Day 324 – In the classic battle between Paul McCartney and John Lennon, I’ve always been a John Lennon fan. I knew it from the first time I heard ‘Strawberry Fields.’
There’s something about Lennon’s persona and reputation that elicits, in me, a greater respect for his work. His music broke the rules of its time, it didn’t sound the way others thought pop and rock music was “supposed” to sound. And he didn’t care. By staying true to himself Lennon became a legendary trailblazer. He played the game by his own rules like no one has before.
Today, in the Strawberry Fields section of Central park, as I stood a few feet where Lennon was gunned down, musings of his fearlessness toward conformity floated around my head.
Try to imagine the way Strawberry Fields would sound if it sounded like it was “supposed” to sound.‘Imagine’ —what if Lennon caved to the status quo and altered the messages of these tracks to fit the norm?
After a twenty-four hour delay and another five-hour delay, I’m sitting on a Delta flight to Atlanta. There’s no question I’ll miss my connection and have to stay in yet another hotel. But, amidst all the noise, travel and responsibility, I find myself fixated on one thing—my frustration with saying the same ole boring shit that I’m supposed to say.
I want to say the things that I feel, that I believe and that I know. I’m sick of muting and censoring myself for the sake of someone else’s agenda.
I go on Pub Politics each week and defend Governor Nikki Haley just because I’m supposed to. I go on WACH fox each week and defend members of the SC Senate Republican Caucus just because I’m supposed to. I go on national television, Facebook, Twitter and even this blog and throw out the Republican talking points just because I’m supposed to.
Yes, I am a conservative. And yes, I am a Republican. But often times I find myself defending the indefensible just because I’m supposed to.
What I really want to do is tell you what’s on my mind. I want to tell you about the bullshit that happens every single day in the political sphere. I want to tell you how a bunch of dumb asses are running our lives, in both parties, across the country and at all levels of government.
Part of me really envies South Carolina political blogger Will Folks. It must be nice having no accountability. But getting a paycheck is nicer—at least my wife thinks so.
The real world doesn’t mesh with the free-spirited challengers of the norm—Or does it? John Lennon proved the impact one person can have when they ignore what they’re “supposed” to say and choose to follow their heart. For that matter, so did Bob Dylan.
We should all tear a page from their book. If you are tired of regurgitating a script on someone else’s behalf, say something. You have a brain in your skull… USE IT. Speak your mind once in awhile. Imagine what could happen if you don’t.
- Wesley Donehue
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