Michael Jackson Dead?

Wow, Michael Jackson is dead. I think I know how my parents felt when Elvis died. Although I was not a big fan of the man, I associate him with my childhood. I used to watch Michael Jackson and his brothers on TV after school, along with other tv music idols, such as the Monkees and David Cassidy.

Michael's story is such a sad one. Whoever writes his biography will certainly see a pattern of low self esteem (who could imagine?), lack of faith, and perhaps other mental, physical, and spiritual maladies. Death by drug abuse is not uncommon these days, it just gets ignored until it happens to a celebrity. Addictions are serious diseases, but there is help available. The problem is that the addicted person must want to get clean and sober. No one can do it for them. I am saddened by the thought of anyone, rich, famous, homeless, or poor, dying for lack of wanting to live without the help of drugs or alcohol.

Regardless of his history, Michael Jackson was a human being with all the frailties we bear, regardless of our rank and stature. I will remember him as a child of God, dancing and smiling on my little black and white analog television set with rabbit ear antennae.