I've really tried to take the high road on this Michael Jackson issue. I mean after all...the man is dead or so we're being told. I'm very sensitive to exactly what that may or may not mean...him being dead and all...but enough is enough. The media is selling this to be some type of 'once in a lifetime' iconic death, and I'm not buying. In my opinion, the guy is first and foremost someone, who in all likelihood, was a serial pedophile.
I know that's not a very Christ-like view to take, and my faith tells me he will be judged by our Creator and only our Creator. Please forgive me...but to ignore the idiosyncrasies that point to a habitual child molester is just wrong. Pedophiles are loathed in our society and branded the absolute worst of the worst. Yes, Michael Jackson deserves the grace of God just as much as me or anyone else, but let's not make him out to be some type of public hero.
The man (and I use that term loosely) was a terrific musician and entertainer...granted. In my younger days, I danced to more than one Jackson song...including a 45 record of 'ABC' that was probably my first. Stop laughing please. Then came 'Thriller' and a whole new reason to like the child star who had grown up. This is the Michael Jackson I remember...
But in my eyes, Michael Jackson actually died in January 1994 when he paid a $22 million settlement that virtually guaranteed his first accusatory of sexual impropriety wouldn't testify in a criminal proceeding...leaving the LA District Attorney's office without a witness and therefore case. But the accusations didn't stop in 1994 and more came forward in 2003. In a trial that hadn't seen as many debacles and gaffs from a law enforcement agency since the Simpson trial (wait, it's the same L.A. law enforcement agency...d'oh), Jackson was acquitted of all charges...just like O.J.
So it's all too real for me to be lifting the man up on the pop culture pedestal of greatness. I'm sad he's dead. I hope he was right with God...I really do. Just give it a rest people in the media. You threw the guy under the bus when you needed ratings, and now you're using his tragic death to capitalize again. When will WE ever learn and tune you out.
Forget Iran and North Korea. Forget health care reform and even the war in the Middle East. We'll be hearing about Jackson for months...if not longer.
In the 'If you can't beat them...' spirit of things, I just couldn't resist sharing a link to my favorite all-time Michael Jackson reference which was featured on South Park years ago, although it's wrong on a number of levels...with apologies for finding the content so darn funny and not being able to embed the video.
And for the record...I no longer watch South Park or dance to Michael Jackson songs.
21 comments:
"ABC", huh, tony! (I HAD to laugh!) then I remembered how old I was when that song was out and I stopped laughing real fast :-)
great pictures..white jacket and all.
IF ONLY he'd stayed looking like he did in the first picture.
You know, you've put a shred of doubt in MY mind as to his "dead", I have to admit. And, of course, it was sad to hear his bro Jermaine with that "go to allah, Michael" Ya......
I hope he was REALLY 'right' with God, too. GOD
I agree...but, I do wish I still had my silver glove! Ha!
Oh, and our wonderful Governor...SC must always be in the news for something! Ha!
Sanford is only human.
-W
http://bill84121.blogspot.com
Yes and amen! I was in the Kansas City airport Thursday when the news broke that Farrah Faucett died. Such a warrior and fighter and advocate for cancer research. She fought and died with more dignity and grace than most people have in their pinky.
Later I was in the Phoenix Airport when the reports began to come in that MJ was in the hospital. By the time I landed in LA he was dead. No more news about Farrah nor the more pressing and urgent issues in our world today.
I overheard people at the airport having their dinner plans cancelled by family they came to visit because MJ had died. How sad is that? I heard one of them say "what the...did you know him personally? we just flew in to see you!"
I went to a Christian womens conference and while standing in a line was talking to a lady I just met who said "I almost didn't come because of MJ, I'm just so sad".
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
I think I just did a post in your comment sections. Sorry to ramble. Right there with you!
Our media "sells" what's hot. Our culture thrives on gossip. People are driven by drama. It's sad, it's scary, it's sinful. PERIOD. :)
I like your disclosure of no longer listening to MJ or watching South Park. lol
"I'm sad he's dead. I hope he was right with God...I really do. "
If I weren't able to comment on any other part of this post, I couldn't agree more with that statement.
I was watching an old interview with that British reporter who was following Michael for a while.
It is sad that his father beat him so badly, but that does not justify his bad behavior.
And he did such weird things with his kids. Like the time in Germany he held his child over a high balcony and the kids head was covered. The reporter asked him why he did that since the fans could not see the child anyway. And Michael says something like 'they could feel his energy'. That is nuts.
The reported said that Jackson's behavior just kept getting stranger and stranger.
Imagine his poor kids! We should pray for them, they are going to need some serious counseling.
And I just have to say it. What's with Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton getting in the photo ops ? They must be desperate for media coverage to get involved with the Jackson family.
