Michael Jackson became like most kings: Spoiled stupid
(Long may he reign indeed…)
So, the king is dead - long live the king, and all of that.
I know the common and probably decent thing, these early moments, is to say how brilliant artist X was, how much he or she was loved and will be missed.
Well, I’m sure millions out there in the World of Blog have already done so - as I’m equally certain that a large number of folks have already shared their joyful and sadistic glee with those who care for that kind of necrophilia.
Me, I never was a fan of his music and I thought his life style disgusting. Like many people on this planet, when reading about this deeply troubled person, I felt a mix of pity and deep irritation.
Yes, he was talented but, like too many other artists, he also ended up being a waste of space and time.
Consider the following story:
“Veteran French cyclist Jeannie Longo, who is hoping to qualify for the Beijing Olympics this summer, won the Trophee des Grimpeurs (Climbers’ Trophy) for the fourth time on Sunday. Longo, who turns 50 years old in October, had already won the event which counts towards the French Cup of womens’ cycling, in 2001, 2004 and 2007. She covered the 62.6km course in 1:40.30 to finish more than three minutes ahead of leading rivals.”
Then look back at the last 25 years or so of Michael Jackson’s life…
He could have used his talents to make more music. He could have used his influence to help promote any number of good causes. He could have done so many worthwhile things or, alternatively, simply have retreated from the public stage and enjoyed his life - but, unfortunately, we already know what he did with his life.
Anyway, enough about this sorry subject.
Because reading about Jackson’s death also reminded me of another news story I had read a few days earlier - so, as an antidote to the reported sad end of a rather sad life, I will end this post with a quote from that older Guardian article:
“He might be almost 90 but Ray Bradbury’s quest to save US public libraries rolls on, with the author appearing last Saturday at an event in California to raise money for a library in trouble. The HP Wright library in Ventura is threatened with closure due to cuts in public funding, unless it raises $280,000 (£171,000) by next March. Bradbury’s event was the first in a year-long series of author appearances designed to help keep the 44-year-old library open. The $25 (£15) ticket offered patrons the chance to hear a talk from the author of Fahrenheit 451, as well as see a screening of The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit, a film based on one of his short stories.
Bradbury said that he had spoken at all of California’s 200-odd libraries. “I have a wheelchair, so they carry me to the car, and they throw me in the car, and throw me in the library, and they sell books and they keep all the money. I talk free, to make money for them so they can continue,” he told the New York Times. “”
Thank you, mister Bradbury, for reminding all of us, especially today, that it is also possible to live a long and creative and gloriously positive life.
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June 27th, 2009 at 05:52
Amen to the M. Jackson part!!!!!!
July 8th, 2009 at 17:15
Michael Jackson would still be remembered as the only King of Pop. We would surely miss him.