Michael Jackson Dies

[Lithos]

Source: TMZ

We've just learned Michael Jackson has died. He was 50.

Michael suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon and paramedics were unable to revive him.

Michael is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.

Jackson had 13 number one hits during his solo career.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/25/michael-jackson-dies-chat/

---

Also confirmed by LA Times

Michael Jackson dead
2:06 PM | June 25, 2009


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/pop-star-michael-jackson-was-rushed-to-a-hospital-this-afternoon-by-los-angeles-fire-department-paramedics--capt-steve-ruda.html

[GCP]

1. CNN not reporting it

Am watching now

[Lithos]

12. TMZ seems to have been at the forefront on this

CNN took about 30 minutes to report.

[kayla9170]

39. NO FREAKING WAY!!!!!!

This is Killing Me!! I am so sad right now. I am a BIG M. J. Fan and I do not know how to handle this, FOR REAL!!! RIP Michael and for all the GOOD you had done and gave to the world. Screw all the Michael Jackson haters right now. The greatest entertainer in the World in my LIFETIME, has passed!!!!

LOVE YOU MICHAEL>>>>>>>>

Monica

[calimary]

112. Welcome to DU. Sorry it has to be on a day like this for you.

Dang. What a day.

[calimary]

128. NBC News now confirms.

About 3:29pm L.A. time.

[shireen]

152. my condolences, Monica

He had a wonderful gift for music, and touched many people, his fans like you. I hope he will be remembered for his music, and not the tabloid circuses that seemed to follow him around.

[LaPera]

212. Micheal Jackson -Just two month's shy of 51 years old (Aug, 29th 1958)

[BrightKnight]

235. .

[Dappleganger]

415. RIP to the King of Pop...

What a talented, creative mind he was.
Positive thoughts and prayers for his children and family members who are grieving.

[MrMickeysMom]

453. Indeed... he WAS the king of pop n/t

[Strong Atheist]

514. Welcome to DU!

:toast:

[ObamaKerryDem]

585. I feel you. I'm a big fan of his too. Even met him once. He was one of the sweetest people ever.

SO misunderstood. And I hope all the people who trashed him relentlessly most of his life feel really bad right now.

He will always live on through his music and all he's given to the world. I just feel so sad for his kids. :(


RIP, Michael. You will NEVER be forgotten!

[dgibby]

35. MSNBC either. n.t

[deminks]

104. Shuster on MSNBC is saying the LA Times has confirmed his death

RIP Michael.

:cry:

[SuperTrouper]

107. MSNBC is now reporting it. nt

[Ex Lurker]

499. Sorry, his death leaves me cold.

I'm reserving my compassion for people who need it. Michael Jackson had a crappy upbringing, but at some point you take responsibility for yourself or suffer the consequences. He chose not to, and this is the result. He brought it on himself. And while he was never convicted of child molestation, his relationships with young boys were at the very least suspicious. Perhaps the children he bought, and pretended were his own, will have a chance at a normal life now, although it's probably too late for that.

[Bhaisahab]

574. Now is not the time friend.

Let those of us who grew up with The Gloved One mourn the man today.

[jhrobbins]

579. You know-compassion is like love; done right and there is an infinite

supply, so it is never really necessary to parse it out. However, if you feel it necessary to pass judgment, so be it then. The problem with this is that it never affects the person it is intended for-you apparently have some anger for MJ, but he'll never know about it-just you, and I do think that anger is cumulative.

[kegler14]

586. I think you should have been more of an ass in your post.

[Ken Burch]

606. Michael didn't bring an early death on himself, you bastard.

Could you at least wait 'til he's IN the grave before you piss on it?

P.S., you were obviously cold BEFORE he was dead. No human being with any morality or compassion reacts to a death like that. You should be ashamed.

[spotbird]

2. I wonder who gets his kids.

God knows what they had to endure.

[MNDemNY]

15. His will says they get buried with him.

[spotbird]

20. Do they have to die first? nt

[MNDemNY]

27. Silly.

[redqueen]

33. Seriously... what the fuck.

[MNDemNY]

37. I don't know, what the fuck?

[The Stranger]

53. The fuck is that it is inappropriate to joke about someone who has just died.

That's what the fuck is. Understand now?

[Codeine]

88. Gallows humor.

Nothing new and nothing strange.

[nyc 4 Biden]

Gallows humor refers to those IN life or death circumstances...

...not those commenting on OTHER'S life or death circumstances.

just sayin'

[Codeine]

150. Turns out

you're completely right. I stand corrected. :hi:

[downindixie]

454. One less pedophile to worry about!

[MNDemNY]

110. That is an opinion.

[AlbertCat]

226. it is inappropriate to joke about someone who has just died

People also must earn respect. Fuck!

[greguganus]

236. Like all the jokes about dead repugs on this site? n/t

[National Steel 27]

246. Jackson was a joke while he was alive. nt

[Moochy]

489. Told by Grade D Comedians

With No Skill.

I'm looking at you, Blue Collar Comedy tour...

[jhrobbins]

580. Sure he was, as evidenced by the thousands of people

that are gathering all over the country to mourn his passing and the millions all over the world quietly observing his passing or the 24-7 media coverage he is getting and will get over the next couple of days. I am still curious why it is necessary to denigrate an individual that has passed away. He was monstrously talented and relentlessly eccentric, but he was not a joke (or if he was, perhaps to a small group with an ongoing agenda)

[konnichi wa]

253. Oh, well...that's 'different'

One thing there's no shortage of around here is hypocrisy.

[konnichi wa]

250. What's the statute of limitations for joking about a dead scumbag?

A week? A month? We need to know so we don't like offend anybody.

[greguganus]

256. I heard it was 3 business days. n/t

[konnichi wa]

262. Okay, lessee...this is Wednesday...

shit, that moves it up to next Monday!
:grr: :eyes: :silly: :mad: :puke: :D

[greguganus]

268. "3 business days" was from a popular post in which it was announced Cheney would be indicted. n/t

[konnichi wa]

412. Yes. Jason the stupid shit. I do recall, actually.

:D

[Strong Atheist]

517. I think it was the Karl Rove thing...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=1181478

[RoccoR5955]

why do you say that he was a 'scumbag?'

Was there anything proven about this behavior that you profess?

He was a pioneer. He was the first person to break the color barrier on MTV. His videos were ahead of their time. His musical career, was impressive. A childhood star who grew up to become an adult star is an accomplishment.

Hey, he never shot anyone in the face, or lied about getting us into war like some REAL scumbags we all know of, so give it a rest.

[Name removed]

414. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[RoccoR5955]

485. He was aquitted of any charges, and in this country...

...it's INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. If a jury couldn't find him guilty, there is no reason for you to state what you have. If you want guilty until proven innocent, MOVE TO FRANCE!!!!!

Hey, we all listened to his music, and watched his videos years ago. Michael Jackson was a part of my younger days. Probably your's too. Now unless you are a bigot, and hated him because he was black, than give it a rest!

[shellgame26]

490. you stink

Gawd. What a pathetic asshole you are. Is your life so empty that you have to shit on the dead? Let me answer that for you. YES.

Get a life creep!

[blonndee]

516. Does that mean we can joke about you now?

LOL

[Kajsa]

264. Thank you!

You would think it is common sense knowledge.

Screw it,

The unhappy campers aren't happy unless they are
trashing someone.

:(

[Name removed]

417. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[InfiniteThoughts]

533. that is not funny ...

maybe you don't know but there was a practice in India long time back when the widows were burnt alive with their husbands either by choice or by force (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sati_(practice))

farewell, king of pop ... your music work was outstanding .. your work on social causes matched music work ... would have been amazing if your personality matched either of these traits ...

[pnwmom]

86. I hope that the mother of the older two gets them

and will raise them in a more normal way. I hope she gets all three, so they can stay together.

[stlsaxman]

164. Do YOU know what his children had to "endure"?, if anything?

jesus fucking christ.

[spotbird]

234. Nope, but pedophiles

rarely stop, my comment acknowledged that no one knows what theose kids suffered.

The kids obviously weren't genetically his, not that such a relationship would prevent abuse.

[xiamiam]

240. he was not a pedophile...unfortunately, sneddon and his ilk destroyed his career by accusing

and never proving..especially, during the bogus second trial..its like the wmd in iraq...once it is in peoples minds, difficult to remove..RIP Michael...

[spotbird]

266. He was not convicted

but he paid $20m to prevent a civil trial. Even for Jackson, that was quite damning.

[defendandprotect]

419. Agree . . . .

and one of my first reactions today was that I hope they one day get his father . . .

presume he's still alive?

[stlsaxman]

434. was he ever convicted of pedophilia? huh?

let me answer that for you- NO!

"oh- he's wierd... he's just not NORMAL!?!?"

[Codeine]

460. If Bush is never convicted of being a war criminal

that will not lessen his guilt one iota.

[stlsaxman]

497. ah- but Bush will never be acquitted, either- like Michael was, will he?

and last i checked "acquitted" means NOT GUILTY by a jury of his peers...

your's is a stupid example

[Codeine]

506. And I will point out that "not guilty" is not "innocent."

It merely refers to the balance of evidence seen by the jury. The cops who beat Rodney King were acquitted as well. Are they innocent in your eyes?

[Yes We Did]

588. No you didn't go there.

Please. And second, in this country you are innocent until proven guilty. He was not proven guilty, therefore, by definition alone, he is innocent.

[Swagman]

525. unlike the war criminal George Bush..Jackson faced a jury of his peers: innocent !

accusations and gossip sadly however still pronounce guilt.

[Codeine]

537. Not guilty is not innocent. nt

[whopis01]

503. Does not being convicted mean it never happened? n/t

[Phillycat]

549. And OJ wasn't convicted of murder, either.

Doesn't mean he didn't do it.

[Kablooie]

527. His kids have a godfather. He will take them.

He also said that Micheal was a great father to his kids.

[janedum]

594. The 3rd child, "Blanket" isn't Debby Rowe's ... I hope

I hope he gets adopted into a NORMAL family.

[spinbaby]

3. It's coming up on TV now

Only 50.

[Mrs. Overall]

4. Unconfirmed, I think.

[flvegan]

5. Current news reporting it. Condolences to his family.

[Mrs. Overall]

8. Reliable news sources are reporting it?

[flvegan]

21. Fox in Tampa..."reliable"? I guess reliable enough, much as I hate them.

[Mrs. Overall]

26. Self Delete--Reuters is not reporting it.

[HopeHoops]

42. No, only if they report it from Aruba.

Did Geraldo file the report?

[CreekDog]

136. I might withhold any for his dad

but condolences for the rest of them.

[Mari333]

6. wickepedia has it now

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson

[FiveGoodMen]

17. Here's what I see at the link

Michael Joseph Jackson (born August 29, 1958) is an American recording artist...

[FiveGoodMen]

153. Wow. Checked repeatedly and it just changed for me now.

"Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958–June 25, 2009<2>) was an American recording artist..."

You got a computer that sees slightly into the future?

[AngryOldDem]

7. May he finally find some peace. nt

[rocktivity]

59. Yes. Finally.

:(
rocktivity

[musette_sf]

9. reminiscent of Elvis' death...

both were preparing for a big tour...

hate to say it but i think it will be found that MJ, like Elvis, OD'd.

[Vidar]

269. Vaya con Dios, Michael, Peace.

[defendandprotect]

420. Circumstance, agree . . . sounds like that's being developed now . . .

"prescription" - people around him abetted?

However, given the talent, they were probably somewhat equal.

Given sentiment, I don't think that's going to be clear.

[musette_sf]

437. "given sentiment"

let us also recall Elvis shacking up with underage Priscilla....

i think they started dating when she was 14.

[defendandprotect]

462. No . . . I meant simply outpouring of sentiment . . ..

and I think in that regard it will always be John Lennon.

I do recall that Priscilla was living in the Presley household when she was very young.
Did she ever say that a sexual relationship was consummated when she was 14?
I think she has written about some of this and is rather truthful?

[musette_sf]

473. from what i remember reading

the sexual relationship was consummated early on.

but then, Jerry Lee had already set the bar by marrying 13-year-old Cousin Myra.

re the outpouring of sentiment... i agree with you on Lennon. murdered in the second prime of his life by a whacko.

i think the comparison to Elvis' death will color a lot of the sentiment over MJ's death, once the autopsy results are in. from some of the tabloid articles it looks like the same thing... nervous before a big tour, and over-self-medicating. i am beginning to think it was not an intentional OD.

[defendandprotect]

474. No . . . I think Priscilla said that there was . . .

heavy petting but no actual consummation until they were married --

and evidently that was to say the least rather frustrating for her.

Additionally, after conception - that was the end of sexual relations.

Also -- don't think Lennon was offed by a "whacko" anymore than JFK was . . .

looks like there was a "new employee/CIA" in the guard booth who did the

shooting - crime behind the crime, as usual.

There's an interesting film on this -- probably at your library.

