Michael Jackson: A Mystery

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Ever since he was about 10 years old, Michael Jackson rose to stardom like a rocket ship leaving Cape Canaveral. He burst onto the scene with 4 of his older brothers to become the Jackson 5. It was obvious he had the charisma of 10 people and the desire to be a showman.

So regardles of what anyone thinks about him as a human being, there is no denying the music ability and the super stardom he attained. He was very talented and gifted in music. He was an entertainer that even entertainers were envious of. He could dance like few ever have or ever will.

He also knew how to build a business plan. I don’t know if some of this came from his father, or from those like Smokey Robinson who took him under their wing, or both, but Jackson was always working with A level people. From his band, to his management, and his production people, he knew how to find people that could maximize what and who he was. He also had very good business people when it came to tours, contracts, and business investments. He knew to buy some Beatles publishing rights that were available for example.

One of the smartest moves he ever made was forming a partnership with music innovator Quincy Jones. The 2 teamed up and put out some of the most purchased LP’s ever recorded. Thriller has sold over 50,000,000 copies!

He was a fan of stars like Elvis and the Beatles and reached for the same heights as if he knew that he was capable of doing so. The numbers of his sales and the crowds he drew are numbers only seen by the likes of he Beatles, and Elvis.

Some however do not think music is that important to treat someone like a hero or some kind of Deity. In the big picture there is merit to that. However what makes it even worse for Michael Jackson is that his father literally intimidated and abused him to work at being a star. Reports say Michael was repeatedly threatened and beaten to be perfect.

Then add the fact that his star rose so fast and so high, he ever experienced reality. His whole life people have either used him or blew smoke up his rear end as if he were royalty.

And it clearly affected him. He acted as if he could do no wrong and that he was really a “king” of something, not just the King of Pop. He named 2 of his children Prince Michael, I mean talk about losing touch with reality.

There are so many other bizzaro stories that it would take 20 articles to cover them all. But I do want to comment on the most disturbing allegations. The child molestations.

The man is at least guilty of being the dumbest human that ever lived. Now for the die hard apologists out there who want to emphasize his generosity and the way he helped children as a rationalization that makes him innocent, you are living under a rock. Most child predators are clergy, teachers, coaches, and scout leaders. And there are those who are fathers, uncles, and brothers. Don’t confuse yourself with the facts.

Now I will be the first to say I applaud his efforts in helping the needy and sickly, but there is never ever any excuse to compromise a child.

Was he a molester? I don’t know and neither do you. But I do know this. Whether you think allowing children to sleep with you as an adult is innocent or not, you simply do not ever do it! Because youare only inviting suspicion. And you can still help sick kids and poor kids without sleeping with them. This goes times 10 when you are a celebrity and times 20 when you are the status of Michael Jackson. And only an arrogant fool would not use common sense here.

Even in an interview with Ed Bradley a few years back he admitted if he did not know the person that he would not allow his children to sleep with them. He did say if he knew the person. The point is his comments prove he understands the suspicion. The bottom line is we and most of the universe don’t know Michael Jackson and what he is capable of doing. So why put yourself in a position like that?

He was angry and/or surprised because the public did not simply reason, “this is Michael Jackson, he would never do anything to hurt anyone”.  The fact is no one really knows that. That is why kids get molested all the time. Who suspects the priest or the neighbor or the soccer coach? People “they know!”

Again only a stubborn idealist would have the audacity to think they live in a different world than everyone else. Hey should be be so judgemental? NO! But guess what? Welcome to the real world. Look at the numbers. It would blow your mind!

Now a point about his fans. Hey, if you were not his personal friend, don’t say he was a wonderful person. You did not know him. You only knew the entertainment he provided. That is a persona, that is not real. So come back to reality. Naturally you will miss his talents, but you did not lose a loved one. His family and actual friends did.

And to the reports that he was raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Not everyone who claims to be a Witness or attends their gatherings is actually one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is true that part of his family at one time associated with the Witnesses but their actions and decisions bely their claims.

In the end, I will remember all of his hits and his dynamic performance. I wish the family the best and hope that over time they will let the positive loving memories overshadow their tremendous loss.