Well said, Kristel (in both of your posts).

People keep saying that MJ had lots of money and may have gotten away with a crime because of it (in a nutshell). Has anyone considered that just like there are people willing to judge a man they've never met based upon the media's portrayal, there are also parents willing to exploit their children in exchange for ~ $20 million?

so some of you guys are cool with your children doing sleepovers and sharing the bed with forty year old single men? I think he was so much of a freak he didn't understand that his conduct would have most people in jail

I agree with you Dennis, I don't think he understood that his conduct would have most people in jail. (Although once again, I don't know him. I don't know what was or was not going through his mind) However I also don't think that warrants the crude comments that have been directed at him by the speculating public.

 Quote: connie sutherland

I would like to go back to this post, as well as to remember another brave person (Farrah Fawcett) who died on the day that Michael Jackson did.

 Quote: will rambeau

He was a talented individual, but a troubled one also.

My biggest complaint is that a real American Hero ( that's *Hero* with a big "H" ) died the same week - and you barely heard about him. But MJ's death is on 24/7. If that doesn't show the screwed up priorities of the Media, I don't know what does.

So, if I may:
A tribute to Marine Col. Ed McMahon, a *real* American Hero

http://www.militarymuseum.org/McMahon.html


May he rest in peace, he earned it!

Yes, two largely unsung (because the media sucks) national treasures died this week, and will be missed.

RIP Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett

 Quote: Dennis Jones

so some of you guys are cool with your children doing sleepovers and sharing the bed with forty year old single men?

No, but that's kind of the point. What kind of parent WOULD allow this, unless they 1) felt reasonably sure their child was safe 2)knew they had an easy target and 3)knew this situation provided a prime opportunity to rake in the dough, innocent or not?

 Quote: Will Rambeau

May he rest in peace, he earned it!

I followed your link to the story about McMahon. While I had heard about Farrah, I had not heard this story.

RIP to both Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon.

I'm curious......does anyone who is defending MJ have kids? I personally think the sleeping arrangements were bizarre enough to warrant the mistrust of any parent.

Knowing that part to be true; would you let your children hang out with him because he is a child trapped in the body of an adult man......because that explains everything.

I agree he was found innocent of the charges brought against him and he should not be condemned for being strange and I've been known to get down to his tunes; but I don't understand the sainting and glorifying of his memory. Yes he was generous with his money and contributed to many charities but to choose him as a Hero makes me wonder about our world and where I fit in.

I had the great honor and privilege of meeting Mother Teresa (she is my idol). I can not explain the presence this small, wizened, unassuming woman had. I'm sorry; but her contribution to this world was far more substantial and she did not receive half the fan fare when she passed.

How sad for us as a society that being the talented artist who is misunderstood garners more respect than self sacrifice and dedicating your life to the betterment of others. Which is easier; giving a donation (needed and appreciated) or picking maggots out of festering skin and giving the person self worth as you do it?

hero to the world...he sure helped out a lot.
hero in the world of MUSIC, absolutely. and thats what was lost. the worlds greatest performer.
i can't change anyones mind, not even really trying to...to some(many) he was and always will be a perv.
but if he was, then he was a perv, and an amazing artist. he can be both, without losing sight of both.

oh nevermind.

 Quote: Sheila Buckley

I'm sorry; but her contribution to this world was far more substantial and she did not receive half the fan fare when she passed.

How sad for us as a society that being the talented artist who is misunderstood garners more respect than self sacrifice and dedicating your life to the betterment of others. Which is easier; giving a donation (needed and appreciated) or picking maggots out of festering skin and giving the person self worth as you do it?

God forbid I EVER have festering skin and maggots - but if I ever do, PLEASE send me to Mother Theresa.

I have to say, for those of you who have laid it all out on the line on this post, going against others who are strongly opposed to your position - good on 'ya. And I mean that. I respect those of us who can take a deep breath and go against the tide.

As a mother of a son I can honestly say, and without a moment's hesitation ...

If an adult male had ever wanted to sleep - and for discussion's sake, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt - just SLEEP with my child - ummm... let me think... NO WAY AND GET THE HELL OUT OF TOWN. FAST. FAR OUT OF TOWN. Or I'll turn a 1000 mean, rabid GSD's and APB's loose on your ass.

Was he a talented singer and dancer. Yes. (I'd kill to have half his moves.) Did he donate untold amounts of money to worthwhile organizations? Yes.

Are these the most important barometers of an adult's behavior? At some point we have to get back to what is simply right and simply wrong. MJ could have gone down as THE most talented performer ever, as someone everyone could have mourned and had nothing but good thoughts about... HE chose otherwise.