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Today's Poll: Did you watch any of the Michael Jackson funeral yesterday?

By Howard B. Owens
Gary Spencer

What? Michael Jackson died? I didn't know that, why wasn't on the news or anything, this is the first I heard about it. Man, that's unbelievable, and he was so young!

Jul 8, 2009, 8:13am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

He settled a child molestation case for $20 million, why do that if you can have your name cleared?

And he settled multiple cases.

Jul 8, 2009, 10:20am Permalink
Bea McManis

With all due respect.
In this country we shouldn't devote an entire programming day for the funeral of someone who is not a head of state.
A day devoted to the funeral of a president is one thing. Devoting an entire day for the funeral of an enterainer, regardless of who it may be, seems over the top.
I understand that the Jackson family is looking for financial help to pay for this day long event. They are threatening to sue the Staple Center (where Mr. Jackson was rehearsing for his performance) if it does not contribute heavily.

Jul 8, 2009, 10:26am Permalink
william tapp

i bet you think OJ is not guilty ether.MJ bribed every one to drop charges, now why would he do that if hes not guilty. , come on use your head.thats the trouble with this country , no one want to think for them self's.let the meada think for you.

Jul 8, 2009, 11:08am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I'm not particularly a Jackson fan. And I think he was rather, shall we say, odd.

But there is no denying his popularity. For a short time at least he did deserve the title King of Pop. He is more than just another pop star.

Since I don't have TV these days, I can't comment on the amount of coverage, but my bet is it was excessive.

But if Elvis died in 2007 rather than 1977, the coverage would have been wall-to-wall, and deservedly so. Michael was no Elvis (Elvis' impact on American culture was profound and far reaching), but he was a unique American celebrity. Bad guy or good guy, there's no denying the reach of his fame.

Jul 8, 2009, 11:19am Permalink
bud prevost

Whatever accusations are true or false, there is no doubt he was a philanthropist to the nTH degree. No celebrity endorsed or gave more to charity than Jackson. I agree the coverage was(is) overloaded, but that is America 2009. Instantaneous everything immediately beamed into your living room.

Jul 8, 2009, 1:52pm Permalink
Laura Russell Ricci

History is always different from reality.

Elvis was great at one time, became fat and died.

Michael Jackson was great at one time, became odd and died.

History will remember them for the good they did, not the other stuff.

And I think Angelina Jolie is pretty good at adopting, donating and charity work...She's done some weird stuff too.

Jul 8, 2009, 3:09pm Permalink
Jason Murray

there is no denying that this sicko was guilty or he would not of paid a single cent to keep people quiet. just because a jury found him innocent once does not mean anything. i hate to say it but im glad he is gone he was seriously mentally ill and would not get help. im sure he was with children up to his last day and maybe now his children will grow up with a chance of being normal

Jul 8, 2009, 6:51pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Michael Jackson was only acquitted of one of the accusers charges, he paid out millions to others. One does not part with a large percentage of their personal fortune if they are innocent. If he were innocent then where were all these people who were crying on stage at his funeral when he was acquitted? Answer...they distanced themselves. If he were innocent, he wouldn't have fled the country and hid in Saudi Arabia until he felt our short memories had softened the impact of his deeds. If he were innocent he would have boldly launched his comeback tour right here in the U.S. instead he planned his tour overseas only to dip his toe in the river of public opinion before bringing his act back here. If he were innocent, why would you go on national television after your acquittal and announce that you still believe it is perfectly appropriate for grown men to sleep in the same bed with young boys. Mind you, these were not boys with whom he was related or had forged a long term relationships with. They were mostly aquaintences from his Neverland Ranch (shame on the parents). Regardless of letter of the law guilt, his actions with these young boys was PROFOUNDLY inappropriate and left a group of young men with a grossly skewed view of male relationships. I can only hope that by the grace of God and good counseling (because the money their parents accepted will not heal) can enjoy normal relationships in their adulthood. I can only wonder what it was like for these victims to watch these Hollywood phonies fall all over this guy in death when they were nowhere to be seen after his trial. We cannot continue to stick our heads in the sand and pretend that this guy was not a pedophile. If it looks like ?, smells like ?, then it's probably ?
My sympathies for his children and family, but have a small private funeral, not an extravaganza that will cost the city of Los Angeles millions of dollars they do not have and likely cause additional layoffs in an already past broke budget. I could go on but my blood pressure is rising and I havn't even gotten to the bogus House Resolution 600 proposing legislation at a federal level to honor Michael Jackson!!!!!!!!!!STOP!!!!!!

Jul 8, 2009, 7:24pm Permalink

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