MJ

You know...yesterday was the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. I wasn't going to watch it. Personally, I'm tired of all the hype over MJ, and nothing over Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon or Billy Mays. Yes, I like MJ's music...yes, all he wanted was peace and for the world to stop fighting and make this world a better place, not just for us, but for future generations...yes he was an instrumental figure in music, charity, life...but c'mon. There are others also that deserve just as much attention.

Well, I did end up watching the MJ service...on CNN.com Live on FaceBook. It was a truly beautiful ceremony. I cried a few times, yes. Who didn't? I chatted with friends back and forth about what was going on during the memorial. I honestly don't think there was anyone that wasn't watching it or checking in on it at some point during the 3 hours it lasted. My favorite part? Usher. He made such a moving tribute to MJ when he came down off the stage, walked over to MJ's casket, stared, then rested his hand on his casket. To me, it was like he was sending a part of him with MJ. That was awesome! Next? When his daughter Paris said something in the end. That truly touched my heart. She didn't call him Michael...she called him "daddy". You know I have always said that any man can be a father...but it takes a special person to be a "daddy" and in Paris, Prince and Blanket's eyes...he was their daddy. Even through all the scandals. But ya know something? There is NOT a celebrity on this earth that has not faced scandals! That's a part of the job of being a celebrity. Scandals...papparazzi...virtually non-existent private life. If you want to be in that business...then be prepared to deal with and handle that!

But, one thing I do have to be totally honest about. I did respect MJ alot for what he wanted and what he did and TRIED to do for this world. Instead of sitting on his ass just wishing and hoping that peace would happen...that hunger would end...that poverty would end...he went out and TRIED to make it happen. He didn't end the worlds perils...but he tried...he made the attempt.

I know this is many days late in coming...but I was just sitting here thinking. And this is what I was thinking about. I truly believe that alot of celebrities support charities ONLY to stay good with the general population. And to stay on the "A" lists and not be "black listed". MJ wasn't like that. He truly believe in his charities...he visited, he went to other countries...not just to perform in concerts and make money, but to see just what was going on and what could he do? How could he make it better? What can he say to get people motivated? **shrugs** But how many of us truly listened to what the words to his songs said? How many of us KNOW what "Heal The World" was about? Or "Man In The Mirror"? Or even "You Are Not Alone"? They say alot. Very few artists in the music industry today use their music as a cry out for help from all of us. Sure MJ had songs that were not in that category, but if you stop to think about it...at least 1-2 songs per album was a cry for help...for help not for him but for the people of this world that are suffering.

OK...I'm getting off this soapbox now. Just wanted to express some thoughts.