The Death and Re-Birth of Michael Jackson

The most alarming aspect of the death of Michael Jackson, for me, if not for Mr. Jackson, is that he has gone from pariah to saint by virtue of an apparent insomnia medication overdose. We hated him, now we lament his passing with the gnashing of teeth and rending of garments. In a court of law he was found not guilty of child molestation in regards to his patently odd behavior with young boys, though in the public's mind this finding was attributed primarily to a skillful legal defense team's work. The public's mind, ruled by the media, which covered the legal proceedings as entertainment, convicted the entertainer. Now, in an effort to sell more erectile dysfunction drugs we are treated to a State Funeral, replete with a delightfully understated gold plated casket. Though Congressman Peter King's thoughts are duly noted, what neither viewpoint acknowledges is that the truth exists as a separate entity, unencumbered by fears, prejudices, idol worship, or the challenging need to sell discretionary consumer goods to the unemployed.