Something like FBI vs Lennon -- ??

[musette_sf]

502. re your comments on Lennon...

that is interesting... i just did a little surfing on this. i'm not yet convinced of the possibility of that particular confluence at that particular point in time. but i'll have to read up a bit more. That Family has tentacles everywhere.

i usually don't discuss this in newsgroups, but i actually *do* think there was more to Lennon's death than a "lone whacko".

one of the theories was in Al Goldman's book, "The Lives of John Lennon".

i think we can agree that it's possible that Chapman was a dupe... the question is, whose dupe?

[defendandprotect]

510. Not f amiliar with the Al Goldman book on Lennon . . .

but I'd highly recommend that you see the film/documentary on Nixon/FBI/CIA vs John Lennon . . .
and needless to say they would have been anxious to get him out of the way with Reagan coming in.

Musicians/artists have great power to move populations -- and especially someone like
John Lennon --

IMAGINE -- !!!

[Lorax7844]

538. Yoko always says "they killed him"

She says that they were constantly threaten and wiretapped. I believe her.

[Jackeens]

10. Also reported by Reuters (as quoted by Sky News UK)

[Mrs. Overall]

46. Not on the Reuters breaking news website yet. Only that he is hospitalized.

[sledgehammer]

49. But Sky News is quoting TMZ, so it all comes down to the same source

TMZ has been pretty correct though on most celebrity reporting.

[Jackeens]

105. Doesn't matter now, I know, but Sky quoted TMZ and then Reuters earlier on.

Mind you, TMZ was probably Reuters' source.

Any way, looks like they were all right.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. Safe passage to him...

Ah, I loved him when he was young, before the madness took him away...

Billie Jean, The Man in the Mirror, so many hits I cannot remember all the names...

:cry:

[musette_sf]

19. "Off The Wall" was my favorite MJ album

he was so handsome on the cover, too...

[Kind of Blue]

115. Mine, too. It was also the first time

that I heard how absolutely wonderfully the brothers sang. They sounded like angels on that album that I've worn out over the years.

[JerseygirlCT]

257. Me too

I remember staring at the friend who'd just bought the album in disbelief - really? Michael Jackson? Hmmm...

LOVED that album - so many great memories of that time.

[NashVegas]

263. It's Such a Tragedy

Everytime I look at that album cover it's a reminder how sad it was that he couldn't have been happy with the extremely handsome face he was gifted with.

The Jackson family father must have been a real piece of work.

[Mamacrat]

479. Me, too!

That album reminds me of eighth grade. Gives me chills when I hear those songs - even before his death. Here's a link to a Off the Wall video using clips from more recent videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDzxl_Q0qYE&feature=related Enjoy!

[mr1956]

495. She's Out of My Life

The soundtrack of when my mother died, it still strikes a chord with me. He put a lot of emotion into that song. Today is a sad day.

[bliss_eternal]

545. I agree musette....

...just watched that video today. He was SO handsome in that period. Fantastic album--not a bad song on it, imo.
He was quite handsome during Thriller, too.

[AngryOldDem]

23. All the Jackson Five tunes, too....

When he was a kid.

[JerseygirlCT]

258. Classics all of them

As I said elsewhere - a soundtrack to my childhood, for sure.

[calimary]

122. My dear CP - that is quite a lovely way to put it.

"...Before the madness took him away." Pretty much sums it up, too.

Hopefully he can finally find some peace.

GOD it's gonna be a madhouse around town here. I was just saying elsewhere - this is the kind of thing that makes me glad I'm not working anymore. Retired in 1996 from the A.P. The bureau must be exploding today, especially after Farrah Fawcett.

[pjt7]

183. seriously?

"Retired in 1996 from the A.P. The bureau must be exploding today, especially after Farrah Fawcett"

:yoiks:

[calimary]

512. I guess you had to be there.

Entertainment news was always a HUGE part of the A.P. L.A. bureau. HUGE. Still is. This still is a company town.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

259. Thanks!

:hug:

[BrklynLiberal]

591. I agree.

[Ohio Joe]

13. RIP - nt

[GCP]

14. CNN still not reporting death

[redqueen]

36. CNN is often slower than other outlets.

[whopis01]

199. I don't know about that...

They reported the deaths of Fidel Castro, Dick Cheney, Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II and Ronald Reagan back in April of 2003. That doesn't sound too slow to me, especially when you consider they were all alive at that time.

Of course, that may be why they are double checking their facts now...

[HamdenRice]

16. Only Fox reporting death so far

But they have details about him not having been revived.

[kestrel91316]

18. RIP if this is true. He obviously knew so little of it when he was on earth.

[roguevalley]

22. tmz.com has it.

[GCP]

24. Still nothing on CNN - only hospitalized so far

[roguevalley]

45. confirmed on tmz.

[dgibby]

43. How true!

All I can think of is what a cute little kid he was, how talented, and sadly, how tortured.

[proteus_lives]

25. For real?

FF and MJ? Who is next? Celeb deaths usually come in threes.

[musette_sf]

29. Ed McMahon was #1

MJ is #3.

[proteus_lives]

132. You're right, I forgot about Ed.

[Sydnie]

58. Patrick Swayze

He is very ill.

[bdamomma]

455. oh, please Johnny from Dirty Dancing he is struggling with

his health too. that will be a sad day too.

[qanda]

28. It was breaking news on the NBC affliliate in Pittsburgh

But the news has been known to get things wrong in the past.

[HOLOS]

30. May Your Angels Escort You to the Brightest Light Now

[Uzybone]

31. If true...may he RIP

[timeforpeace]

32. nambla, Sanford thread posters hardest hit

[incapsulated]

50. That is sick and wrong and funny.

:P

[greguganus]

241. i lol'd. n/t

[a la izquierda]

34. Local news in OKC just reported it.

I remember first seeing the thriller video. I was probably 6. It scared the living crap out of me. I loved Michael Jackson when I was a kid, and every one of his songs could send me into a dancing frenzy as an adult. The man he became was very sad and I feel very sorry for his family.

[frog92969]

38. ???

He was a perverted predator!
What's with all the tears?

[Hell Hath No Fury]

51. For those of us who grew up with --

The Jackson 5, we have wonderful memories of a talented performer who brought a lot of joy to our lives. That is what the sadness is for.

It is a shame this incredibly talented but very sick man never got the serious mental health help he so badly needed.

[incapsulated]

55. Yup

Grew up with him and the Jackson 5.

It's been hard watching him go insane.

[AngryOldDem]

Exactly. Elegantly put.

This was one tortured soul.

[indie_voter]

71. exactly

I used to watch the Jackson 5 saturday morning cartoon,listen to their music, etc. He was a talented kid who grew up to become a twisted individual.

Something went wrong in that family (was it their dad?), and Jackson the boy grew in to a sick sick person.

If he's dead, I'm sorry for the boy I used to watch and listen to.

[sandnsea]

Thank you

I'm in tears. He had so much potential to make real change and it's just a shame his illness blunted what could have been such an incredibly powerful force.

And dare I say, no Michael Jackson, no Barack Obama. So many great African American men put a brick in the path of equality for all.

[Aragorn]

208. too true

And the same must be said for a lot of people, including celebrities. Failure to get mental health treatment nearly always leads to bad things. Don't be afraid to confront someone about it.

[defendandprotect]

423. Obviously, he and other Jackson children were preyed upon by the father . . .

resulting in this distorted person who never emerged from childhood - imo.

[mountainvue]

427. Exactly. May he rest in peace.

My heart goes out to his children.

[Phillycat]

550. I grew up with him.

I had the Thriller album and was a huge, huge fan at age 12. I grew up with his videos on MTV. But dude was a child molester and I don't shed tears for child molesters. All of the people falling all over themselves weeping, would you leave your kids alone with Michael Jackson? Damn.

[myrna minx]

605. Thank you for your thoughtful sentiments.

[tekisui]

60. My sentiments.

I don't care what kind of musical genius he was, he ruined some kids lives.

[redqueen]

61. ...

As a victim of a predator who is fighting back tears, I'll try to explain.

Michael had a seriously fucked up childhood. He had nobody around to stick up for him, either. Yes, he probably did awful things... I don't know, I wasn't there so I won't claim to know... but even if he did... he is/was a human being, and at a time like this, I can't find it in my heart to dwell on whatever bad things he did. All I can think about now is the things we had in common (that awful childhood thing), and how he never had a chance to live a normal life.

[Not Me]

129. What redqueen says, AND

I remember thinking back when the trial was going on, "What kind of parent would let their kids do an overnighter with a pop star?" Sex, drugs, whatever. You don't leave 8 and 9 year olds with strangers, regardless of the celeb factor.

[KakistocracyHater]

185. yes but normal boys "wet the bed" all by themselves

so why did they act like they were ignorant of this? I doubt very much that he was a molester, he just seemed to stay a kid himself(Neverland) & kids can be nicer than adults.

[zogtheobvious]

211. Kids can be nicer than adults....

....to adults. Kids can be vicious, rapacious little monsters to other kids.


I know this.

(And no, I don't hate kids. Note that I said "can be")

[Strong Atheist]

519. Belated Welcome to DU!

:toast:

[Rhiannon12866]

534. I agree with you. I used to be a camp counselor.

I enjoyed the kids, loved most of them, but there were a few that made me wonder if these little monsters were really little girls. Little girls can be bullies, too. x(

On edit: I almost forgot! A belated welcome to DU from me, too... It's great to have you with us! :hi:

[TrogL]

172. OK, let's get it on the table - factual information

What, exactly, did he do?

What, exactly, was he convicted of doing?

Certainly that wierd mansion of his was fairly "out there" and the whole plastic surgery thing was pretty strange, but that's not facts, that's "ewwwww" emotional response.

[redqueen]

177. IMO now is not the time for it.

Whether you choose to believe he was or was not guilty. Now is just not the time.

[xiamiam]

248. he was never convicted...the second trial was absolute bs..the da in santa barbara

had it out for Michael and is an evil awful man..i followed the second trial very closely after seeing sneddon give the most grotesque press conference on tv...i hadn't been interested up until that point..but when i heard that press conference, i said whoa, that man is pure evil..sneddon destroyed michaels career..not michael...he was strange but i dont believe he was a pedophile..a child himself in many ways..RIP Michael

[Kajsa]

205. +1

:hug:

[bliss_eternal]

546. redqueen...

:hug:

...so sorry.

thank you for your lovely heart-felt words on behalf of MJ.
you're a kind soul.

[redqueen]

577. Thank you...

very much.

:hug:

[Phillycat]

551. It's even worse if he was a victim of abuse who then perpetrated abuse.

That means he knows what long-term damage it causes and chose to foist that on other children.

Speaking as another survivor here.

I'm glad he's dead.

[BrklynLiberal]

592. A sad and lonely life...no doubt.

[mopinko]

64. i think a lot of people are sympathetic because

it was pretty clear that he was passing on what was done to him. not an excuse, but a good explanation. he brought a lot of joy, and tried to do more good than harm. that is more than a lot of us will accomplish.

[defendandprotect]

425. Obviously the Jackson children were healthy and talented prior

to having their lives distorted by sexual parental abuse by father.

[BrklynLiberal]

593. and each death of this sort is a reminder to us that we are all merely mortals...

[spotbird]

133. Exactly. nt

[WatchWhatISay]

139. There is no proof of that

Just like Gary Condit killed Chandra Levy.

[Xithras]

169. Yes, there is, to anyone who cares to look at it.

A security guard SAW the kid fellating Jackson. Jackson paid the kid, the mother, and the guard a $22 million "settlement" in the civil suit, and both the guard and the kid refused to testify in the criminal trial afterward because of it. Without witnesses or a cooperative victim, there was no criminal case to prosecute and it was dropped. This is all public record that anyone can view.

When the second round of allegations came up, the DA tried to get the first kid to testify again. The kid fled the country rather than do so. Without witnesses to establish a pattern of molestation, there wasn't enough evidence to nail him the second time. It came down to the kids word against Jacksons, and Jackson had better lawyers.

He beat the justice system (or bought it anyway), but the guy was guilty as sin.

[KakistocracyHater]

190. I hadn't heard about a guard seeing anything

.

[Duval]

244. Do you have links, Xitras? n/t

[Strong Atheist]

In case it has never been done, Very Belated Welcome to DU!

:toast:

[noiretextatique]

601. people settlement lawsuits all the time

and people sue people who have money all the time....they might even conspire to do so. lawsuits are settled for all kind of reasons, e.g., publicity, time, money.
obviously MJ had some major problems, but nothing you wrote proves anything.

[spotbird]

237. Hardly, the victim testifed against Jackson

And Jackson paid his vicim $20m to settle a civil suit.

There was no witness in the Condit example.

[AtheistCrusader]

159. I don't recall him being found guilty of any such thing.

Had some trouble managing his expenses though.

