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Description
During a December, 1971 rally at the University of Michigan, undercover FBI agents recorded remarks made by Lennon and others. This is only one case of many, all pointing to a pattern of consistent governmental spying upon Lennon. Under the Freedom of Information Act, Bresler obtained U.S. government files on Lennon. The files show that Lennon was under constant government surveillance, especially during the years 1971-1972.
For example, in an April 10, 1972 memorandum from J. Edgar Hoover to the FBI's New York office, Hoover orders his agents to "...promptly initiate discrete efforts to locate subject [Lennon] and remain aware of his activities and movements. Handle inquiries only through established sources... Careful attention should be given to reports that subject is heavy narcotics user and any information developed in this regard should be furnished to narcotics authorities and immediately furnished to bureau in form suitable for dissemination."
"Lennon knew from early in 1972 that he was under constant surveillance, being followed in the streets and with his telephone tapped." The ex-Beatle was aware of the surveillance by secret police agencies and so stated on several occasions. For example, in December 1975 he told one interviewer, "We knew we were being wire-tapped... there was a helluva lot of guys coming in to fix the phones."
One of the methods used by the U.S. government to harass Lennon was the threat of deportation. The government had extra leverage in its efforts due to a previous conviction against Lennon which charged him with "moral turpitude." On October 18, 1968, in Britain, Lennon and Ono had been arrested and charged with possession of 1.5 ounces of marijuana. Two weeks before the bust, Lennon had been warned that the police were out to get him because he was a "loudmouth." As a precaution, he had (as he put it) "cleaned the house out [of drugs]." Nevertheless, marijuana was found in the house by the police. According to Lennon, he had been set up. His opinion is backed up by the fact that the arresting officer was later sentenced to two years in prison for planting evidence in other cases.
At the time of their arrest, Yoko Ono was pregnant and almost suffered a miscarriage. Although she was immediately hospitalized, a month later she lost the baby. "On being told the end of their child's unborn life was near, Lennon had a tape recorder brought into the hospital room and, with a stethoscope microphone, he recorded his second son's failing heartbeats before he died."
"Listen, if anything happens to Yoko and me, it was not an accident."
John Lennon
Comments (6)
a-blue--angel
sorry for not taking time to read, but do like your imagery a lot. Great styling!
Nambara
That is a great example: images can contain thousands of words. Excellent art... and the text completes it. Thank you for share.
bluliner35
How do you interpret the actions of the government? My gut reaction: some people decide what's right and are not allowed to be questioned. This story doesn't sound like freedom, doesn't feel like freedom. So many make loud noises about this great free country. What does this story make those people feel?
Arnheim
Great image. "Well, I tried so hard to stay alive, but the angel of destruction keeps on hounding me, all around" Help Me To Help Myself, John Lennon, 1980. Nothing to kill or die for.
gallimel
very amazing image. There's so much style and comprehension for composition there :)
netsia
Herbert Hoover was a paranoid little man whose obsessions were the driving force for many years. Sad! I am proud to say that my file is full ;) Seneca, I am always astounded at the profound work that you do. You are truly a great artist with a compassion and sense of justice that is overwhelming.