictator. The U.S. vs. John Lennon shows 9 p.m. Wednesday at the AllGood Café, 2934 Main St. Call 214-742-5362 or visit allgoodcafe.com.
Wed., April 11