[Xithras]

161. Agreed. Count me solidly in the "good riddance" camp.

As a person who was molested as a child and forced to watch a sister be molested, I have little sympathy for his kind. It amazes me that so many are willing to sing the praises of a pedophile simply because he had a nice set of pipes.

I like his music, but I have no sympathy for the man.

[MissDeeds]

193. As the aunt of an abused niece

I have a hard time feeling sorry for his loss. IF he was indeed a pedophile, I grieve for his victims and the pain they will have to bear for the rest of their lives.

[Phillycat]

552. Agreed.

[Mad_Dem_X]

40. Holy shit.

OMG...I'm in shock. First Farrah, now Michael. he was a major freak, but he was a musical legend. Damn. My heart goes out to his family, especially his children.

[calimary]

162. We live near UCLA - you would NOT believe the helicopter traffic overhead at this moment.

Bigtime noise of whirring rotors. They're all over the place. Like when the freeway near here has a huge accident on it. His whole life was just so sad. Especially in the last ten to 15 years. I was still working when the first molestation case broke. What a mess. Insanity trying to cover that story. Some friends of mine in the business used to call that whole media scrum like you saw during the OJ trial and Michael Jackson Anything - a pig-fuck. This is going to be an utterly UNGODLY pig-fuck. I told my son just now that if I were still working, you probably wouldn't hear from me again for another 48 hours or so. Must be like Election Night at the A.P. downtown at the moment. I bet they're already calling for the Chinese food and some spare mattresses. People are gonna be putting in a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGG night down there.

[redqueen]

41. RIP

:cry:

[WheelWalker]

44. And the Wheel turns.

[shadowknows69]

265. +1

[undergroundnomore]

47. Michael had such talent

He led a trouble life with alleged abuse from his father. I haven't seen that he had died yet. I did hear that he was rushed to the hopsital and his mother was on her way to see him and his brother said he was not doing well at all.

[Politicalboi]

48. Sanford must be pissed LOL!

One more day of hiding and nobody would have realized he called a press conference.

[Beacool]

52. They just announced it on the radio.

Apparently he was in full cardiac arrest and the paramedics could not revive him.

His behavior in the latter years of his life was eccentric to say the least, but the world has lost a great talent.

I loved the Jackson Five growing up and I can still sing most of his solo hit songs.

Rest in peace Michael.

:cry:

Farrah and Michael both on the same day, what a shame.

[BeyondGeography]

54. Very talented; it was tough to be Michael...RIP

[tishaLA]

56. RIP MJ

[provis99]

57. NONE of the cable news shows are reporting he's dead

They are just saying he had a heart attack.

[incapsulated]

67. True but they are talking about him as if he is, in the past tense...

I think they are being extra cautious.

If not, TMZ is in mad trouble.

[joshcryer]

69. They're dragging it out until an "official announcement" is made.

Several of the pundents seem somber and know he's most likely dead (given what we know about what happened).

[AngryOldDem]

80. Sounds to me like they're waiting until all the family gets there..

Even Papa Joe is now making his way from Vegas to LA.

Everybody is dancing around what seems to be the obvious. It's only right to wait until the family is told.

[joshcryer]

118. NBC just broke in, Brian Williams announced his death.

CNN still hasn't announced. A disgrace.

[AngryOldDem]

125. They have, but with the caveat that they haven't confirmed it.

But I think we all know it's true.

[doodadem]

209. Cardiac Arrest????

From what? There has to be some trigger for this, doesn't there?

[greguganus]

245. I wonder if they've told Bubbles the Chimp. n/t

[grahamhgreen]

62. NOT confirmed

[sledgehammer]

63. This is sad if true.

I hate the person he became later in his career, but no one entertained me more in my youth than him.

What a talent he was! Legend.

[mogster]

65. R.I.P

The music lives on

[NYC Liberal]

66. All other sources reporting this are quoting TMZ

They are the ONLY source at this point. I'm waiting for more confirmation.

[Lugnut]

72. That's what I'm finding.

Reuters is quoting the TMZ report.

[Dinger]

68. They're Reporting It On E! Entertainment

No link. They just reported it on t.v.

[mrbarber]

70. Still not confirmation.

[ohio2007]

75. the "thrillas" gone if verified

otherwise,
;)

[-..__...]

73. I call didbs on his skeleton.

[ohio2007]

84. his elephant man or

his spakled plastic surgeon modified self ?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxlfZeu7Vpc&feature=related

[stlsaxman]

441. I call bids on his publishing rights for The Beatles music!

oh- right! he sold them all to Sony...

[loyalkydem]

74. LA TIMES

Now report that he's in a Coma

[mvd]

81. Just heard that

Off the Wall and Thriller are great albums, and the music will live on if he does not survive this. I remember Michael's heyday and wasn't around during Farrah's, but I realize what icons they both are. Sad day for celeb news.

[ChoralScholar]

76. LA Times reporting he is in a coma, per MSNBC - EOM

[gauguin57]

77. TMZ are skank-ass vultures.

I'll wait till the "real news" reports this.

Whatever the "real news" is anymore.

[CakeGrrl]

203. They may be skanks, but they're VERY well-placed skanks

They were the only ones to obtain the lone investigation photo of Rihanna post-beating. All other news outlets had no problem using it, but had to credit TMZ for it.

[struggle4progress]

78. "Man in the Mirror"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zpTQCQEFhg

[w4rma]

79. He's not dead, yet. Only Fox had reported that he died. They seemed to have jumped the gun. (nt)

[ohio2007]

103. TMZ reported it first , guess it morphed into FOX

http://www.youtube.com/user/michaeljackson?blend=2&ob=1

still the best vid of his

[Duer 157099]

82. LA Times says he's in a coma

I'd suppose he may be on life support until family can gather and say goodbye.

I wonder if he's an organ donor?

[charlie and algernon]

85. that's what MSNBC is reporting, that he is in a coma

[jannyk]

95. LATimes now says he's dead. 3.15pm update nt

[Posteritatis]

97. For once I almost hope he isn't

If he was, any recipients would certainly be hounded to death by the entertainment press.

[BumRushDaShow]

83. :-(

:(

[jannyk]

87. 'Revived' per CNN

Maybe on 'life support' until family arrive?? Anyway - doesn't seem to be 'technically' dead - yet.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/25/michael.jackson/

'Entertainer Michael Jackson was taken to a hospital on Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest, sources briefed on the situation told CNN.
A Los Angeles fire official told CNN that paramedics arrived at Michael Jackson's home after a 911 call.

A Los Angeles fire official told CNN that paramedics arrived at Michael Jackson's home after a 911 call.

Paramedics revived Jackson before taking him to the hospital.'

[drmeow]

121. CNN now has him in a coma

[sofa king]

130. ... and now he's dead.

It's a shame. I thought for awhile he was gonna pull through... on CNN. But then the LA Times had to kill him.

[haele]

154. No, what they called "revived" was probably transport on life support -

They put my 87 year old grandmother on life support after she was pretty much dead (stopped breathing a fifteen minutes or so before 911 was finally called - she o-d'd while clinically depressed) so organs would not start deteriorating. The hospital kept her on life support until her 95 year old aunt came over to tell them to take her off. They wanted to do an autopsy, and probably recover a few organs.

Haele

[kestrel91316]

89. Link to LA Times article w/ update:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/pop-star-michael-jackson-was-rushed-to-a-hospital-this-afternoon-by-los-angeles-fire-department-paramedics--capt-steve-ruda.html

[Richd506]

90. This makes me sad

and angry too. People tried so hard to ruin him at the end...

[tinrobot]

91. He ruined himself long before the end.

[The Stranger]

96. Aw bullshit. Child star thrust into the spolight, abusive parents, news frenzy.

Have some respect for the dead.

[tinrobot]

124. There comes a point where you have to become a grown up

Whatever life deals you, there comes a point where you have to grow up and face your issues. I can think of dozens of examples of people with worse childhoods who managed to turn out just fine and become responsible adults.

Instead, Michael Jackson idolized Peter Pan, refused to become an adult and used his fortunes to live in an amusement park house where he freely abused children. Not much respect for that, but I hope his turbulent soul finds peace.

[redqueen]

131. Unreal.

You're actually comparing MJ to Gacy.

I was the victim of a predator, but even I can see that now is not the time to focus on his bad deeds.

[tinrobot]

137. Sorry...

I went a little over the edge... his deeds touch a nerve with me as well.

[condoleeza]

155. He never had any example of normal in his life

ditto what redqueen said, this is not the time. Just makes me sad to think his father outlived him. Can only imagine if Papa J had died long ago Michael would have been able to do some healing. He entertained us all, he was one fucked up kid who never became an adult. He had virtually nothing left financially, this London tour basically owned him but was giving him one last opportunity to come back...and it was going so well - until today.

Do we really know anyone who isn't royally fucked up? I know I am.

[shadowknows69]

168. If he was a pedophile there was no "healing" to be had

[condoleeza]

222. Perhaps you are right, but as a survivor of abuse, even I can feel empathy for him

What was he thinking to have 3 children. I hope they can be raised together, unfortunately there is virtually no one in the family who isn't troubled.

[Richd506]

231. Me too.

[tinrobot]

217. Nobody has to die for another person to heal.

Sorry, but that's not the way it works.

Besides, being a abused as a child does not excuse abusing children as an adult.

And he was an adult, he just chose not to act like one.

[condoleeza]

225. Maybe not, but from personal experience, it helps

I'm not advocating Joe Jackson be killed, but he was a terrible father. I just think that removing someone who was so domineering from the mix would have given Michael needed peace. Just my 2 cents, not like I'm an expert here.

[tinrobot]

238. It's a mixed bag.

From experience - how can you truly forgive someone who only exists as a memory? Memory is tricky and often can amplify real people into monsters.

Sometimes it's best to face reality and have the difficult conversation with the horrid parent. When that happens, many times the monster of your childhood turns into the fallible person they were all along.

[condoleeza]

449. and sometimes they're your older siblings and they have children you love and

helped to raise and you love them and don't want them to be hurt, so you are really torn, and your parents were also abused, and they gave their abusers access to your siblings because they never dealt with anything and then it just goes on and on until someone cries STOP. The reality of crying stop isn't pretty, believe me, as the one who cried stop. The monsters of my childhood WERE fallible, they were also victims and in spite of the damage, I do not hate them. 2 dead by suicide so far, family still in denial, and on it goes.

The point I was trying to make is that when you grow up feeling you have no say in your life, you react, rather than live an authentic life. Michael never lived an authentic life. I hate that he molested kids, I hope those kids are getting the help they need. I don't infer that Michael was molested, but he NEVER had a real childhood, and if his father were gone from this toxic mix, he might have been able to finally grow up.

You can never truly forgive someone who damaged your life if they do not admit their actions and Joe Jackson never has and I would imagine never will. He has left a legacy of children who were just a commodity and hopefully his grandchildren can go beyond this. I doubt Debbie wants the 2 she gave birth to, w/o major $ as an incentive. There are 3 kids w/no parent now. Who will raise them?

[NashVegas]

416. Most Celebrities Aren't Allowed to Be Grown-Ups

For most grown-ups, when someone is in your face, violating your personal boundaries, you can ask them to back off and most will. If they won't, you can tell them to fuck off - and they will.

Celebs can't do that.

As for dealing with his childhood abuse, not everyone can be like Oprah Winfrey - or even LaToya Jackson. When a celeb goes public about abuse, their face, their image becomes associated with victim-hood. Not good for business.

[tinrobot]

435. Do you have to ask permission to be a grownup?

[Fedja]

555. Men don't grow up.

We simply learn subterfuge.

The only thing I gained from age was financial means with which to pay for my juvenile ideas. I'm neither ashamed nor proud of it, and if I had MJ's money, Neverland would pale in comparison with the shit I'd surely pull. :)

On topic, regardless of what one thinks of him as a person, he was a great artist that redefined music as we know it, and he probably would not have been such a grand influence had he not been a bit on the weird side.

[The Stranger]

575. Excellent post.

You hit so many good things in that, I just had to give you a +1.

[redqueen]

587. What a very interesting post.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[CoffeeCat]

92. JESUS!!!!!

No way!

This really is unimaginable! The last person you would expect to die.

So tragic. He had such promise and his career catapulted him to icon status. Then he freaked out
with the surgeries and other dark behavior. I guess I was always hoping that Jackson would somehow
pull himself up and that he could make a big breakthrough--instead of dying such a tragic, tragic figure.

His father was rumored to have been a tyrant and an abuser to those kids. My guess is that Michael spent a lot
of his years acting out the past. I'm sorry that he didn't have more time to find peace.

He certainly was an entertainment giant. He defined an entire generation.

Sad and tragic.

[KoKo]

93. It's still not confirmed ...but I believe he's dead....and it's very sad...

just saying...It's very sad. He gave us a lot of incredible music...and what happened after that..who knows.

As a DU'er of the Elvis/Orbison Generation...I am sad at the loss of the NEXT GENERATION of music...and the death.

