This past week America lost three iconic individuals from the entertainment industry; Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon and Michael Jackson. Each will be remembered in their own unique way, and each was responsible for creating a piece of television and music history. No one can think of the 70’s without remembering Farrah Fawcett as one of the beautiful ladies that made up “Charlie’s Angels”, or her provocative 1976 poster. Ed McMahon was a much a part of the Johnny Carson show as Johnny himself. Each night viewers heard Ed say the famous words, “Now here’s Johnny”. Michael Jackson lived with America for four decades, and in that time gave us songs and dance moves that will forever be part of music and our memories. He also was involved in controversy that will be part of his legacy.

Each time a famous person dies in the entertainment business the media, and America, puts them under the microscope of public opinion. Some will continue to defend, while others will continue to condemn. Michael Jackson is a prime example. As the story of his life begins to unfold within the media Michael emerges as a very tragic figure. The problems he had concerning past allegations of child molestation are being examined in greater detail, and his physical and emotional condition is being questioned. Everyone reading this has an opinion of Michael’s guilt or innocence pertaining to the allegations, with the real truth only ever being known for certain to the accusers and Michael. His family has now issued a request that a second autopsy be conducted to explain what happened. They want to know who was to blame. I guess they can look in the mirror and see who was to blame for his bizarre behavior, and if the truth is to be told, many in America can do the same.

America has gotten so caught up in the worshiping of the rich and famous, that we have trained these people that they are above normal behavior expectations, and above the law in some cases. Some will argue that this is not true and use Michael Vick as a poster child for “no one being above the law”. But we can always retort with names like O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake. Both should have been in prison for murder. Both had jury trials and were acquitted while the evidence was overwhelming for a conviction. Why do we continue to condone bad behavior, or look the other way when it comes to America’s rich and famous? Did anyone ever take the time to examine the allegations and testimony against Michael Jackson? There were several children accusers and while some may have been lying, some had very credible testimony. Also, there was testimony from adults who confirmed Michaels unlawful behavior with children, and since the time of the trial, three of the jurors have stated they may have gotten the verdict wrong. But his fans, and the leaches around him continued to tell him he was a good guy and did nothing wrong.

I remember watching TV during his trial and seeing a couple interviewed that had flown from Australia to stand outside the courthouse. They stated they knew he was innocent and had come to give him support. How did they know he was innocent? They had never spoken to him or been privy to anyone that was close to Michael. They knew Michael Jackson was innocent only because he was a good entertainer and he sang songs they liked. Well I hate to tell you all this, but just because a person can sing and entertain well does not make them a good person. To be fair, Michael did do a lot for certain charities, and was very active and generous in many ways, but the good does that erase his possible “dark side”. Let’s look at David Allen Coe, the country singer. He has certainly sung some memorable songs, but that does not erase the fact that he may not be the pillar of the community. I believe he demonstrated he is, or was a racist with one of his earlier albums. He is an ex-convict and had a relationship with the Outlaws Motorcycle gang. I don’t consider Coe next in line for saint hood. But he is still a good traditional country singer. Just as Michael will always be remembered as one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived, let’s not confuse the entertainer with the man. Right or wrong, that’s the way A.P. American sees it. Yeah baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!