OGW, I wasn’t commenting on

OGW, I wasn’t commenting on Imagine just the interview. Firstly to show that some debates are continual debates – the vote for lesser evil. And Lennon’s approach to propaganda should be discussed “They’re dreaming someone else’s dream, it’s not even their own.” – false consciousness. “…to constantly put before them the degradations and humiliations they go through to get what they call a living wage.” – But as Stuart suggests we do not do that  by highlighting  their weaknesses but rather than focus on their strengths.  Yes i consider Imagine to be socialist  except being written in a tempo that doesn’t make it into our anthem to sing along on marches, too many ohooooo-oohoooos and ahaaaaaaaaaas.  I prefer Working Class Hero , much more grittier and angrie. Many of Lennon’s lyrics express socialist sentiments. Many other musicians and songs do as well. No-body so far has linked to “Dr Who’s” article yet.http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/education/depth-articles/society-and-culture/imagine-john-lennon I think you are a bit too quick to put the party and fellow  members down.  There is not any unfair criticism by members generally of him. Many do rate Imagine as an expression of socialist thought. Some have had Imagine played at their funerals. Of the others you mention, the Stalinist Scargill, the Labourite Galloway, the Trotskyist Tariq – i will grant you there would be great scepticism of their Form A  to join the party and it would be reasonable to question them fully about their ideas and opinions they have voiced in the past and to ask if they still  hold that their  previous political views to be correct and valid.  Regardless of the publicity such personalities would undoubtably bring to the party. And thats debatable taking into account Scargill’s SLP miserable electoral showing whenever they stand and Respect’s poor results overall. Also contrast a year ago in the Scottish Parliamentary election in Glasgow and Galloway’s poor performance – something overlooked by those apologists for him that argue the Muslim vote was not important in his election in Bradford.  We do demand that it is the case and not the face that is the most important issue for eligibility to join. Even John Lennon may have had his application rejected on the grounds of his support for Irish nationalism although we can all understand and sympathise with the anger he expresses about the Bloody Sunday massacre but really,  is recommending repatriation for the Ulster unionists a socialist answer??!!