:cry:

[Renew Deal]

94. Unbelievable! Tragic! Sad!

:wow:

[tinrobot]

98. LA Times Blog reporting it

Updated at 3:15 p.m.: Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead by doctors this afternoon after arriving at a hospital in a deep coma, city and law enforcement sources told The Times.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/pop-star-michael-jackson-was-rushed-to-a-hospital-this-afternoon-by-los-angeles-fire-department-paramedics--capt-steve-ruda.html

[AngryOldDem]

100. MSNBC just confirmed death from LA Times story.

First major news outlet to do so?

[keepCAblue]

99. Pronounced dead.

[joshcryer]

101. LA Times Blog Confirms It

[Duer 157099]

102. LA Times now confirms death n/t

[Auggie]

106. What a day. What a week.

Ed, Farrah and now Michael.

[npk]

108. TMZ says they never revived him

Cnn.com reporting that he is still being treated at UCLA medical center. How can TMZ have this story and confirm it, when all the major media outlets are still reporting him as being treated.

[Odin2005]

109. RIP. He was a great singer, too bad he degenerated into a creepy freak-show.

[file83]

117. I'm sure his dozens of unneccesary surgeries didn't help his health...

...not to mention his questionable mental state. Freak-show is right, and a pedophile to boot.

He's been a walking corpse for years now anyways. Me, not so sad.

[shadowknows69]

111. If true, RIP Michael for the talent you had and the people you touched with music.

If you also in fact touched children then I hope devils drag you to eternal suffering. Sorry, if callous but if he did do the things he was accused of then no excuse of "he had a bad childhood" is going to cut it with me.

[proteus_lives]

138. Agreed.

He was very talented but not that or a horrible childhood excuses harming children in anyway.

[Dinger]

113. CBS Reporting Michael Jackson Is Dead (nt)

[ronnykmarshall]

116. LA Times, NBC as well

Ron Reagan confirmed that they reported it as well.

What a sad day.

First Farrah and now Michael.

[DainBramaged]

114. He will not be given peace in death by many, I wish him Godspeed

and hope for the best for his family.

[FiveGoodMen]

134. I would say that peace in death is absolutely guaranteed

His family and admirers might get sick of the public's reaction, but Michael is surely beyond that now.

[Rhiannon12866]

536. Wish I could recommend your post...

I totally agree with your sentiments. ;(

I was wondering how people could feel such venom towards someone they didn't even know. But then I thought of Dick Cheney... x(

Rhiannon :hi:

[DainBramaged]

568. Dick Cheney had people killed in illegal wars. MJ was accused of

(but never found guilty) of assaulting children. It seems to me that Cheney deserves the scorn he receives.

First and foremost, MJ will ALWAYS be remembered as the King of Pop for his music, not for his quirks. He was the Elvis of the X generation.


Thanks:hug:

[Rhiannon12866]

596. I sure agree. It seems that MJ's fans aren't concerned about that.

After all, he was acquitted. They love him for his music and his talent. (IMO, his incredible dancing defied gravity...) Some pundit said today that among the top rung of icons, Elvis, John Lennon and Michael Jackson, MJ is probably #1. There's no country in the world in which he doesn't have fans and his music will live on forever... O8)

As for Cheney, when is his trial?! It's long overdue... :grr:

Rhiannon :hug:

[frogmarch]

119. CNN reporting he has died. n/t

[Kind of Blue]

120. Rest well, Michael. You did well.

[maxsolomon]

126. not to be a cynic

but "well" is relative.

i wish his soul peace.

[Kind of Blue]

135. Whatever.

[maxsolomon]

140. nicely put

i concur.

[The Stranger]

144. Michael Jackson was a brilliant musician, an extraordinary talent.

And we will always have the recordings.

I'm out.

[MissDeeds]

224. That's one hell of a stretch

He sang well. He danced well. He performed well. But dangling an infant over a balcony, parading his children in public in veils, and fending off years of charges of pedophilia hardly constitute "You did well". Holy hell, let's pull back on the "You did well" crap. Talk to his alleged victims, then decide.

[NYC Liberal]

123. CNN confirms it:

[Tempest]

143. CNN has not confirmed it

It clearly says they haven't confirmed it.

[Libertas1776]

127. Oh man

I cant freaking believe this. Rest in Peace King of Pop. :cry:

[glinda]

141. me neither

[sonias]

142. So sad - it's been a bad day for celebrities today

He was a great child star whose adult life went wrong. I really loved him as a young singer.

My condolences to the Jackson family.

:cry:


Sonia

[madrchsod]

145. an amazing showman and musical genius.

it`s truly a shame that he turned into a side show freak...

his music will live on

[kestrel91316]

148. Pretty much sums it up. An immense talent, and a sad decline

into ignominy.

[Mari333]

146. Mark Sanford "thank god"..Sarah Palin "Darn!"

[ChoralScholar]

147. I just flipped past MTV

I guess it takes something like this to get them to play a music video these days.

I hope they keep playing MJ videos.

[AngryOldDem]

194. So they actually acknowledged his death?

I'm stunned. And I mean that sincerely.

MTV owes its existence to MJ.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

149. Rest In Peace, you poor abused man-child.

You never had a chance to find true peace here. Perhaps now you'll discover it.

:cry:

[kayla9170]

439. Michael Jackson_------The KING of Pop---RIP

Michael.....you were a icon to me. It is so sad to hear people talk about you, forgetting the many things that you done for others, that was never reported in the MSM. It is amazing that all the people here on this site dog you in your moment of death, when you, like many of us here voted for our First African-American President Barack Obama.

I remember the Thiller video when it first aired on MTV when I was 14 and thought that this was the most amazing thing I ever seen, to that point, on TV. Off The Wall was my FAVORITE album of yours. I watched the Motown 25 special and loved how you did the Moonwalk on stage and made the whole world look at you and say, "I wish I could do that like you, Michael".

It is so so sad that for your talent to be overshadowed by the last ten years of your life events. You were 50 and was entertaining since you were 3 years old. You were abused by your Father but no one cares....but your fans. I am a fan, I understood your talent and I am so sad today...on your passing. There will never be another M.J. You were unique, a real superstar and the Original King of Pop!!

Rest in Peace...Michael...Rest in Peace!!!

Monica

[slackmaster]

151. NY Daily News confirms

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/06/25/2009-06-25_reports_michael_jackson_.html

:-(

[Ian David]

156. It's okay. He's gonna come back as a dancing zombie.

[shellgame26]

501. As sad as I am

that actually made me laugh.

RIP Michael and Farrah. You are forever loved!

[stlsaxman]

157. o my god... Rest In Peace, Michael.

[Coventina]

158. Wow. I am shocked. Like many others here, I hope he finds peace now.

He was clearly a troubled person, and was clearly losing to his demons.

I don't know if he was truly a child predator or not, I'll leave that to the higher court he now faces.

It's sad that someone with all the money in the world couldn't get the help he really needed. Maybe some damage just can't be fixed.

[Dark]

160. I suppose that Prince won, then.

n/t

[snake in the grass]

219. Prince was always the better of the two. n/t

[Phillycat]

553. Dude, Prince won in 1984.

Also by not being a pedophile.

[ObamaKerryDem]

602. And you know this, how? The man was acquitted. Sure, you may not like the outcome..

..but 12 people, in the eyes of the law, disagreed with you and that is what will stand, regardless of what you or anyone else post here. Plus dancing on someone's grave is a bit tacky, don't you think? I mean, you may not have liked him and you're certainly entitled to that...but seriously, why even bother posting if you didn't? It may just be my opinion, but I think in these situations, if you don't have anything kind to say, it's better not to say it at all. It's just a little thing called class.

Also, while Prince is a great talent, Michael Jackson has surpassed him (and most everyone else) in iconic status YEARS ago. He's right there with Elvis and the Beatles, if not even bigger.

Plus, there were so many flaws in that case that anyone who actually bothered to study the facts of it (as I did) would realize it was bullshit. You and others who believe it are obviously only seeing what they want to see.


But whatever. His legacy lives on...

[nc4bo]

163. RIP MJ. I hope he finally finds peace. nt

[diamidue]

165. Did he have a history of heart trouble?

I always thought he was a bit of a health nut - macrobiotic diet and such.

I'm still in a state of shock. He was much too young.

[ronnykmarshall]

174. I don't think so ..

But he was so frail. I don't think we know for sure how sick he might have been.

Tragic. Tragic life is some ways.

A little boy with so much talent and so many people wanting a part of him. He never really grew up. So fucking sad.

He sure could sing!

[FreeState]

175. Nope - he just had a 4 1/2 hour physical in March for his investors to sign off on

the rumor - and I stress just a rumor - is he ODed on sleeping pills. But from all accounts he was physically healthy.

[dana_b]

210. he had lupus, according to wiki

if true, I understand him a lot better now. Lupus killed my mom too.

[ingac70]

243. He did not lead a healthy life....

Way too skinny... he looked anorexic, not to mention all the surgery.

Plus, it is not unusual for a 50 year old man to drop dead of a heart attack.

[pasto76]

166. find peace, he was so obviously a tortured soul

and also a legend.

[mvd]

167. This is a sad day

This music fan will remember him. I hope you are in peace now, Michael.

[ronnykmarshall]

170. The media here in LA is going ape shit

Copters all over the sky near the hospital (or a while ago).

I know this sounds selfish ... but I wanted to watch the ET-type shows and morn Farrah and see the tributes about her ... now the media is going to be full blown in your face "if it bleeds, it leads" type shit.

We will be hearing about this for months. Cause of death, rumors, lawsuits, child custody, screaming fans on camera.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

186. I feel you, RKM.

I wanted Farrah to have her moment to be memorialized like she deserved.

[ronnykmarshall]

267. and she deserves that .

I read that Redmond was told and he will be able to attend Farrah's funeral.

[Rhiannon12866]

524. That is so sad. That poor kid has enough to deal with...

;(

[MissDeeds]

458. I wanted Farrah to have her moment, too

Her passing has been nearly eclipsed by Micheal Jackson. Larry King did have a nice tribute, though.

[nc4bo]

191. At least he won't have to hear it anymore.

Such a bad week, Ed, Farrah now MJ.

:cry:

[tammywammy]

484. Farrah deserves her own tribute

I felt bad, hearing the MJ died, that it was going to plow right over her.

But regardless of media, her loved ones and fans will make sure she gets the appropriate send off.

[Blue_Tires]

171. ???

damn!

[Chisox08]

173. R.I.P. Michael Jackson

[Dennis Donovan]

176. Cross gently, MJ...

:cry:

[pjt7]

178. This guy was the no#1 pop singer in the World

while the CIA was creating & aiding Al-Queda in Afghanistan, NSA was giving arms to Iran, arming C. American guerillas & bringing Cocaine into LA.

No wonder we didn't know what was going on~

RIP Jacko

[StrongBad]

589. By far the oddest post in this thread. Congrats.

[MrsBrady]

179. this has been a crappy day to begin with

and now this...
this sux for me...

I feel so bad for his family.

I have to get this stupid homework done. My prof is an ass, by the way. Thanks for the sucky day, ass hole.

I was thinking about going to get something to drink, as It's been that bad of a day. Not till after homework, though.
Now I REALLY want to get my homework done...because I NOW I am REALLY going to go get some red wine.

And put on not my CD, not my tape, but my Thriller ALBUM, yes, my ALBUM..that I got for my 12th Birthday.
I just had my 37th birthday. I always think about Michael Jackson on my birthday.
Damn. Damn Damn.

I hope his family is getting the news before it hit public airwaves.

[barbtries]

180. i'm shocked.

he was a musical genius regardless of everything else that can be said about him.

[New Dawn]

181. Woah, damn.

[InvisibleTouch]

182. Well, he is the third.

Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett, and now Michael Jackson. I was wondering who it would be, but he never crossed my mind as a possibility.

I must say, I'm more shocked by his death than by the other two. Yes, he went into a very weird downward spiral, but I was a fan of his music in the 80's and still like a lot of it. I guess he is finally at peace.

[sakabatou]

184. It seems odd to me...

I friend of mine said that celebrities die in 3's. David Carradine, Farrah Faucet and now, Jackson. Good vibes for Jackson's family.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

188. You forgot Ed Mcmahon

I guess this it came in fours.

[xchrom]

187. May Peace be with his Family and Friends at this time...

some of us will miss you Michael.

[liberaltrucker]

189. Seventh of nine

Jackson is the seventh of nine children in a well-known musical family. He has three children, Prince Michael I, Paris and Prince Michael II.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/25/michael.jackson/index.html

Being a huge fan of ST:V, that jumped out at me. Chilling.
RIP, Your Majesty.

:cry:

[whopis01]

508. Star Trek: V ??? That was the worst movie of the lot!

(I know what you mean.... just couldn't resist)

[AngryOldDem]

192. Twice-a-day rehearsal schedule, plus workouts with Lou Ferrigno?

Damn. Talk about going from 0 to 60.

