You must keep in mind that Michael Jackson never had a normal childhood. From the time he was very young, he was put on a stage and parade in front of millions. It is not unusual to see people who become famous break under the pressure (Roseann Barr and Britney Spears come to mind), and for Michael, the pressure began at a very early age. The fact that it damaged him beyond repair is not something I could hold against him.
Dear Lord, may your child Michael Jackson find the peace that he never had in life.
I agree with you exDemMom. A tortured mind is something some people will never begin to understand, or find empathy for. Michael was abused from an early age by his father in many ways from what I’ve read. I believe it fundamentally scarred him for life. In some aspects, he never stood a chance unless there had been someone there to help him and support him make huge changes in his life. No one was there. Everyone only saw the money they could make from knowing him. As with most abused people, he also created a lot of pain later in life ~ self reported false news stories, strange behaviors to garner attention/love, etc.
This is how I choose to remember him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zpTQCQEFhg&feature=related