Huh?
Did you read my post?
Where did you get the idea I don't have sympathy for the families

I was mostly responding to EZ, but I quoted the post where you had said you agreed with her, so your post ended up in there.

The impact he had on music and dance the cultural implications of his crossover style make him worthy of this recognition. There are a few figures in entertainment that really change things. The world would not have been the same without them -- Elvis, Lennon, Madonna -- and that's what the recognition is about.

I would bet that, globally, of the people who had access to his music -- more had an important moment or two with his music than did not.

Mr. EZ, I'm not referring to the celebrities who passed away recently! I was just asking in general, which public figure has passed away that resonated with you, that's all. And perhaps if you could idenfity WHY that public figure resonated with you, perhaps you would understand why this public figure resonates with others. That's all.

For my mom, the passing of Shelley Winters resonated as it symbolized the passing of her youth. For my dad, the passing of Gandhi was really resonant because of his family history. For my sister, it was Princess Diana.

Just wondering who it was for you, that's all...it wasn't meant in an aggressive manner...

Kira

I don't think ANY of us have a right to judge what anyone has done in life. It's not OUR place (in my belief system at least). Few famous people make it through their lives without something that people look down on them for...Marilyn Monroe was reportedly addicted to drugs and alcohol, as were John Lennon and Elvis. Madonna is even being criticized for "buying babies." All made impacts on society through arts and music, and are remembered for those contributions to society more than their vices.

Was Michael Jackson an odd duck? Sure. But then again, many artists are in some way or other. Few took it to the extremes he did, but he was clearly a deeply disturbed individual. Regardless of his actions in the past, his contributions were many and will be missed.

He was an inspiration to so many people, from dancers, to singers, to song writers, to abused children, and everyone else. You might say “oh MJ didn’t effect my life in any way” but if you listen to music you are wrong. His influence on music was so widespread, from country to rap to hip hop to R&B and so on. If you listen to Usher, Britney Spears, Madonna, Sheryl Crow, etc, then Michael Jackson influenced your life. He was as epic as Elvis Presley IMO- another Icon who changed the world of music.

BTW he was acquitted of all charges so we can't say for sure he DID those things...

And THAT is the big deal to answer your question.

I've been watching the tv reports and it seems like the Religious guys have the most problem with MJ (other than Rev Sharpton). Kind of makes me wonder about their stated Christian foundation of "forgiveness" and "love the sinner, not the sin" and the reality of their beliefs as expressed...
So sad...

Kira

Absolutely...I'd been sitting here wishing I'd added that to my post...

"He without sin cast the first stone..."If we want to follow Jesus,those were His words.

He sold 750 million records!
He was an amazing singer & entertainer!

I don't think it's fair to question a persons faith because they have a problem with Michael Jackson. If you have a problem with their judgment then perhaps you should be the example and be slow to judge as well.

Someone on MSNBC stated that "...these people were on our lunchboxes! A whole generation has lost the icons of their childhood." For me, that really summed it up and helped explain my unexpected despair over this news. MJ and all his artistic/genius oddities are no different than other great geniuses in other walks of life....Einstein, Beethoven, many artists.... The same creative overload that allows them to do their great work also makes them have many eccentric characteristics as well. I'm a Boomer/X and his music was the background to my whole high school experience. It's a big loss and a sad conclusion to a life. Some of you fans may enjoy reading LisaMarie's prespective:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?f...endId=42291868

I *think* the reason the "religious guys" are hammering on MJ is because MJ was a Muslim, and therefor did not believe in the Judaism or Christian "God" or "Jesus Christ". I'm not sure how Jesus would react to MJ, but he probably would still love him...

I truly believe probably 90% of what we heard about MJ was fabricated, but the stuff that came out of his mouth...the "true" stuff, was pretty out there. I never cared for his music, and never thought of him as an icon. He was just another dude. Hope his kids get placed with a loving family.

I prefer to remember MJ like this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_hz2am90Hk

And to leave the judging in God's hands...

So true, Ms Techwife...it is nice to see MJ's positive contibutions celebrated. Still sad
Kira

I don't think MJ was a Muslim. I thought he was Seven Day Adventist. Not Muslim I am sure.