[lame54]

195. Great news for Mark Sanford

[d_b]

196. RIP Mike

I'll miss them noses.

[tomm2thumbs]

197. :)

cute and sad

[tinkerbell41]

198. RIP

I agree complete freakshow at the end. BUT I remember him for what he was when I was growing up.
I was in High School during his "thriller" time. SOOOO many memories to go with the music. I loved him. As for Farrah, I was in grade school and all the girls wanted to be Jill when "playing" Charlies Angels on the playground. As a side note my daughter and I found our rabbit dead this morning, WHAT A DAY!!!!

[Eyerish]

200. RIP

A Tortured and Talented Soul...

[Laelth]

201. RIP

He wasn't perfect (as if any of us are), but he made the world a more beautiful place.

:dem:

-Laelth

[emilyg]

202. RIP Thriller.

[Cash_thatswhatiwant]

204. OMG. I'm just in a state of shock right now.

RIP.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNl2Pm9-7Vk

[musette_sf]

207. "State Of Shock"

say hi to Freddie for us, MJ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9_BwMtPeWU

on edit: written by Freddie & MJ. maybe some of the boots of their version will show up now.

[sweetloukillbot]

221. Wow. I had no idea that version of State of Shock existed... n/t

[Subdivisions]

206. RIP :^(

[dana_b]

213. terrible loss

rest easy Michael.

[Barrymores Ghost]

214. I still have my Jackson-5 45 r.p.m.'s from the back of a Honeycomb cereal box.

Think I'll bust 'em out tonight and give 'em a spin.

[Willo]

223. You still have yours? Wow!!!!

We got ours from the back of Alpha-bits.

That you still have even one is amazing.

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

215. CNN confirms MJ has died as per LA Coroner n/t

[superconnected]

216. How convenient. Consdering he just post phoned the first 4 dates of his tour.

They said he was being too perfectionist. And considering he called off the auction that he supposedly had too have to gain money - he owes more than 200 million to bank of america alone - but he flaked at the last minute and wanted his belongings back.

Many people didn't believe he was going to go through the european tour for good reason - he's flaked and canceled everything for the last 15 years.

I don't believe he was innocent in the child molestation case - and that had a jury of 12 people find him innocent. And I'm not going to just believe he suddenly died of a heart attack(anyone read class matters - the rich are the least likely to die of heart disease). All I can say is how utterly convenient. I hope he has an open casket. And someone better make sure it's not wax.

[kestrel91316]

227. There are no reports of a "heart attack", aka myocardial infarction.

The reports are of cardiac arrest, which can occur due to heart disease (arrhythmia) or drug/alcohol overdose, or dozens of other things.

Just because media fools are using the term "heart attack" doesn't mean that is the medical diagnosis.

Oh, now Al Sharpton in NYC is giving a statement about MJ. BREAKING NEWS.

[superconnected]

232. Actually, just because anyone says it isn't a reason to believe it.

I remember thinking Kenny Boy died - who also had hundreds of millions to lose if he lived, and the more I gathered - that he was a week from the date the court required him to give the money back, that the body was instantly cremated, that the coroner and his personal doctor were the witnesses. I quit buying it. MJ owes too much money and wasn't going on that tour. How UTTERLY convenient. Just like Kenny boy.

[Odin2005]

Take off that tin foil hat.

:rofl:

[EOTE]

413. You doubt that he's dead?

I suppose that's a plausible conspiracy scenario, I just generally like to ascribe a nefarious scheme like that more to genuinely evil people like Ken Lay. I just have a hard time imagining MJ on a deserted island, sipping Mai Tais. Anything's possible, I guess. I'd really love to think that he's not dead at a young 50 years of age.

[superconnected]

433. When there's hundreds of millions on the table - the guys has to pay back

Yeah, I start not trusting the convenience of them dying.

[Odin2005]

249. My stepdad was recovering from pancreatitis when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest and died.

MJ could not have been a well man in any case, which makes death by sudden heart failure all the more likely.

[kestrel91316]

218. Local news has endless blabbering coverage of the wait for the

press conference at UCLA Medical Center. They also have bloodsuckers posted at the driveway to his Holmby Hills home to suffocate any hapless souls who try to enter the property by car. Days like this I actually feel sorry for LAPD.

CBS2/KCAL9, FYI.

OMG, they sent a reporter up to the former Neverland Ranch up by Solvang to report live from there. Jeebus. He doesn't own the property anymore and hasn't been there for years. They are desperate. I guess the dozen fans gathered there are too important to overlook.

[chill_wind]

220. This sucks. There will never be another MJ. Very sad, very young

very unexpected, and just when he was getting ready to go out again, fix some of his debt and with luck, some of his life. Who knows what was waiting around the corner? So very sorry for his family, his friends, his fans. RIP Michael. You changed and owned the world of pop in your own amazing, however troubled at times, all too short journey.

[pjt7]

228. I am not surprised he died at all

he looked extremely unhealthy for a loooong time & he was being used by a lot of people @ the end & I'm sure @ the beginning of his entertainment career.

R.I.P Michael Jackson

[handmade34]

229. Rest in peace Michael

no matter the rest, ...memories of his musical genius remain

[AsahinaKimi]

230. I talked with Michael Jackson once...

I talked to him on the phone once. I was working for a answering service in Santa Barbara and we answered the phones for Neverland Valley Ranch. I remember him calling in for messages, and I was shocked that I was actually talking to him. Usually he had his secretary call in for messages.

We had been told by our bosses, since we answered for a number of celebrities (Bob Eubanks, Michael Douglas, Jeff Bridges to name a few.) to NEVER sound excited when they called.. nor act like fans.. be professional, but I have to admit I was taken aback, because as I said, generally he never called in for messages.

But he was in London (This was after the baby dangling incident) at the time, and couldn't reach anyone at the main house phone, and couldn't understand why, so he left a message with us, to relay to the house person..and that was rare.

The other thing we were instructed to do was always call him either "Mr.Jackson or Michael" but NEVER EVER, EVER call him "Mike."

One of our operators did that once, and was fired. Apparently, he hated that name and demanded she be fired. It was a big account, so our boss complied. Well, everyone had be warned. I guess, she didn't believe it.


Anyway, He will be missed. Also Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon and David Carridine.

[Wednesdays]

571. Let me jump in here to say, I despise that part of our culture

I mourn the passing of MJ as much as anyone, but WTF? I'm sorry, but no one person should get THAT much special treatment. I'm sick and tired of celebrities, politicians, and billionaires being treated like royalty, and we as their serfs.

If the woman was rude or said his name in such a way as to needle him, or persisted after MJ corrected her, then yeah, she got what was coming to her. But otherwise, Jesus Christ on a pogo stick, someone loses their source of livelihood because she makes an error on his name? (Which MJ could have calmly corrected her during the phone conversation.)

Who got to fire Michael Jackson if he got someone's name wrong?

This isn't a rant against Michael Jackson as much as it is against our society's adoration of rich people. I thought we abolished kings on July 4, 1776.

[liberal N proud]

233. That's no 3

McMahon
Faucet
Jackson

[bdamomma]

468. sad very sad, Johnny must be interviewing them all now.

[AwakeAtLast]

239. I saw him on television a few weeks ago

and thought to myself, "He doesn't look good. I hope he makes it to his next birthday."

I didn't know how intuitive I was.

I feel sorry for his children. I think their lives are going to be completely messed up more than they already are.

[ddiver]

242. I am listening to Thriller to honor the genius of the artist, and a 12 yr old scotch

to say good riddance to the sickness of the pedophile.

[greguganus]

252. That scotch is older than some of his victims.n/t

[kestrel91316]

247. Press conference has been scheduled for 5:15 PM local time at

UCLA Medical Center.

[FourScore]

251. Wow. Farrah and Michael all in one day.

They were both bigger-than-life to me back then.

This is sad.

My heart goes out to their loved ones.

:cry:

[Duval]

254. His music lives on. RIP, Michael.

[JerseygirlCT]

255. So hard to believe

I grew up with him. When my friends were sighing and fainting over Donny Osmond, I chose Michael Jackson instead. Those cartoons (along with the Beatles cartoon) were my Saturday mornings, the music a soundtrack to my life.

I actually prefer pre-Thriller MJ, myself. (Love Off the Wall). But whatever you can say, no one can deny his place in the pantheon of pop music creators. A strange, sad, weird genius, but a genius all the same.

So sad!

[badgerpup]

260. Hope he's found peace...

He was a very troubled, and I think a very lonely man, despite his undeniable brilliance and talent.

Saw the headline and it felt like somebody had smacked me in the back of the head...actual physical SHOCK.

[kestrel91316]

261. LAPD is at MJ's home investigating - presumably looking for any

substances or circumstances which might have been involved in his death. This is routine, AFAIK, when there is a death of this sort. Doesn't mean any sort of foul play.

[cali]

270. Michael Jackson suffers heart attack

Source: TMZ


LOS ANGELES - The website TMZ says Michael Jackson has suffered cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital on Thursday afternoon.

TMZ says Jackson was loaded into an ambulance just after 2 p.m. Central time., and his mother was to meet him at the hospital.

Paramedics were seen performing CPR on the singer, who suffered the heart attack at his home on Los Angeles


Read more: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/entertainment/celebrity_news/090625_michael_jackson_heart_attack

---

breaking on multiple media. Jackson suffered major heart attack and was taken by ambulance to L.A. hospital

[MNDemNY]

271. CPR?? If this is true 98% chance he's dead.

[derby378]

272. Oh, jeez...

That's so awful. Hope he pulls through.

[CreekDog]

273. Holy Cow!

:wow:

who knows what will be said about him now.

[MNDemNY]

280. You mean about him being an unrepentant pedophile?

[MissDeeds]

346. Thank you

One of my nieces was victimized by a pedophile and will bear the emotional scars the rest of her life. I am having a great deal of difficulty conjuring up any sympathy for this man. If, as TMZ is reporting, he has died, my sympathies are with his family. I mourn for the victims he has left in his wake.

[JuniperLea]

274. He's my age...

That's scary. I hope he's ok.

[Madam Mossfern]

314. I had a major MI at 46

had another one the next day in the CCU - lost 15% if my heart.
I do 45 minutes on the elliptical and exercise regularly with weights.
I'm in better shape than most people my age that I know.

He can pull through.

[Sheltiemama]

320. We've lost two employees, both 47, to heart attacks this year.

Just a month apart. It was a rough time.

[kestrel91316]

324. We don't know that this was a myocardial infarction. All we know is that

he suffered cardiac rrest and wasn't breathing when the paramedics arrived. Like I said, my money is on a drug or alcohol overdose.

[brendan120678]

275. Your post beat mine by a minute... (nt)

[JBoy]

276. Something wrong with your link.

[sabra]

277. updated link...

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/25/michael-jackson-rushed-to-the-hospital/

[AngryAmish]

278. craaaaaaaaaaaaazy

[Codeine]

279. ...

[Hekate]

296. During Jackson's trial in Santa Maria I saw that young man in a Santa Barbara coffee shop...

Macauley Culkin had been called on to testify against his former friend, and he had said that nothing inappropriate ever took place.

All I know is that Macauley looked so very alone sitting there, that as a mom and a survivor of sexual abuse myself I wanted to go up to him and say, "Whatever it was, it wasn't your fault." But as a Santa Barbaran, I left him some privacy.

Hekate

[MNDemNY]

310. He says nothing happened.

[Hekate]

347. ... though they shared a bed ... Well, peace to them both. nt

[musette_sf]

281. update

UPDATE: A Jackson family member tells TMZ Michael is in "really bad shape" and the brothers are headed to UCLA.

[CatWoman]

283. death happens in 3's

so I've heard.

[musette_sf]

286. i was thinking that this morning after hearing about Farrah

but MJ was not exactly at the top of my Dead Pool list.

rumor going around it was an OD???

[pkdu]

288. If we have to have three today I vote for Limbaugh the 'turd n/t

[Fire1]

297. I said the same thing to my husband after I told him about

Farrah.

[mikelgb]

298. Oddly enough they are all linked through Weird Al Yankovic

Ed McMahon was the subject of the Weird Al song "Here's Johnny"
Farrah Fawcett was a lyiric in the Weird Al parody "Ebay"
and many are familiar with Al's parodies of Jackson's work in "Eat It" and "Fat"

[merh]

311. Now that is a weird association - coincidence

[Wednesdays]

572. They all probably knew Kevin Bacon, too. nt

[Zhade]

315. Superstitious nonsense.

NT!

[Tx4obama]

558. Yep....

My grandmother told me that when I was a little girl .. and I am an old girl now --- and it is true.
They always come in threes.

[MNDemNY]

287. Ding-Dong...........

[aquart]

282. TMZ and FOX still the sole source?

Should that be considered odd?

[kestrel91316]

305. They just said 1.5 sentences about it on KPCC, our local NPR affiliate.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

284. If they weren't able to revive him onscene --

his chances are not good at all.

