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John Lennon asked us to "imagine no possessions." Doesn't get much greener than that, huh? This isn't just wishful thinking or revisionism or choosing to ignore his blind spots (after all, he and Yoko invested heavily in livestock despite choosing a mostly vegetarian and/or macrobiotic diet) but long before the term "conspicuous consumption" became common, John famously declared: "If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace."
Speaking of giving peace a chance, it's not exactly getting better all the time at Strawberry Fields in New York. Located in the green oasis of Central Park, Strawberry Fields is a 2.5-acre tear-drop-shaped parcel of park landscape endorsed by 121 countries as a Garden of Peace. At the center lies the famous Imagine mosaic, donated by the city of Naples. Currently designated as "Quiet Zone" where musical instruments are prohibited, along with radios, running, rollerblading, and bike riding, Strawberry Fields does get loud every October 9 (John's birthday) and December 8 (the anniversary of his death) along with a few other Beatles-related dates. Hundreds of fans come together to honor a vision of peace and community by gathering to sing Fab Four tunes and this includes a dedicated group of talented musicians known as The Meetles.
The positive vibes created on these special days gave the musicians the idea to start performing at Strawberry Fields each Sunday--that is, until they were issued a summons for playing music in a quiet zone. Talk about a ticket to ride. The Meetles explain:
The fines range from $50 to $200, which is a heavy burden for most musicians, and an unreasonable penalty for persons who are only playing music, not committing crimes. We understand that the Central Park Conservancy, NYC Parks Dept. and NYPD are just doing their jobs (but) we feel that playing music at Strawberry Fields during reasonable hours, at reasonable volume, is not only harmless, but actually spreads love and joy among people. The "Imagine" mosaic is one of the top tourist attractions in NYC. Whether they are visitors just strolling through Central Park or John Lennon fans from around the world making a pilgrimage to Strawberry Fields, people have been touched by the music at Strawberry Fields. Visitors listen, sing along, their children dancing at their feet, and it becomes a very special part of their visit to New York City.
Thus, a petition drive has begun and they need our help. Central Park invests in recycling, tree care, and wildlife protection. Now The Meetles could use some love. They're not asking for money for people with minds that hate. They just need a little help from their friends. As John Lennon reminded us, "Music is everybody's possession. It's only publishers who think that people own it."
4 Ways to Keep Music and Community in Strawberry Fields Forever
3. Get yourself going down to Strawberry Fields (or the benches just outside of it) on any Sunday to spend a day in your life, singing along with The Meetles (and don't forget the anniversary of George Harrison's death on November 29). Let the Central Park Conservancy know that yes, we can work it out.
4. Bring your voice, your passion, and your love for all things green to Strawberry Fields on December 8. Let New York City know that Beatles music should be welcome eight days a week in this iconic garden of peace.
Don't let me down...
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