We are living through tumultuous times. The pandemic and all its implications, racial strife, political buffoonery. Many of us are spiritually wounded. People are at each others' throats over the election, masks, vaccines, racial conflict, you name it.

I try to inject a little diversion in my Facebook feed. Favorite books, movies, music. I do this to remind everyone, myself included, of the joy and beauty of artistic expression.

I've been listing a hundred of my favorite vinyl records from my collection. I've had some nice feedback, and I even think I've inspired a few to buy some music. That makes me happy. Musicians are struggling too.

This week I listed John Lennon's Rock and Roll, a record I really like, and one that I feel has been overlooked. I stated that Lennon was a fascinating individual.

One person spoke up about Lennon's alleged violence against women. I've heard that stuff, and it has brought me great pain. I replied that I could not excuse violence against anyone, women or men. I also said that it seemed to me that Lennon's five-year exile from the public eye may have healed him. I also said that, if it was true, well, karma eventually knocked John Lennon right off his feet.

Another person chimed in, chastising me for labeling John Lennon as an abuser. I patently stated that I never made such a claim, and that I had heard the rumors. I also pointed out that there are some troubling, incriminating lyrics to some of the songs, such as in Run For Your Life and Getting Better.

The person came back with another rebuttal: "Was he ever arrested?". Well, no, I said, and after a bit of searching saw that Lennon apparently confessed to beating women in a 1980 Playboy interview. I went on to sadly speculate that a lot of violent abusers have escaped arrest and punishment.

I felt that would tidy things up, but no. The obstinate individual came back with a preposterous question. "Did he use a weapon? I'm calling you out".

That was that. Jesus Mercy, I guess if someone beats the shit out of someone else with their fists it's OK?

These troll creatures are as cheap and plentiful on social media as tissues, and I treat them as such. They live to provoke in order alleviate their pathetic existences.

It does give me pause. We've all heard accusations made about famous people whose work we love. In some cases we practically worship their work. How do we reconcile these feelings?

It's hard. It's impossible in many cases to even know the truth. Sometimes where there's smoke, there are smoke machines.

It seems like Lennon did have violence in his life and past. Should I damn him for it?

Maybe. But maybe I can choose to be compassionate. I certainly feel for any victim, but are people not capable of redemption? I can't begin to comprehend the life of someone like John Lennon. Fame might seem to be heavenly, but I think it can also be a kind of hell. Add addictions to the mix, and insanity is all-too-common. I think we all have the capacity for violence.

I'm going to try to hold on to John's messages of peace and love. He was probably a hypocrite, but aren't we all? I will continue to hope that we all find spiritual contentment, and that even those with troubled pasts can learn to be better people.

Written by Mark Sieber

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