[Arugula Latte]

285. Wow ...

He's, what, 50?

[Hekate]

289. What will happen to those poor little kids of his when Freaky Daddy is gone?

I do feel sorry for them.

As for the rest -- I live in Santa Barbara County and I for one believe former DA Tom Sneddon: the guy should have done time.

Hekate

[MrSlayer]

293. They will inherit his money and grow up semi-normal.

They're still young enough to be taught.

[ronnykmarshall]

584. Depends on who gets custody of them.

Rebe Jackson seems to have the most stable life of all the Jackson kids.

[musette_sf]

290. update

UPDATE: We just got off the phone with Joe Jackson, Michael's dad, who says "he is not doing well."

[kestrel91316]

291. Nothing on KPCC (local NPR) yet. I thought he lived in the ME still.

His old place on Hayvenhurst is just down the street apiece......

[Mari333]

292. msnbc has it

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31552029/ns/entertainment-music/

[BumRushDaShow]

294. Arrgggg...

What is going on in the world? :scared:

[MNDemNY]

302. Time.

[aikoaiko]

295. Michael Jackson died a long time ago.

:cry:

[Hekate]

300. That is definitely the truth, aiko. Something went terribly wrong with that cute little boy. nt

[bdamomma]

471. his father could have been a factor.

[Posteritatis]

318. Wish I could disagree (nt)

[tammywammy]

325. That man made some good music back in the day

And was a great dancer. It's sad how his life ended up.

[konnichi wa]

336. And that is so true. They say Hitler was a talented painter.

:shrug:

[tammywammy]

337. Actually Hitler wasn't very talented

He couldn't do faces or hands, that's why he didn't get into art school.

[konnichi wa]

338. He should have saved a few of those matchbook covers.

...

[tammywammy]

339. Did you want to post on the topic or go off on a tangent?

Wait, tangent obviously, that's why you replied about Hitler.

[konnichi wa]

343. What do you want?...I fucking agreed with you. Some people can't take yes

for an answer.
jeezusfuckingchrist :eyes:

[RoccoR5955]

486. You know they are scraping the bottom of the barrell when they resurrect Hitler!

Some people are just so filled with hate.
Get a grip, and give it up already!

[Wednesdays]

573. Godwin's Law = Assert that your opponent's argument equals supporting Hitler

Murphy's Law = "If anything bad can happen, it will."
Cole's Law = Finely chopped cabbage.

[Sheltiemama]

348. We have the TVs on in the newsroom.

And the networks are playing snippets of his music. Well, God have mercy on his soul. So much talent, just wasted.

[tammywammy]

492. I agree

If he did what he was accused of, I personally believe that he's paying for it now. I wasn't there I don't know. I think that that man wasn't allowed a childhood or even a decent adulthood. I think multiple people failed him. He need therapy from what he endured as a child and never got it, he was permanently stuck in a childhood state. Though from what I heard on the tv, very protective of his children and keeping them away from hearing about him, that that's what he put the kids in masks and himself b/c they would get strange looks/mutterings about being his children.

If he did what they said he did, I believe he's paying for it now. Regardless, his music lives on, and he is the King of Pop.

[bluestateguy]

299. Is TMZ Perez Hilton's playground?

nt

[kayla9170]

307. Please Let MJ Be Alright

This is scary. CPR does not sound good. Regardless of how people might feel about MJ, he is one of the BEST Entertainers in the World (Second to Prince IMHO). I really do not want MJ to pass and hope that people will pray for him and his family at this time. CNN just reported he was NOT BREATHING at the time of being taken to the hospital. Does not sound good. Poor Michael and the Jackson family.......

[konnichi wa]

312. boo fucking hoo

:shrug:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

322. Yeah, I'll pray for him -

just as I pray for all the less-affluent child molesters who couldn't buy their way out of what they did.

At least those kids have a shot a normal life now.

Boy, I'll bet Ryan O'Neal is gonna go ballistic when he hears this - drives him off the front pages.

Life is funny, but sometimes death is a whole lot more amusing....................

[Baclava]

461. Celebs dropping like flies. Kung fu, Ed, Farrah and now Thrilla.

The wheel keeps turning.

Mortality bites us all.

[LanternWaste]

335. We all advertise out own class and dignity

We all advertise out own personal class and dignity in many varied ways... as you yourself have done in your post.

[konnichi wa]

340. Are you suggesting I should have hoped for him to recover???

BWAHAHAHAHA

fat fucking chance

[LanternWaste]

341. I make no suggestions...

I make no suggestions... merely an observation-- which now seems to be even further validated.

[Name removed]

342. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LanternWaste]

344. I simply keep my eyes open to the obvious

"you're a fucking psychic."

No-- I simply keep my eyes open to the obvious. :P

It's not that difficult...

[Zhade]

319. Pray for him? I thought you wanted him to get better!

Double-blind studies have proven that not only does prayer NOT work, in the cases where people knew they were being prayed for, they got slightly worse.

[Rhiannon12866]

531. Interesting. I did not know that. Thanks for the info...

Years ago, my grandmother was in the hospital. She fell down the stairs in the night, broke a lot of bones and had a head injury. My Dad and I went to see her at least once a day. I remember her hearing from these friends of hers, Christian Scientists, who said that they were "praying her well," or something like that. That seemed awfully looney to me since she was already in the hospital and seeing specialists to make her well... :crazy:

BTW, she did completely recover, except for losing the ability to taste most things, but it did take quite awhile... :-(

[sabra]

301. KTLA: Jackson wasn't breathing when paramedics arrived

http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-michael-jackson,0,4138163.story

Michael Jackson Rushed to Hospital in Cardiac Arrest

KTLA News

2:18 PM PDT, June 25, 2009


LOS ANGELES -- Pop star Michael Jackson has been taken to UCLA Medical Center by ambulance suffering from cardiac arrest, fire officials confirm.

Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Steve Ruda said paramedics responded to a 911 call at Jackson's home around 12:26 p.m. He was not breathing when they arrived. The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda says.

It's unclear what he was being treated for or what his current condition may be.

[konnichi wa]

304. We can probably safely assume he is being treated for non-breathing...

:shrug:

[kestrel91316]

317. If he was in the house on Hayvenhurst, and if the paramedics came from

the closest fire station (which is on Balboa just north of Ventura), they probably STILL couldn't have got to him and got him breathing again within that golden 6 minute period before the brain is gonzo.

[Mrs. Overall]

303. Wikipedia says he has died.

But Wikipedia usually jumps the gun, so to speak.

[konnichi wa]

308. The reports of Wikipedia's accuracy

are grossly exaggerated.

[Mrs. Overall]

313. Yep. They have reported the death of many who are still with us-- like Ted Kennedy.

[tomm2thumbs]

306. *** VIDEO LINK REPORT ***

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thIa7ZkFHk4

Didn't want to post in 'political videos' but free free to post there if appropriate

[spiritual_gunfighter]

309. He made Thriller

THRILLER!!!

[MNDemNY]

316. He raped children.

CHILDREN!!!

[MrMickeysMom]

446. Please...

We will never know if that was true. There is a difference, and I guess he's not here to defend it, is he?

Christ.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

578. He was acquited of all charges

but I guess for some people the court of public opinion trumps the law.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

513. He was convicted?

Wow that is news to me, there is a little something in this country called innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Too bad you don't support that, being it is the American way and all.

[redqueen]

321. I know he did horrible things.

Or maybe it was only allegedly... I wasn't there.

But he was a human being... and his crimes were likely influenced by his own tortured childhood. He never had a chance at a normal life.

I can't find it in my heart to focus on the bad things he did right now. He was a tragic figure. RIP

[JuniperLea]

323. Oh no! Did he die?

I felt the same way about the returned growth on McCain's face... in one of Jackeen's photo threads.

[redqueen]

328. That's being reported, but I don't know how reliable it is.

[merh]

331. he is/was a tragic figure

[tomm2thumbs]

326. parents of kids who let them 'hang out' with him are to blame as much as he is

although I have heard a few of them were as dumb as a box of hair, so there you go.

[hugo_from_TN]

526. ridiculous

[Swagman]

532. odd that those same kids turned up in court to testify on behalf of Jackson

smear works everytime

[davepc]

327. TMZ is reporting he is dead.

[Mrs. Overall]

332. Their source is probably Wikipedia, which had him dead ten minutes after his heart attack was

reported.

[davepc]

333. TMZ is "reputable" as far as celebrity gossip goes.

[nc4bo]

329. Jeez CNN and Wolfie sound like they're doing a eulogy. nt

[Mari333]

330. TMZ says he died

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/25/michael-jackson-dies-chat/

[Gen. Jack D. Ripper]

334. Kind of off topic, but...

Can I just say how amazing it is how fast things happen in the days of the internet. Moments after the guy is rushed to the hospital, his wikipedia page is updated with information, a FOX news report on the incident is already available on youtube...lol, it's quite a world we live in.

[kitty1]

345. It seems that really famous icons like Elvis, MJ die young....

Princess Diana as well. I never could picture MJ living to old age. It seemed to me that this was how he would leave with his legacy. Young and fast.

[brendan120678]

349. Michael Jackson Suffers Cardiac Arrest

Source: FOX40 News

LOS ANGELES - Pop star Michael Jackson was taken by ambulance to a Los Angeles-area hospital this afternoon, according to celebrity gossip website TMZ.com.

Sources say a 9-1-1 call was received from Jackson's Holby Hills, California home shortly after 12:20pm Thursday afternoon. Paramedics performed CPR on the singer during his transport to a Los Angeles hospital.

Read more: http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-news-michaeljackson0625,0,4962701.story

---

Just breaking now, from what I can tell...

[MNDemNY]

350. If they were doing CPR 98% chance he's dead.

[brendan120678]

351. What's the "success" rate when CPR is performed?

I've heard somewhere that it's somewhere from like 15 - 20%.

[MNDemNY]

353. Very low, except with drowning victims.

In 7 years as EMT I've never saw a "successful" CPR

[kestrel91316]

364. My 88-yr-old grandfather was "successfully" resuscitated after

45 minutes of paramedics trying. Unfortunately his kidneys and brain and diaphragm didn't get the message. He was on life support for a couple of days until my sister could get to my grandmother's side and have him turned off.......

[mopinko]

402. my FIL, also.

same story. took some doing to get them to pull the plug. it was really disturbing.

[kestrel91316]

407. We were lucky. My grandmother took it well and was realistic about things.

My sister and I both thought ending life support was the only rational course of action, and the hospital and his doctors were in total agreement. He had a good, long life, and never knew what hit him.

[mopinko]

408. my FIl went out in a way that would have made him happy

dropped over at work at the age of 74. still working his usual couple of jobs as a cook. the hospital was definitely milking it, insisting that we had to wait several days to see if he would improve. his eeg was not quite flat, so they kept him going. it was sad.

[The Doctor.]

393. Sadly, that's because CPR is often not performed as soon after the incident as it should be.

Most people are found too late, or those who find them are either untrained and in a panic.

This is not a good sign.

[EFerrari]

398. I bet most people don't know that. More reason for those of us

who go into action instead of panic to get some training. :(

[The Doctor.]

403. Make your whole family learn. As you know, the techniques adust every few years.

So long as they know the principles, it's easy to keep them apprised.

I really think all schools should teach and certify their students every year.

[Botany]

355. my friend is an E.R. doc .... he says most of the time when they do CPR ...

.... they are just buying a little time. Because if there is organic disease or traumatic injury to the heart and circulatory tissue
than it is just a matter of time. Except if somebody is younger and gets like an electric shock or something and then they re-start
the heart then the person has a better chance.

[grantcart]

378. MSNBC just reported that he wasn't breathing when the EMT arrived.

[ejpoeta]

352. i didn't know he was even in the US. hmmm....

[Beetwasher]

354. Wow, Holy Crap

[thereismore]

356. My guess: prescription medication. nt

[musette_sf]

357. that's one of the rumors

[Chulanowa]

358. Wouldn't be surprised if it were self-inflicted

To my point of view, the guy's been through absolute hell from his childhood on. Almost couldn't blame him if that were the case.

[Name removed]

359. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[timeforpeace]

360. POTD

[MNDemNY]

361. Sorry, I don't speak "twit".??

[Indydem]

365. Post of the day.

[MNDemNY]

366. Thanks. I'm really old.

[Lebam in LA]

384. Me Too

Had no clue what it meant

[The Doctor.]

395. Dude... you must be almost, like... 30... or something!

[MNDemNY]

397. damn near 50.

[OKNancy]

367. LOL - Post of the Day

[timeforpeace]

438. it was a compliment, since rescinded

[vadawg]

362. bravo calling it as it is. :claps:

[AntiFascist]

374. Meanwhile, many Catholic pedophiles get off Scott free...

so to speak.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

376. Knock, knock........ Excuse me..........

Would you think me exceptionally forward, perhaps even pushy, if I were to tell you that I think I love you?

