Not quite true. You have to understand that conditions in prisons, including Attica State, were pretty horrific back then, with near-absent medical care, severe overcrowding, and deplorable living conditions. Attica prisoners were limited to one shower per week and one roll of toilet paper per month. [Cite] In 1971
The riot at Attica shocked and appalled a lot of people and resulted in prison reform. John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded a song, “Attica State,” in 1972.
Later lines urge freeing the prisoners and the plea that all prisoners need are truth, justice, love and care. It was an idealistic and tumultuous time, and Lennon a compassionate and peaceable man. Lennon and Ono sang the song at a benefit for prisoners’ widows but did not participate in a protest, per se.
Hypocrisy? No. The call for prison reform was widespread, and most of the idealism of the early 70s had dissipated by Lennon’s murder in 1980. Nor were Lennon and Ono anti-cop. They donated money toward the purchase of bullet-proof vests for the NYPD. Coincidence that Lennon and Ono lived in New York City, the most populous city in the US, when Lennon was murdered? Of course not. Coincidence that his killer (whom, like the Beatles, I will not name) went to the prison NYC criminals were often sent to? Not really.
But satisfaction? You think the widow of a man who promoted peace and who was violently killed would find satisfaction in the killer going to jail? Relief, sure. She’s opposed parole whenever the killer became eligible. She’s said she’s afraid he would come after her or her and Lennon’s son, Sean.
No irony, no hypocricy, no satisfaction…just a terrible and senseless loss.