Posted on 07/07/2009 5:52:18 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
Even Calbuzz was moved when 11-year-old Paris Katherine Jackson took the microphone to tell the world that Michael had been a wonderful father and that she loved him dearly, which you can watch here on TMZ.
That was the emotional high point of the MJ Tribute, for sure. The political high points were two: the Rev. Al Sharpton’s observation that Jackson was instrumental in breaking the color barrier and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s insistence on the presumption of innocence.
Sharpton’s great line: “He put on one glove, pulled his pants up and broke down the color curtain.”
The Rev was suggesting that even before Oprah, Tiger Woods and Barack Obama, Michael Jackson was an international crossover phenom of great significance, linking nationalities, ethnic groups and cultures through his extraordinary musical talent.
And then, turning to the MJ’s kids, Sharpton said, “There wasn’t nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what he had to deal with.”
That’s not true, of course. There was a lot strange about Michael Jackson. But it was a nice thing to say to his kids. And it’s also clear that to huge numbers of people around the world — and especially in the black community — Jackson’s life is an inspiration and his music is iconic. Whether he is, as Berry Gordy pronounced him, “the greatest entertainer of all time,” is a judgment for the history books – not mere political hacks. But it’s certainly arguable.
The other political moment of note: the defiant (and way too long) speech from Rep. Lee of Texas, taking aim at her colleague Rep. Peter King of New York, who had called Jacko a “pervert,” “child molester,” and “pedophile.” Lee sharply noted that under the U.S. Constitution one is considered innocent until proven guilty (which Jackson was not) and she presented a resolution from Congress memorializing MJ as a great entertainer.
Why it matters? Because it is further evidence that having one black family living in public housing in Washington has not eradicated the racial divide in America. The black community’s spontaneous rally in defense of Michael Jackson against presumptions – expressed mostly by white politicians, commentators and comedians (with some notable exceptions like Chris Rock) — that Jackson was an unconvicted pederast, is just another measure of the divide.
When you get Queen Latifa, Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Jennifer Hudson, Berry Gordy, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Bernice King, Martin Luther King III and Usher singing praises to the life of one man, it’s clear that those who would argue otherwise are wading into racially-charged territory.
Skunk Note: Over at Fox News, Geraldo Rivera had a few choice words for many of the geraldocelebrities at the Staples Center:
“The vast majority of the people in that hall,” Geraldo said, “and certainly ninety nine percent of the celebrities who have come to this memorial did not stand anywhere near Michael Jackson during the years he was accused of those horrible crimes, and they didn’t say, ‘We believe him innocent, they didn’t say let the case go where it may, let the facts prove innocence or guilt.’ They just disappeared, and now they have resurfaced to celebrate his life.”
By the time Jackson came along, the "color barrier" was long gone. Sorry Rev. Al. You're a clueless jerk. In the entertainment arena, I credit Bill Cosby (most of all), Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and many others. Jackson is #74 again as he is on Billboard's Top 100 of all time.
I hope so......but I don’t think the people running their lives will allow that.
Let’s not forget Arthur Ashe.
But I would think that even living with Jermaine or Tito has to be better than with Michael. Even LaToya’s gotta be better, if barely so.
Also, a photo without veils!
People say they do not look like Michael Jackson.
But do they look like Debbie Rowe ?
Also,
The older two children easily look like full brother and sister.
I’m looking at photos of Prince II.
I think he looks like a genetic brother or half-brother to them.
Which could mean the three share a genetic father.
Al Sharpton
Or the Whitehouse? Zero's got Biden in Iraq to take the heat of Zero's own stupidity, so who represented the Whitehouse? Michael was a personal friend and neighbor of the Reagan's and he visited the Whitehouse.
For somebody who never wants to hear another word about “Michael Jackson”, you sure are all over these threads about him. Why not just bypass them?
Good God who cares..that sick NAMBLA poster boy is gone to that special place in Hell for child molesters and animal abusers and not a minute too soon. Man I’m rally disappointed that Freeps waste time posting anything on that room temperature former waste of oxygen.
And what is extremely sad to me is that your post is just one of many on this site, which is astounding to me, considering I always thought conservatives were better people than that. Maybe my mistake is considering this a conservative site?
And for not caring, you guys sure spend a lot of energy posting hateful, bashing comments all over the place, and of course the worst photos you can find.
But.....but.....but...... didn't YOU just waste time posting?
Guilty as charged, There are just days....
You... just kiss my ass...
Oh and by the way Michael nice font. Did you use that with all the boys....
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