We’re going to be hearing a great deal about John Lennon in the next few months. October 9th would have been John’s 70th birthday and his solo albums will all be re-released.  And December will mark the 30th anniversary of his murder.

This means we’ll also see media attention lavished on John’s killer, who is currently up for parole yet again. So before fall begins, I’d like to ask the American news media a favor – could you guys please stop saying the killer’s name?   This guy killed John because he wanted fame – to have his name next to John’s in the history books.

This means that every time you repeat his way-too-famous 3-word name, you are actually rewarding him. This guy is now 55, 15 years older than John Lennon got to be.   He deserves to be forgotten. And you can still talk about him – just stop saying his name.   Fundamentalist Beatlefans haven’t said it for years.   They know enough to deny him the eminence he wished for.

Plus, we’re a nation of fame junkies.  We already know people will do anything to be celebrities – including make out with Ray J, or pretend to respect Donald Trump.  Every time you say the killer’s name, you’re sending a message that you can be famous forever – if you kill the right person.

Go ahead and talk about the guy all you want,, just please don’t say his name.  Paul McCartney calls him "the jerk of all jerks."  I recommend something a bit more rustic – "‘that douchebag."    If we could turn on the news and hear "that douchebag who killed Lennon was denied parole again this week," I’m sure we could be a proud and happy nation.

And if you’re feeling compassion  feel free to call him "that lost, confused, disturbed, emotionally tormented douchebag who almost ruined ‘Catcher in the Rye.’"  Just don’t say his name.   It’s bad enough the Kardashians get to be celebrities.    I know it’s asking a lot, but follow the Beatlefans on this -- it could make a  real difference.

You may say I’m a dreamer to want a murderer to fade into oblivion – but I’m not the only one.