[Locut0s]

363. If he dies there are sure to be lots of child molestation/good riddance jokes but...

he was a HELL of a dancer/singer in his time. And I for one don't wish death on anyone.

[YOY]

369. Sad what he became...if he goes we'll try to remember the good over the bad.

n.t.

[Posteritatis]

370. Agreed

I feel sorry for him more than anything else at this point, given the path he's gone down; I started watching/listening to his older stuff recently in a fit of nostalgia-mining (and also with some years' musical practice since I last listened to him much) and found I enjoyed his older stuff a lot more now.

[Mari333]

368. breaking: not breathing when paramedics arrived

http://twitter.com/BreakingNews

[Lithos]

371. Update - don't know the source

He was found dead, apparently due to a suicide attempt with sleeping pills

http://michael.jackson.swellserver.com/news/top_stories/musician-overdose.php


On edit - Note: above link is fictitious...

[AngryOldDem]

373. I think it may be bogus.

Click on the "World News" icon on the upper right.

[AngryOldDem]

372. Dad's extremely worried.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31552029/ns/entertainment-music/

<<E! News reports online that Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, said, "I am in Las Vegas but, yes, people in Los Angeles called me and are with Michael and tell me he was taken to the hospital. His mother is on her way to the hospital now to check in on him. I am not sure what's wrong. I am waiting to hear back from them."<<

Wow. What concern.

[kayla9170]

375. ****PRAY FOR MICHAEL JACKSON******

This is scary. CPR does not sound good. Regardless of how people might feel about MJ, he is one of the BEST Entertainers in the World (Second to Prince IMHO). I really do not want MJ to pass and hope that people will pray for him and his family at this time. CNN just reported he was NOT BREATHING at the time of being taken to the hospital. Does not sound good. Poor Michael and the Jackson family.......

[Zhade]

377. Studies have proven that prayer does nothing at all.

NT!

[AngryOldDem]

379. Thank you. n/t

[girl gone mad]

383. That's not true.

Studies have shown that people who are prayed for actually fare worse, at least when they know they are being prayed for.

http://web.med.harvard.edu/sites/RELEASES/html/3_31STEP.html

[Zhade]

391. Actually, you're right. I just neglected to point that out.

Did in the other thread, though.

[LanternWaste]

405. self-delete

[lanlady]

380. Praying is useless

It will not bring him back from the brink of death.

[tinrobot]

382. He's more entertaining offstage than he is on...

The man almost singlehandedly supported the tabloid industry for years.

But I still hope he pulls through...

[Codeine]

406. There are none more useless

and ignorant, than they that seek answers on their knees, with their eyes closed. - anon

[konnichi wa]

418. He is, fortunately, very dead.

...

[Ticonderoga]

466. We get it you don't like MJ...now stop being a dick about it

[Kajsa]

520. +1

n/t

[Flaneur]

535. Congrats. You've won asshole of the thread yet again.

[ObamaKerryDem]

603. And you, unfortunately, are an asshole for that comment. Grave dancing's a really ugly practice n/t

[CoffeeCat]

409. joe Jackson was a brutal abuser...

There is plenty of information from family members and witnesses about what a tyrant
and an abuser Joe Jackson was to those kids. One of the Jackson girls alleged that her father
sexually abused her, but she quickly recanted after the rest of the family (those totally in
denial, playing the role of the "good children" who meanwhile were destroying themselves from the
pain) rallied around Joe.

It doesn't take a private detective to figure out what was going on in that family.

So very tragic and sad.

[noiretextatique]

410. not much he could do in las vegas

an hour flight and a 4 hour drive to la.

[defendandprotect]

432. One less witness against him ...

[dgibby]

381. MSNBC now reporting.

Quoting LA Times that his family stated he had a heart attack.

[FreeState]

385. TMZ now reporting he is dead - RIP Michael n/t

[kayla9170]

389. Michael Jackson has died

TMZ is reporting that Michael Jackson has passed. OMG!!!!!

http://www.tmz.com/

[AngryOldDem]

386. Jim Moret on CNN;

"Family reports he's not faring well."

[vadawg]

390. hes shuufled of his mortal coil and good riddence.

[Locut0s]

387. He died

[AlinPA]

388. That should drive CNN bat-shit crazy for 4 days.

[Locut0s]

396. 4 days if we are lucky. Try 4 weeks if the news is slow.

[pleah]

392. If he dies, you won't hear a peep about healthcare reform for days.

sigh

[robcon]

394. A pervert has kicked the bucket.

The world's a better place.

[Locut0s]

399. I have no doubt he was a pervet but I wish death on VERY few people....

Those who commit genocide, those who oppress millions, few others. I am not a religious person, in fact I'm am an atheist but life is precious and fleeting. Those who loved Jackson personally, family and friends, would disagree with you as ardently as your own mother and father would disagree with me if I were happy you died (regardless of what you have or have not done in life).

[stray cat]

401. Its funny that innocent until proven guilty is a progressive value unless we don't like someone

[superconnected]

431. Is OJ also innocent?

[bermudat]

400. Governor Sanford of SC must be praising God on his knees because this

will bump him off the front pages of the news.

[Odin2005]

404. Just saw on the news that he had a heart attack and died, Holly Shit!

:wow:

[ailsagirl]

576. An apt quotation, IMO

“Our town worships success, the bitch goddess whose smile
hides a taste for blood.”

– Hedda Hopper (1890-1966)

[AzDar]

411. I remember reading not too long ago that he was being treated for skin cancer...

If true, I wonder if that played a part in his untimely demise?:-(

[dana_b]

600. Lupus.. his friend confirmed that he had it

an autoimmune disease that affects all multi connective tissues and organs. he should not have been pushing himself to work so hard.

[Hatalles]

421. It's been confirmed. AP reports, also on front page of Yahoo.

nt

[kestrel91316]

422. KCAL9 is reporting that LAPD Robbery/Homicide division is at the home

investigating the circumstances of the death. This makes me think drugs/suicide. No formal statements on this yet.

UPDATE: LAPD detective states that the investigation is normal procedure in a high profile case like this. Coroner's office will be determining cause of death.

[april]

424. This is very sad..He was a legend ! This is a part of our lives that has died

[april]

426. TMZ was the first to report this ..

[Az_lefty]

428. Here's hoping you find peace, Michael.

:cry:

[SeeHopeWin]

429. May you RIP MJ. Thank you for the GREAT memories and fun....nt.

[Nikia]

430. Condolences to his family and fans

He was very talented and influential, but obviously had several personal problems. His life and death are a tragedy.

[superconnected]

442. That was great!

"His life and death are a tragedy" :rofl:

Farewell to the king of pop!

[Bluenorthwest]

436. Michael was a genius

and an amazing performer. One of the best I ever saw, or ever will see.

[kayla9170]

440. RIP....Michael....You Gave All You Can to this Earth!!!!

Michael.....you were a icon to me. It is so sad to hear people talk about you, forgetting the many things that you done for others, that was never reported in the MSM. It is amazing that all the people here on this site dog you in your moment of death, when you, like many of us here voted for our First African-American President Barack Obama.

I remember the Thiller video when it first aired on MTV when I was 14 and thought that this was the most amazing thing I ever seen, to that point, on TV. Off The Wall was my FAVORITE album of yours. I watched the Motown 25 special and loved how you did the Moonwalk on stage and made the whole world look at you and say, "I wish I could do that like you, Michael".

It is so so sad that for your talent to be overshadowed by the last ten years of your life events. You were 50 and was entertaining since you were 3 years old. You were abused by your Father but no one cares....but your fans. I am a fan, I understood your talent and I am so sad today...on your passing. There will never be another M.J. You were unique, a real superstar and the Original King of Pop!!

Rest in Peace...Michael...Rest in Peace!!!

[bdamomma]

443. He was a great artist, and dancer,

I remember when he was Ed Suillvan the Jackson Five, RIP Michael you left your mark and your music on many of us.

My 13 year old daughters just put on some his memorable music and this 54 year old paid tribute and danced in our living room!!!

[norepubsin08]

444. Jackson sucked up to the Reagan's and Bushes too much

fuck him!!!

[kayla9170]

452. I Voted for GHWB Too...

It was my first vote at 18 and to this day, I am PROUD of my vote my Daddy Bush. And M.J. accepted a visit to the White House under Reagan. SO WHAT. If anything, I hope no one in your family die of sudden causes. Maybe then, you will have a different perspective. Then, again....with the words that you just said about M. J......probably not. You would say screw them too.

Maybe you should fine God and get a life.

RIP Michael Jackson....Love, your lifelong fan

[Name removed]

464. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

456. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[norepubsin08]

463. Excuse Me?

This site is for leftists...didn't you see the film of him with Diaper wearing Ronnie and that fucking prune Nancy?

[Name removed]

472. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Sultana]

445. SADDENED!

RIP, Michael

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[nradisic]

447. Holy shit!

Unbelievable...the great ones always go in threes: Ed, Farrah, Michael....Wow.

[Steely_Dan]

448. Let's Just Take A Deep Breath Here...

****If you think Michael Jackson was the greatest thing since sliced bread, please do not read**********

Michael Jackson was indeed a very talented man. His impact on pop culture is undeniable. The attention to his life and accomplishments will go on for days now that he is gone. And I suppose that this is only natural. However, it is easy to forget a man's shortcomings at a time like this.

I am not a mean person and I typically would not speak ill of the dead. However, the media obsession that is now going on is so over the top for what this man really represented that I feel compelled to express my astonishment. This is very disturbing...to say the least.

As talented as Mr. Jackson was, he was a human being with flaws. And some of those flaws ruined the lives of others.

Here is a man that had a painting (on velvet no less) commissioned that shows himself along side Martin Luther King, Ali, and Jesus. This is how he saw himself.
Here is a man that named himself "The King of Pop." I believe that Little Richard did a similar thing. Remember...he named HIMSELF "The King of Pop".
Here is a man who sent teams of people around the world looking for countries to award him lifetime achievement awards.
Here is a man who by almost every account, molested children. Yes, I know he was found "not guilty." And of course, O.J. was as well.

This was a man who redefined egomania. He was surrounded by enablers who let him get away with ANYTHING he wanted.

Michael Jackson lived a psychological experiment made possible by nothing more than the concept of fame. It is not possible to be a "normal" human being when given his life circumstances. Yet, this is not enough (at least for me) to excuse his abuse of others (including his own family) or to celebrate his life, which was hollow and absent of anything "real" or genuine.

Having said all of this, I enjoyed the music that others wrote for him.

-P

[Serial Mom]

457. And ~75% of people giving him tributes now, laughed at him

going into court in pajama bottoms.

Sometimes the media blows with the wind - it's OK to make fun of his weirdness when he was alive, then when he dies, make tributes as if a great humanitarian (ala Mother Teresa) left this earth.

Media can be as hypocritical as the politician and celebrities they cover!

Odd world we live in...

[kayla9170]

467. Stupid is as STUPID REPEATS off of MSM...without checking the FACTS

"Here is a man that had a painting (on velvet no less) commissioned that shows himself along side Martin Luther King, Ali, and Jesus. This is how he saw himself.
Here is a man that named himself "The King of Pop." I believe that Little Richard did a similar thing. Remember...he named HIMSELF "The King of Pop".
Here is a man who sent teams of people around the world looking for countries to award him lifetime achievement awards.
Here is a man who by almost every account, molested children. Yes, I know he was found "not guilty." And of course, O.J. was as well."

I see you took this off of some gossip reporter on MSNBC that think that you are reporting something special. You are not!!!!

He was the King of Pop.....Thiller is STILL TO THIS DAY the best selling ALBUM OF ALL TIME. That is the King of Pop in ANY sense of the word.

I never heard M.J. ONCE refer to himself as anything other to the King of Pop.....he was not a Civil Right Figure (MLK), he was not a fighter (ALI) and he was a Jehovah Witness most of his life so he would NEVER refer himself as "Jesus".....try again!!!

He EARNED every Lifetime Achievement Award that was given to him.....He was a talent in the 1960's, 1970's, 1980's and 1990's.....that is over 40 years....if that is not a LIFETIME, I do not know what one is.

He was "FOUND NOT GUILTY" on any Child Molestation charges. If you are not guilty, you are not guilty by every legal booklet I know, so let's leave this alone already.

If you cannot respect this man and awesome TALENTED HUMAN BEING at the time of his death, you are shallow, weak and stupid.

RIP Michael Jackson....WE LOVE YOU.....Your lifelong fan!!!!

[babythunder]

475. So Steely Dan

how long were you and him contact? Seeing that you guys were so close and knew each other very well.

[TheCML]

529. hmmmm...........

"Having said all of this, I enjoyed the music that others wrote for him."


He actually wrote a good chunk of his own music, but that was a good try. Wikipedia is a hell of a tool.