Somehow or another I never really got into his music. But I remember hearing it a lot on the radio.
TONY!
I STILL dance to some MJ. Are you kidding? P.Y.T. and Don't Stop Till You Get Enough are booty shakers.
But I no longer watch South Park. That gives me points right there, huh?
I'm sad he's dead. And, like you, I do hope he was right with God.
You know, I was at a wake this week, there is nothing funny about death. It us ugly and final for those that do not believe.
Amazingly, I caught a post from Benny Hinn on Facebook and a friend of his claims to have prayed with Michael Jackson, to receive Jesus, just days before his death.
The point is this, regardless of what he has done (and I agree with you, Tony), Jackson could be there with us all in Heaven worshiping the King of Kings standing next to me. That is the wonder of the parable of the workers-- each receiving the same pay regardless of the hours they labored in the field.
And yeah, I think the media is ridiculous. But many Americans are in to celebrity worship because it makes them feel important. Somehow they identify with the prestige or something. The fact that People Magazine stays in business amazes me. Back in the day, I worked back stage at the New Haven Coliseum. Just about all the bands were arrogant show offs, unapproachable and rude. Now we have the likes of the ditz generation getting arrested for drunk driving and that like. Who cares.
But dude, I did like the video!!! And I want Candice to video you dancing to ABC 123!
I am completely burned out with the hooplah about Michael Jackson, and he isn't even in the ground yet. BUT there are thousands of tickets which will be made available to those willing to fight to get one.
Me, I think I'll skip it.
Michael Jackson was a public hero, and not you or anybody else can take that away from him. He donated millions to those less fortunate than him and holds the Guinness world record for charities donated to. Almost all of us will live longer lives than MJ and will never ever be able to help people and change lives as he did. Just leave him alone and respect that his children lost their father, whom they loved very much. Michael Jackson, rest in peace.
MJ was never found guilty. What assumably happened is between him, the person(s)and God. My hope is that whatever MJ did that he asked God for forgiveness. It is now between him and The Good Lord. Stop judging and take care of your own home.
Bravely said ANONYMOUS...
I know that Michael Jackson was extremely famous, and considered an icon.
Today was his memorial. Later tonight while watching a movie on cable and surfing during commercials I noticed that ABC, NBC and CBS were all talking about him. It was what I would have expected if someone like a president had died.
I know we all have different feelings about this, but maybe we can use this as an opportunity to pray for all who mourn him. Maybe it would cause people to think about their own mortality; and that the Holy Spirit might use this to draw people to Jesus.
Why is everyone hating on Michael Jackson? He was so sweet and innocent, just a child in a lot of ways. That made him an easy target for ridicule.
Let him rest in peace and pick on somebody else for a change. The man is dead for God sake!
I'll sign my name and call you and every other Michael hater what you truly are- BIGOTS!
Michael Jackson was the greatest singer/song writer of all times and has the record sells to prove that.
You should be ashamed to write such garbage!!!!!!
I agree with Leslie, Michael Jackson WAS indeed a hero. While he did make some questionable decisions, that cannot overshadow all the good and positive things he has done for not only lovers of pop music, but for the world. Michael Jackson has been an inspiration to many generations as his music had the ability to cross both racial borders and physical borders as his songs taught us not to forget and to love each other. While I do not believe that Michael Jackson was a perfect saint, I do believe that he was nothing short of a blessing to earth. So to all of you trash talking, senseless, and IGNORANT MJ haters just kno that MJ will always be around and will always be loved so do us fans and MJ a favor and just, "leave (him) alone!!!"
eagle girl, Mz. B, leslie, and anonymous ... well said. ;-)
Whew, let's all calm down.
I am not a Michael Jackson hater- never was, never will be but let's put things into perspective. If it weren't for the true heros who have sacrificed their lives and are defending our country, we wouldn't have Hollywood icons to admire in our life or mourn in their death.
Please read below the heart felt sentiment of one of our American soldiers, Isaac. This was sent to me via email by a friend.
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 12:52:21 -0400
Subject: Fwd: A Soldier's Take On Michael Jackson's Death.
This is written by a young soldier serving his third tour of duty in Iraq . Thought you might find his take on the Michael Jackson news interesting and he's right.
Okay, I need to rant.
I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant.
Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people,
the American people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood , and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?
Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What about all those SOLDIERS who
have died to give us freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and
the United States of America . Where is their moment of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice
of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"
I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.
Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military;
"So that others may live..."
Isaac
P.S.-"So that others may live..." was also the creed of the Air Rescue & Recovery Service during Vietnam & is still today.
I find it amazing how judgmental and hypocritical Christians can be.
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