I watched Tuesday as two subjects were being shown on TV most of the day, and I couldn’t help but wonder why. The biggest subject of course was the Michael Jackson Funeral. I watched the memorial service held in a dark room, while lifetime acquaintances recalled intimate moments. After each speaker was finished the family of brothers greeted them with one white glove and dark sunglasses.
I found myself just shaking my head, wondering how a music star who was not only charged with pedophilia once, but paid off countless other victims to avoid prosecution, could garner such attention. The memorial service looked more like a Halloween Party then a funeral. Even Corey Feldman appeared in full “Thriller” garb, I suppose in respect for Michael.
Shortly after Michael’s death the Congressional black caucus, asked for a moment of silence in the house for the passing of Michael Jackson. My question is…..have they ever done that for fallen soldiers? Then my second question would be what other then music, did Michael do to obtain this super human status? His strangeness was known worldwide, and his reclusive nature after his trial was well documented. His inability to reign in his monetary excesses, in some way mirrors the state of California’s inability to budget money. Yet the State of California spent money they didn’t have to send off one of their favorite sons, in much the same way the family did on the extravagant funeral.
I’m sure when the toxicology results come back we will find out yet another strange part of Michael’s life that robbed him of normalcy in his later life, similar to the robbery of his childhood caused by his father Joe.
The second event yesterday appeared on ESPN in what appeared to be a special presentation of the return of Manny Ramirez after his 50 game suspension for using illegal steroids, and what it meant to the children of Washington Heights. It’s no wonder he glides through life ignoring the rules of the very sport that is responsible for his rather vulgar wealth. Now some reports have claimed there were many people at his first game back that brought their signs of disapproval, but coverage of them was rather sparse on ESPN.
I am so confounded on the moralistic direction of our country after viewing these two events yesterday.
I am encouraged however by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who is taking a much tougher stance on Plaxico Burress and Michael Vick’s future in the NFL. Until he sees some sort of repentant attitude the suspensions will continue. Children look up to these athletic and musical stars, and until the bad behavior gets punished, the poor role models will continue.