[SecularMotion]

450. The Gloved One

RIP - Michael

;(

[MrMickeysMom]

451. Well I suppose there will be lots of Michael Jackson "jokes", but I feel his best...

... did touch a lot of people (please, not to be confused with the alleged "touched") I always wanted you to make the come back, but your body got used up, I guess. Too bad.

I'll always remember his best album EVER in my view... Thriller.

Hey, MJ... Cross over and tell Sylvia Brown and John Edward all about it, please.

[LatteLibertine]

459. I let out an audible groan

when I heard this too because I recognized the level of non stop 9/11 style coverage it would receive on the "news" channels.

[ConcernedCanuk]

465. I am saddened, and now listening to every song I have on my 'puter from him

.
.
.

50 is too young to die

"Man in the Mirror" is what I am listening to at this moment

"Thriller" just before this

One heck of an entertainer - akin to Elvis methinks

Sad we have to lose people like this

really sad

[nolabear]

469. Michael Jackson-Gone too soon.

What a tragic and fascinating life and story. This he did for Ryan White, and maybe in a way it applies to him as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59kFCmOyZOo

[tj2001]

470. R.I.P. to an American icon and music legend

[thelordofhell]

476. Beat by his Father, raped by Diana Ross, molested children

And in between made some of the most memorable music ever. R.I.P. Michael, you have finally gotten the press off your back.

[Gamey]

477. First and middle names the same. Son's too.

Not because of him but my grandmother's maiden name. I am sometimes embarassed about it, perhaps the wife too, but we are in the end proud of it. My Dad too.

[Caoimhe]

478. RIP Michael

Very sad indeed. I know people like to joke about Michael Jackson but there is nobody who can say with a straight face that he wasn't talented and extremely gifted from a very young age. I view the eccentricities of his later life to have been the result of a childhood like nobody else can imagine. A child superstar in the dawn of television and paparazzi overload. He will be remembered for his good works, and hopefully not all the other crap that came with fame and perhaps even mental illness. To me he was a 50 year old child. To those who come here to mock him, perhaps you should take a mirror to your own soul and find out what it is that inspires you to degrade others. Does it make you feel better about yourself? If so, you are the failure, not those you mock.

[butterfly77]

480. RIP Michael

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[WestSeattle2]

481. Speaking to the professional side of the ledger,

the man was truly gifted and talented. His career spanned a lifetime and crossed generational lines. Not many entertainers attain that remarkable achievement. Not only did he have a great voice, he was a gifted entertainer who possessed a remarkable stage presence. As to the personal side of the ledger, I think the Jackson kids are all examples of what a devastating impact abusive parents can have on children. I doubt there is one of them who has not suffered years of misery, due in large part to the father. It's a tragic story.

[Interloper]

482. A Frail Young Man

God, our healthcare system SUCKS!!!
When even the most wealthy and connected fall over dead unexpectedly...

(...after Carrradine died from auto erotic asphixiation I had to wonder who was next )

[kitty1]

483. It's ironic, MJ was so obsessed about his health, o2 chamber ...

masks, among other things used to keep germs away. And here he dies anyway at the young age of 50. He obviously was in no physical or emotional state to go on a world tour.
Until recently he was getting around in a wheelchair, and was battling skin cancer

[Ex Lurker]

487. who didn't see this coming?

and who didn't see the media circus coming?

[shellgame26]

488. Geez

It didn't take long for the schoolyard bullies to get here.

RIP Michael. LONG LIVE THE KING OF POP!

[JonLP24]

491. It amazes me what people are willing to believe. MJ was obviously innocent if you followed the trial

The mother of the Arvizo kid was caught before suing JCPenny and coaching her kid to support her story. As well as she was unresponsive even to Prosecutors questions, was defensive, and used unusual catch phrases. George Lopez testified that the father was someone who would often ask celebrities and then ask for me and the mother was completely uncredible as she admitted to previously committing welfare fraud and lying under oath. There was also a number of witnesses that said at the time she made no such accusations.

Very ridiculous anyone would believe her over MJ. The doctor said he doesn't fit the profile of a pedophile and that he had the mind of a "regressed ten year old."

Oh but he's guilty because this unreliable woman who previously coached her kids to support her story when she accused the JCPenney staff of sexually abusing her when she was caught shoplifting says he is. Unbelievable.

[tammywammy]

498. I watched it closely

And I don't know. What I do think is that if he did it, then he's paying for it now. If not, then not.

And I loved his music.

[Colobo]

521. The second trial was BS. The 1993 accusations, I don't know.

[JonLP24]

530. The only thing I know about that from a criminal law standpoint was lack of evidence

For the DA to pursue charges. Other then that I don't know but either way there is not enough evidence for me to label him a pedophile.

[sce56]

493. Got to take care of your ticker!

My Cardio Stress Test ultra sound

[momto3]

494. RIP.

:cry:

[seafan]

496. Rest in peace, Michael.

"Ben", sung by Michael Jackson, age 14.

This song, one of his favorites, was his first #1 hit as a solo artist. Lyrics here.




Andrew Sullivan writes:

There are two things to say about him. He was a musical genius; and he was an abused child. By abuse, I do not mean sexual abuse; I mean he was used brutally and callously for money, and clearly imprisoned by a tyrannical father. He had no real childhood and spent much of his later life struggling to get one. He was spiritually and psychologically raped at a very early age - and never recovered. Watching him change his race, his age, and almost his gender, you saw a tortured soul seeking what the rest of us take for granted: a normal life.

But he had no compass to find one; no real friends to support and advise him; and money and fame imprisoned him in the delusions of narcissism and self-indulgence. Of course, he bears responsibility for his bizarre life. But the damage done to him by his own family and then by all those motivated more by money and power than by faith and love was irreparable in the end. He died a while ago. He remained for so long a walking human shell.

I loved his music. His young voice was almost a miracle, his poise in retrospect eery, his joy, tempered by pain, often unbearably uplifting. He made the greatest music video of all time; and he made some of the greatest records of all time. He was everything our culture worships; and yet he was obviously desperately unhappy, tortured, afraid and alone.

I grieve for him; but I also grieve for the culture that created and destroyed him. That culture is ours' and it is a lethal and brutal one: with fame and celebrity as its core values, with money as its sole motive, it chewed this child up and spat him out.

I hope he has the peace now he never had in his life. And I pray that such genius will not be so abused again.

Rest in peace, Michael. You will be missed.

[TankLV]

500. Very sad - such a waste of a fabulous life and resources...he squandered a LOT...

but he did give a lot of enjoyment to MILLIONS...

very very sad and tragic end to his life these past ten years or more...

[Rhiannon12866]

504. K&R. OMG! I am truly shocked... How tragic. ;(

I had MSNBC on until 6pm, when I had to leave, and they still were saying they had no information other than he'd been given CPR and was hospitalized. When I got where I was going, one of the guys there told me that he had died, but I didn't believe him.:-(

How very sad. He was such an adorable kid and so very talented. He grew up to lead such a tortured life. So sorry for his family and for his fans all over the world. Godspeed, Michael. ;(

[The Sushi Bandit]

505. R.I.P. My Captian EO

[wisteria]

507. Sad ending for a brilliant entertainer who lived a tragic life.

May he find joy and peace in death that seemed to allude him in life.

[AtomicKitten]

509. MTV is playing his videos.

I couldn't help but to be bitter toward the MSM who are now cashing in on his death just like they did during his trial, but a once brilliant artist has passed. Whether people liked his music or not back in the day doesn't really matter. He impacted our culture.

MTV. A great place to be tonight.

[Kajsa]

511. RIP, Michael.

You were an incredibly talented man.

My condolences to his family.

[ellie]

515. RIP Michael

I'm sure this video has been posted of Filipino prisoners dancing to Thriller. I haven't read all the replies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMnk7lh9M3o

[kitty1]

518. There is speculation that an od of demerol......

injection may have caused his death.

[Interloper]

528. yep, it was the demerol

Pain killers are deadly

[mulsh]

522. RIP Michael

I hope the next world is better place for you than this one was.

[AlphaCentauri]

523. At first I though this was a stun before releasing a new album n/t

[farmboxer]

539. I've been depressed all day.

He was a good person.

[Tx4obama]

540. Front Page of the Corriere.it (Italian newspaper)

Here's a link to the front page of Corriere.it in Italy
Click on the link below
http://www.corriere.it/
to see the headline and front page photo (before they change it up) that says:
Michael Jackson è morto Era il Re del pop --- translation: Michael Jackson is dead, He was the King of Pop

[Tx4obama]

541. Front Page of LeMonde.fr (France)

Front Page of LeMonde.fr (France)

http://www.lemonde.fr/

.

[Zavulon]

554. Fromt page of Bild.de (Germany)

http://www.bild.de/

[Tx4obama]

563. ALL front pages - 68 countries

Today's Front Pages > Friday, June 26, 2009: 697 front pages from 68 countries.
http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/default.asp?p_size=697

[Zavulon]

565. That's great, thanks for posting it.

:hi:

[troubledamerican]

542. Candlelight vigil for Iran? No way. Michael's more important.

I can't wait until Americans get their very own Tianenmen Square moment.

[magellan]

543. Very sad tonight. I grew up with Jackson 5/Jacko music

Each generation has its icon(s). MJ was one of mine.

Deepest sympathies to his family & friends.

RIP Michael.

[johan helge]

544. RIP, Michael

Most people, I suppose, like his early work best. My biggest favorites are from his last albums. Here's my top MJ favourite, "Cry", written by R. Kelly. The best part is after 3 min 30 sec:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqF2BFTU9Y4

[ObamaKerryDem]

604. I concur. His 1995 "HIStory" album is my favorite. n/t

[anneboleyn]

547. I make no metaphysical claims, but I hope he finds peace and pure love.

[DFW]

548. Immense talent and immense wealth, and still immense unhappiness

It's a story often told, but no less sad for all that.

[Phillycat]

556. I hope now the children he abused will be able to find some peace.

Let him rot. No tears for a pedophile.

[EFerrari]

557. He can't defend himself now. Well done.

[Phillycat]

559. His victims couldn't defend themselves, either.

Because they were children.

[EFerrari]

561. Aww. So, you get to act out on behalf of "the children"?

What utter self indulgent cr@p.

[Phillycat]

562. Riiight.

All these people throwing themselves about, weeping and rending their clothes for Michael Jackson, would they have left their kids alone with him?

I don't give a fuck about "the children". I give a fuck about specific children that Michael Jackson molested, who are going to be fucked up for life because of it. And you should too.

[Prophet 451]

560. Never a big fan

I'm not disputing his talent, I just wasn't a fan of his style of music but for those of us who grew up during the eighties, he was pretty much an institution. I feel sorry for his kids, it's never easy to lose a parent.

May he find the peace in death that obviously eluded him in life.

[Tx4obama]

564. Today's Front Pages - 68 countries

Today's Front Pages > Friday, June 26, 2009: 697 front pages from 68 countries.
http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/default.asp?p_size=697

[Algorem]

566. too much jesus juice

[SkyDaddy7]

567. I know people will get mad but...

Why don't the Iranian People get this much attention? Kinda makes me ashamed to be an American when everything stops for a child molesting pop star while Iranian people are being slaughtered. Oh well, life in a spoiled rotten country!

[DainBramaged]

569. No, nothing to get mad at. 160 Iraqis died in suicide bombings this week

did America blink? They did for a sidekick, a sex symbol and a pop star.

[nc4bo]

570. Here it is the day after and I still can't believe it's really true...

Hubby and I talked - we both said we could never be surprised if we heard he had died still I wonder why we're both in a complete state of shock that it has actually happened?

His death still hurts.

Oh man - my daughter is totally devastated. She loved MJ even as a little kid, had all his albums, photos and even one of those MJ Thriller portraits.

:cry:

[marshall]

581. I wonder if President Obama will attend the funeral?

Or will he send Michelle?

[Cash_thatswhatiwant]

595. I doubt either attend. nt

[Mudoria]

582. RIP I guess

[Fire1]

583. Peace, Michael. You're finally free. n/t

[BrklynLiberal]

590. A sad, sad life....so talented, and so very, very sad.

[fortyfeetunder]

597. Gone before his time

I remember the advent of the J-5 in prime time, but I just was not a fan of bubble gum music then. I let my girlfriends swoon over them and I was like 'whatever'.

But I was more interested in MJ when he went solo, and then I came to appreciate the man, his music, and his dazzling choreography. His music crossed over generations and cultures.

Like many musicians before him MJ had immense talent and was humanly flawed, like ourselves. He didn't have a normal childhood. Though he longed for normalcy by acting out in some of his adult behaviors.

His untimely death is a shock to me, as I was hoping he could make a comeback. I offer my condolences to the Jackson family, especially to his three young children.

[Speed8098]

598. Rest in Peace Michael

http://hotcelebrity.name/tag/michael-jackson/

[RFKHumphreyObama]

599. Rest in peace Michael Jackson

I grew up with you and you were a major influence in my life. I will miss you more than you could ever know