In Memory-The King of Pop

Tired of all the Michael Jackson news? Me too. Yes, I too am tired of hearing about the speculation of his untimely death, how far behind in bills he was, what he did or didn't do with little kids, and who will get his kids. If there is one thing I am glad about however, is the fact that Obama is probably red hot in the oval office about how little air time hie is getting...pitty. But for just a minute, let us remember the person who brought us some classic hits and killer dance moves!

For starters, I am not a huge Michael Jackson fan, primarily because I do not care much for pop music, but also most of his music was before my time.

I can remember my earliest days of hearing Michael Jackson in a movie theater, the movie? None other than Free Willy. I remember when the movie came out to video and of course, we had to have it, and they included a music video of the main song "Will You Be There." It was incredible...okay--this coming from a kid who was so sheltered from the world where Free Willy was the first movie I'd ever seen in a theater...that's beside the point though. That was my earliest memory.

My next memories did not come until we moved out here in Atlanta and I was in 8th grade (I told you, I was sheltered). Of course, it was this time that Michael Jackson had miraculously turned into Wacko Jacko, this according to the news tabloids. Transplants, skin dying, nose jobs, all seemed to make the magazine covers, and than came Neverland Ranch, synonymous for the child molestation case. I did not follow the trial very closely, but easily remember how it plagued America for so long. Of course, Michael made sure to make the headlines with his outlandish court room appearances, showing up in pajamas, or showing up to the hospital instead of the courtroom. But in the end, he was acquitted of all charges. It was actually rather humorous because I was in Rome when the verdict was read, and the international media was covering it like a hawk! Was this guy a bit on the weird side? Yea, he was. But it was the work he did throughout his career that should have outshone his wacky side, sadly, it never did, that is until his untimely death.

Probably the greatest song put together by Michael Jackson, We Are the World, sold MILLIONS of dollars worth in albums, all of which went to charities in Africa to help drought stricken victims in the mid-80's. Michael's songs went on to target a whole slew of other issues. Black or White became one of the all-time best selling rock songs of the 90's, and it targeted the issue of race. And less popular for a few controversial words, They Don't Care About Us, targeted the issue of prejudice (although I think it's a song for all politicians from us the American people)! Jackson revolutionized the music video industry with Thriller, a whopping 14 minute "mini-movie" that had fans of all ages doing the "Thriller" dance.

The comeback of Michael Jackson was going to be bigger and better than ever. This is It, a series of 50 concerts in London's O2 arena. Speculation grew that if Jackson performed even 1 show, it would be surprising. Tragically, he did not even make it to the first show.

Hours upon hours of news coverage has been spent trying to pin down the cause of what killed him. It did not take me long to figure it out. It was not a drug overdose, he was killed by the greed of others. People did not care about Michael Jackson the man, they cared more about Michael Jackson the commodity. They were looking for ways to make their next big buck, and anyone with half an ounce of common sense (I had to get that in here somewhere) would have known that Michael was well beyond his days of 50 performances and whatever else was scheduled. They would have been able to see that the glory days for the King of Pop were long gone. But they did not. They needed someone to exploit, and who better than Michael Jackson?

Finally, a recent video of a New York Congressmen had just been posted about him calling Jackson a pervert and pedophile, and going on about how we have issues more close to home than this sole man. To this congressman I say you are correct, we do have more pressing issues than just one man. But shame on you to Congressman. You fail to see and realize that Michael Jackson has probably done more in his lifetime to better the lives of others through Charity work than you will ever do!

While we may have two ongoing wars, a financial disaster courtesy of a reckless president, and countries that want to see our nation destroyed, we should also take the time and remember the life of the King of Pop, and remember that life is too short to take for granted. The financial disaster is not going to go away overnight (actually, it probably won't go away for the next 4 years), the American people have not, and will not forget what the men and women of the armed forces are doing overseas for our freedoms. But Tuesday, July 7, 2009, will be a day to remember the legacy, the good works, and the incredible talent of the King of Pop. His comeback has arrived. This is It!