Charlie Rose

SoCalGal  08/28/2009 09:51 PM Report

We call for vindication of MJ by mainstream media. MJ was exonerated by a jury of his peers. Not good enough. For his children’s sake, mainstream media must become more responsible. We discuss how truth can compel mainstream media to publicly admit it wrongly accused MJ of despicable crimes. Many people still believe MJ was guilty. They were influenced to believe the allegations by a biased mainstream media. No links allowed here so search at Yahoo Groups for "vindication better than tributes."

lm_roswell  08/08/2009 04:15 AM Report

First of all, giving Michael Jackson the respect he deserves for influencing music, culture, and humanitarian work is not a slap in the face to all other world events. To those who believe they possess only a limited attention span, and can only deal with one issue at a time, and only have room in their minds and hearts to serve a particular segment of the world, I am sorry you have no mental or spirtual range.

I am sorry you do not posssess the ability to wholistically understand how he revolutionized dance, how he broke racial barriers, how he changed American culture, and how he assisted thousands by donating hours of his time to charity, giving away over 300 million dollars, and creating his own charitable foundation. (And ironically, Michael Jackson would agree that the loss of civilian life is a great tragedy. And more so, he would actually try to help).

I'm sorry you do not appreciate his fantastic voice. Which has a range of 3 to 4 octaves. Which is so distinct and so difficult to emulate. It is so logical. He couldn't sing, he could only dance, which is why so many people bought his albums. To do what? Oh right...to listen to his VOICE. If you believe he is not a great singer, than you are in denial.

Michael Jackson himself, respected the greats. He respected James Brown, Astaire, Gene Kelly, Marvin Gaye, the Beatles, Elvis, Frank Sinatra. A true artist understands giants who walked before him, who paved his way. But to not give Michael his due, is to be ignorant. And THAT is a disservice to reality.

You do not have to like his music. But you have to respect his talent. You do not have to like his personal life, but you have no right to label a man a pedophile when he has been cleared of all charges. A true test of someone's intellience is the amount of work they do investigating and analyzing the stories put before them, before making ridiculous judgements. Read the court transcripts, look up the police evidence, understand the background of the accusers, and realize that the cases against him had more holes in them than swiss cheese. Actually think for yourself since you claim to be so intellectually superior than those mourning Jackson.

As for redefining the defintition of genius, you are right, it needs to be redefined. Because Michael has set the bar higher than anyone in the music world could imagine. Find me anyone in this profession who can sing like he did, dance like he did, write, choreograph, produce, and direct at a level of complete perfection like he could. He now walks will fellow giants.

charliefan08  06/30/2009 06:19 PM Report

Michael Jackson has been in my consciousness for more than 35 years. He and his brothers were "the first boyfriends" of millions of little black girls like me in the late 60s and early 70s. His life showed us we could do big things, create big things, make life bigger and better than what our circumstances or society may have wanted to dictate to us. He showed us we could be the best with our God given gifts because he dared to try. Because he was our age and worked hard and learned from the elders, he collaborated with many different and gifted people and was one with his craft, we could follow his example and have vision and make an impact.

Michael Jackson's gifts, talents and influence can not be denied. The power of his artistry and creativity will live on forever. I am very proud his talent has spanned the globe and touched so many people. Attention most be paid in recognition of the passing of this gifted spirit.

Thank you Charlie Rose, for always acknowledging these historic moments as they take place. You do this with a grace, respect, and presence of mind to see the larger picture that makes a person's contribution to our collective experience worth appreciating.

winter  06/29/2009 08:01 PM Report

MJ was a genius?? I think we're going to have to redefine the word.

tartufe  06/29/2009 07:18 PM Report

The death of a Pashtun family of civilians by drones is much sadder, meaningful and prophetically more troublesome long term. Relatively, it's hard to give a damn about a 'filthy-rich' pedophile. Our values as a culture says we may well deserve our inevitable comeuppance.

Where's the crowd decrying the murder of innocent civilians?

Where's the crowd demanding trials of the financial wise-guys that tipped the world into recession?

doodahdaze  06/29/2009 02:31 PM Report

Mr. Reid says, "Talking about being the greatest".?. "I found him to be in great mental health".?. What?!

Quincy Jones is very articulate. He can make his points without sounding like a snob.

REMant  06/29/2009 02:14 PM Report

Lisa Marie was right. Both were youthful talents that became, it appears, dependent on drugs and quack doctors. I, of course, was no fan of his. I don't think he could sing at all. I'll take Astaire's word about his dancing, but I think there must be many millions of hard-working, generous ppl in this country more deserving of the adulation. But he was a celebrity. The kind of imitatio Christi Americans simultaneously want to feel sympathy for and subservient to. Most likely they would have elected him president. (Actually, maybe they did...) Beyond this, I think making Jackson the be-all and end-all of black music, even black pop (or whatever), does a disservice to thousands of fine black artists back to the turn of the (last) century.