How to Change the World

Chapter 7

"This is Emily Carr with BBC News. Today's story, is the release of the Beatle's new album, Revolver. But of course, that isn't all of it." The reporter was new to the team, so she hoped she wouldn't screw up this story.

"As most of you know, Paul McCartney has done what people are calling "coming out" as a homosexual. Even with this in mind, Revolver has still managed to go to number one on the charts."

The camera switches to a clip from earlier.

"Here I am at a record store in London, where young boys and girls are lined up to get to buy the new record. Let's ask just a few of them what they think."

There were several people to choose from in line, but the best bet would be to go up to some typical groupie. Especially since most of the others were yelling at the camera.

"Young lady, why are you buying the record, knowing that Paul McCartney is technically a criminal?"

The young teenage girl she was addressing looked distressed.

"Oh don't phrase it like that! The Beatles are a fine band. I mean sure, you could say that what Paul does is a bit "odd", but it doesn't matter. It'sstill a fine band!"

Nodding politely, the reporter moved on to other youngsters, getting the same or a similar response. The clip ended with Emily back at the studio with a psychologist and "expert" on sexual behavior. She smiled to him, beginning her questions. Maybe this wouldn't last forever.

"Hello, Dr. Jimothy, Thank you for joining us. For everyone at home, I'm joined here by Dr. Frank Jimothy, he's a psychologist and expert in sexual behavior. Now... Dr. Jimothy, from a scientific perspective, what is your view on the matter?"

"Now, I could say a lot about this. But to simplify this in terms the general public would understand... homosexual behavior is a paraphilia, it's not normal. It's a classified mental disorder and should be treated as such. Now, as for the legal status, it should not be illegal, but we should treat those suffering from it to live heterosexual lives."

Emily pushed on with a fake white smile.

"Now, according to our sources, there is a bill in Parliament that is pushing for the legalization of Sodomy. Some are even calling it the 'McCartney Bill'."

"That's great and all, but the fact of the matter is, that being a homosexual is a very treatable disorder. And this man, McCartney, he's gonna put it in our heads that it's normal. But it's not, this is something that should be changed."

The things she does for journalism.

~~*~~

It was a gentle afternoon at Kenwood, John sat in his home watching the BBC News report on Paul. Which he shouldn't be watching because all it would to is conjure up some bad memories. He had a beer in his right hand, the condensation from it making his palms slippery and wet. Some bastard psychologist talked on the screen about how being a queer should get you put in the loony bin. Whoever thinks that should be put in the loony bin.

Maybe he should be happy with how things are. Revolver is a hit, and John just got an offer to do a movie. Lot's of people would die to be him. But he wanted die from being him. He couldn't be happy watching TV all day. He needed inspiration, some sort of will.

Fuck fuck fuck.

He set the beer on the coffee table, and he was so fucking happy he didn't have to put a fucking coaster anymore.

He was about to go take a piss, when he heard Paul's name again on the TV again.

"This is Johnathan Wanke," said some blonde bloke, "I'm here at Cavendish, home of Paul McCartney, where earlier we were able to ask him some questions. Here you'll see the hostility these kinds of men can contain."