Did Lennon give peace a chance?

[ulstermandd]

Im wondering how people feel about how people feel about John Lennons support of the IRA? How can he sing about peace when he funded wicked groups like these.

[beatler90]

Well, I see it like this: the IRA was/is a group of people who are fighting for peace and freedom in Ireland because the British have been occupying this country for about 800 years now. They have killed SO MANY people in this time, mostly innocent ones, just to keep stay in power. So, why should it be illegitimate to demand peace and independence through violent actions if the British have been avoiding peace through mass murder and dictatorship for 800 years?

I'm also a pacifist but if there's really no opportunity other than violence, then violence is the only way to go I guess. That's one of the many sick things in our society

[ulstermandd]

I find that quite a disturbing answer. As someone who grew up during the troubles and saw the brutal slaughter and maiming that happened day after day, its chilling to hear the IRA be described as a legitimate group.

It is without doubt that the colonization of Ireland was brutal, and the invasions were too but the history Ireland is one of the most butchered, twisted stack of contents ever, twisted to suit both sides. The IRA really arose from the easter rising, a rising that was not in the will of the people, the sad fact is, is that before then the repeal of the Union was really a cert, being achieved by peaceful means. The easter rising re awoke a violent spirit, and then evolved into a sectarian group.

I understand and agree that violence in the natural consequence of oppression, but its the fact that what could have been achieved by peace, was hijacked by violent men that is wicked.

Both sides of the paramilitaries are wicked and evil, bombing murdering men women and children. As an Irishman, let me tell you, those who support the IRA today in my country, are the kind of people that think you should be killed simply because of your background.

I think that Lennon was talking about something that he fully didnt understand because if we look at his lyrics, they are peaceful. I think that if Lennon was asked today, he would regret what he said.

[lennonlegend]

This sums up Lennon giving peace a chance:

"I used to be cruel to my woman, and physically -- any woman. I was a hitter. I couldn't express myself and I hit. I fought men and I hit women. That is why I am always on about peace, you see. It is the most violent people who go for love and peace. Everything's the opposite. But I sincerely believe in love and peace. I am a violent man who has learned not to be violent and regrets his violence. I will have to be a lot older before I can face in public how I treated women as a youngster."