With no disrespect intended to the Jackson family, this sure does reveal the shallowness of the value system in this country.
This puts things into perspective: (by MIKE aka Mr. Brutally Honest)
While the focus today, tomorrow and for the next God-knows-how-many-days will be the death of a pop culture icon Michael Jackson. While many will mourn, wail and quite literally make fools of themselves over it, and while as many will speak endlessly about it, allow me, if only for a moment, to remind us all that others have died this month. Others, whose lives were cut short, others, who leave behind loved ones and whose families will dearly miss them. Families who'll suffer with much more dignity and honor than we'll be exposed to on the tube in the coming days.
Yes... it's true... we've suffered a great loss... but forgive me while I tell you that I'm not talking about the king of pop music. Michael is dead. That, in and of itself, is a GREAT loss. Michael was a very talented man. He brought an entirely new music to America . He also brought many other things, all of which will be discussed ad-nausium for the next eternity.
But what about the others;
These American military members who died in Iraq this month:
Sergeant Justin J. Duffy
Specialist Chris topher M. Kurth
Specialist Charles D. Parrish
Lance Corporal Robert D. Ulmer
Staff Sergeant Edmond L. Lo
Sergeant Joshua W. Soto
Captain Kafele H. Sims
Specialist Chancellor A. Keesling
And these members of our U.S.Armed Forces died in Afghanistan this month:
Sergeant Jones,Ricky D.
Specialist Munguia Rivas,Rodrigo A.
Command Master Chief Petty Officer Garber,Jeffrey J.
1st Sergeant Blair, John D.
Sergeant Smith, Paul G.
Staff Sergeant Melton, Joshua
Sergeant 1st Class Dupont, Kevin A.
Specialist O'Neill, Jonathan C.
Chief Warrant Officer Richardson Jr., Ricky L.
Specialist Silva, Eduardo S.
Lance Corporal Whittle, Joshua R.
Major Barnes, Rocco M.
Major Jenrette, Kevin M.
Staff Sergeant Beale, John C.
Specialist Jordan, Jeffrey W.
Specialist Griemel, Jarrett P.
Specialist Hernandez I, Roberto A.
Sergeant Obakrairur, Jasper K.
Staff Sergeant Hall, Jeffrey A.
Private 1st Class Ogden, Matthew D.
Private 1st Class Wilson, Matthew W.
Let's remember these people who gave their lives so that we can remain free and let us honor this day those whose deaths are truly having an effect on our lives. Not simply by entertaining us, but by giving us the freedom to make Michael Jackson an idol.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
We put dead presidents to rest in less time.
ReplyDeleteAmen and Amen!
ReplyDeleteNot to mention the countless civillians in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan who have been killed or will be killed by the residue of depleted uranium left on the "battlefield" / in their homes.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU! However, there were some famous people who recently passed that were shadowed by MJ's death:
ReplyDeleteFerra Faucet - while alos a pop icon was an advocate for cancer and hpv awareness.
Ed McMahon - gave hope and launched dreams for numerous young stars through his Star Search series. He also served our country as a Marine fighter pilot in WWII.
Billy Mays - the king of direct sales also helped launch the dreams and fortunes of many young entrepreneurs! Without him, your whites just wouldn't be as white (OxiClean) and your tools would still be greasy (Orange Clean).
These folks truly made lives better as did the soldiers mentioned in this post-for that, I am grateful; however they were all overshadowed but one single person's death...What saddens me the most is that while MJ did change the music industry, does that automatically negate the awefully wrong things he did in the recent years? He dies and suddenly he's a perfect saint saint? I see MJ as a music industry icon, but I still see his dark shadow as a child molestor...
My thanks goes out to all of the families of these soldiers who GAVE their lives so we can so selfishly have our freedom. You should smile and be proud of such an unfortunate event.
No disprespect intended, but our values are skewed. Sadly, Americans place importance on pop culture and it's icons.
ReplyDeleteNo disrespect to the brave soldiers who have given their live in the war, or the celebrities that have passed in the last few weeks. The Michael Jackson story is much, much larger. You can condemn him as a pedofile if you like, but that attitude makes it an even bigger story. You must understand theat newspapers, tv networks, blogs and everything else assoicated with media is there for one reason - TO MAKE MONEY. as sad as it is that a singer is heralded more than a soldier, it is true and has been that way forever.
ReplyDeleteHe was about $400,000,000 in debt
ReplyDeletewhen he passed away. Who will pay this? I guess we will , Obama will pay for it with our dollars. Our country will have a rude awakening.
I am completely disgusted at the way the media has treated his death. I am even more disgusted by the way the local people have treated his death. These people did NOT know Michael Jackson. However, I went to work and heard conversations about how they were weeping during some televised memorial to Michael. WHY????? What in the world is wrong with people???? Unfortunately, these are the same people that won't mourn too long when a family member of their own dies.
ReplyDeleteUntil this blog, I have refused to give it any credence. WHO Fricken CARES??????? He died. Move on.
Blinded by the bling...
ReplyDeleteToo much attention was given Michael Jackson--lets bury him and move on. Our soldiers who died--let us NEVER forget!
ReplyDeleteI feel bad for the dead civilians but COME ON you can't say the soldiers aren't asking for it. Why is it that everyone see's Vietnam as such a mistake yet people still sign up to be soldiers? One simple reason: Money. And when you take money to kill others, you are ASKING FOR IT.
ReplyDelete10:22
ReplyDeleteI disagree somewhat. You are being insensitive.
Here is the problem I see: Our young people do not understand why they are fighting. It is not honorable. People should spend more time thinking about WHO sends our soldiers into war. Modern war is about profits. Iraq = control of oil. Afghanistan = control of poppies. The pathetic "terrorists" hiding in caves and blowing up soldiers with bombs on the side of the road are NOT A THREAT TO AMERICA'S FREEDOMS. Get real.
But don't fault the soldiers. They don't know any better. We all need to teach our children NOT TO GO! It is just that simple. Teach your children the truth about this government. Also stop glorifying the matter. There is nothing noble about conquering other countries on behalf of rich globalists corporate interests.
Without the armed services the rest of the world would of ripped us a new one and own this land.
ReplyDeleteDuh... how about it is recognition of someone known by the greater majority. Give me a break Joe!
ReplyDelete11:39
ReplyDeleteI know you are tempted to believe what you have written, been convinced to believe. It is a fairy tale.
Sorry to burst the bubble.
The Facist Dictatorship is about installing a GLOBAL government. They pretend to have enemies. The only enemies they have are the regular people.
I think its time to get our military folks back on the front page of the newspapers and news channels before people forget that we are still at war. It is an honor to serve your country, and it is all voluntary....our military men and women are there because they want to be...they feel the need to do what is right for our country, so that hopefully we can continue to live in the land of the free. I'm not sure thats what Obama wants as we are probably going to have to fight harder than ever to keep America safe. I don't think our current president has a clue of what is going on, or how to handle it!!
ReplyDelete@912, I concur.
ReplyDeleteMJ coverage=revenue. Money, Money, and more Money. If I were to believe what some bloggers say about politicians influence or control of the media, would those politicians want us to focus on the deaths of our soldiers or MJ's death? The more publicity about MJ, the less focus on our government. The extent of MJ's legacy can not be explained in writing. I agree that he was a great man and I believe that our soldiers deserve much more recognition. But I accept that that isn't/won't happen.