I have to admit, like most people, I know more about John Lennon than I do about Yoko Ono.  I became a Beatle fan at the age of 4, but as I matured, I started reading autobiographies about him and really appreciating his later music - in many ways moreso than the music he created with the Beatles.  Part of this new understanding about John Lennon’s life was understanding his relationship with Yoko.  I always respected it, and acknowledged that there was something beautiful in them being together.  Just the other day, I mentioned to a friend that I wanted to see her interview at the Y on the 18th.  They asked “why?” incredulously, laughing, saying, “because she broke up the Beatles?” I was amazed that people still have this twisted view of her.  This is not all there is to Yoko or her relationship with John.  It is the most naive and dismissive thing someone could say, in my opinon.  Over time, I have researched into Yoko’s life and work with and apart from John Lennon.  I admire her strength on so many levels, as well as her artwork and revolutionary ideas about humanity, and her philosophy of peace.  The work she has done (especially with John) as an activist, or “peacenik” has been very insiprational and helped inspire me to write my honors thesis on International Law and Human Rights (which I have just completed as part of the honors program at my college).  From what I know about Yoko, I think she is wonderful, amazing, and inspirational and I look forward to conintinuing my knowledge and understanding of her life and work.  I am grateful to have this opportunity to see her speak at the Y.