[sueuprising]

Rabbi Boteach reminds me of those celebrity gurus who find their own niche in the popular culture by asserting that they are trying to help some hopelessly self absorbed entertainer. From where I sit, Michael Jackson, was a pop icon who,like other pop icons, wove an unnatural cult around themselves and paid the price for it. What, in heaven’s name, did this disturbed man do but jump around immorally, sing in a high voice, and seduce children? It is sickening.

[exDemMom]

You must keep in mind that Michael Jackson never had a normal childhood. From the time he was very young, he was put on a stage and parade in front of millions. It is not unusual to see people who become famous break under the pressure (Roseann Barr and Britney Spears come to mind), and for Michael, the pressure began at a very early age. The fact that it damaged him beyond repair is not something I could hold against him.

Dear Lord, may your child Michael Jackson find the peace that he never had in life.

[Huck]

I pretty much agree with you. I give MJ some slack because he was a child star, and we all know how that story goes. To me, he's basically the same as Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, etc. He was not raised properly, became famous and rich way too early. And basically was a total freaking mess.

I don't even think he was that talented. I'll give him the moonwalk. That was kinda cool. But songwise, what has he done of any lasting value? He did some catchy dance tunes for a few years. But put him up against Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke...what's he got? None of his songs had any depth. He'll be remembered more for his "career" as a tabloid freak than for any of his music.