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By Bob Dyer
Beacon Journal columnist
POSTED: 05:14 p.m. EDT, Jul 08, 2009
If I hear one more word of praise for Michael Jackson — the most popular alleged pedophile in history — I'm going to start smashing iPods.
Doesn't anyone else think two week's worth of unabashed public adoration is a bit much for someone who bought his way out of multiple child-molestation charges?
Yes, Jackson was an extremely talented performer. I enjoyed and admired his artistry. I'm sorry he died relatively young and without warning. I sympathize with the family. (Well, most of it. Joe Jackson, who in the immediate aftermath of his son's death was plugging his own record company — not so much.) But this historic outpouring of reverence is absurd.
Jackson's alleged sexual activities were not some Internet hoax that spread out of control. The charges were sufficiently credible that he was arrested and charged with felonies. Prosecution witnesses included a former maid and security guard who testified they personally saw him engage in inappropriate activities with multiple boys.
Yes, he was acquitted in a 2005 trial (after which his Web site equated the verdict with the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., the fall of the Berlin Wall and the release of Nelson Mandela). But two of the jurors later said they wished they had stuck with their initial vote to convict.
At least the O.J. jury had some guts.
In 1993, Jacko coughed up millions to settle another molestation charge.
He even admitted, in a documentary, that he sometimes shared his bed with children ''in a nonsexual way.''
I don't care what his childhood was like; what kind of grown man sleeps with other people's kids?
And what kind of person jokingly holds an infant over the railing of a balcony?
Praise his music and his dancing. Mourn his passing. But stop painting him as a saint.
Holiday hangover
At 11:07 p.m. Sunday, Cleveland TV station WKYC (Channel 3) reported a drowning death in Copley, saying, ''Police have not revealed the victim's name.'' Rubbish. If WKYC didn't have enough energy to pursue the story, all it had to do was watch the 6 p.m. newscast on WEWS (Channel 5), which included not only the victim's name but on-camera interviews with his neighbors and footage of the pond in which he drowned.
Different worlds
A friend of mine is a longtime emergency-room physician. The stories he tells could fill volumes, but this one might be his best.
A teenage girl showed up one night complaining of stomach pains.
The doc asked, ''Have you had problems with diarrhea?''
''No,'' she responded.
''Did you eat anything unusual?''
''No, not really.''
''Are you sexually active?''
''No. I pretty much just lay there.''
Bob Dyer can be reached at 330-996-3580 or bdyer@thebeaconjournal.com.
If I hear one more word of praise for Michael Jackson — the most popular alleged pedophile in history — I'm going to start smashing iPods.
Doesn't anyone else think two week's worth of unabashed public adoration is a bit much for someone who bought his way out of multiple child-molestation charges?
Yes, Jackson was an extremely talented performer. I enjoyed and admired his artistry. I'm sorry he died relatively young and without warning. I sympathize with the family. (Well, most of it. Joe Jackson, who in the immediate aftermath of his son's death was plugging his own record company — not so much.) But this historic outpouring of reverence is absurd.
Jackson's alleged sexual activities were not some Internet hoax that spread out of control. The charges were sufficiently credible that he was arrested and charged with felonies. Prosecution witnesses included a former maid and security guard who testified they personally saw him engage in inappropriate activities with multiple boys.
Yes, he was acquitted in a 2005 trial (after which his Web site equated the verdict with the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., the fall of the Berlin Wall and the release of Nelson Mandela). But two of the jurors later said they wished they had stuck with their initial vote to convict.
At least the O.J. jury had some guts.
In 1993, Jacko coughed up millions to settle another molestation charge.
He even admitted, in a documentary, that he sometimes shared his bed with children ''in a nonsexual way.''
I don't care what his childhood was like; what kind of grown man sleeps with other people's kids?
And what kind of person jokingly holds an infant over the railing of a balcony?
Praise his music and his dancing. Mourn his passing. But stop painting him as a saint.
Holiday hangover
At 11:07 p.m. Sunday, Cleveland TV station WKYC (Channel 3) reported a drowning death in Copley, saying, ''Police have not revealed the victim's name.'' Rubbish. If WKYC didn't have enough energy to pursue the story, all it had to do was watch the 6 p.m. newscast on WEWS (Channel 5), which included not only the victim's name but on-camera interviews with his neighbors and footage of the pond in which he drowned.
Different worlds
A friend of mine is a longtime emergency-room physician. The stories he tells could fill volumes, but this one might be his best.
A teenage girl showed up one night complaining of stomach pains.
The doc asked, ''Have you had problems with diarrhea?''
''No,'' she responded.
''Did you eat anything unusual?''
''No, not really.''
''Are you sexually active?''
''No. I pretty much just lay there.''
Bob Dyer can be reached at 330-996-3580 or bdyer@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
Akron, OH
Posted 05:24 PM, 07/08/2009
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kent, OH
Posted 05:37 PM, 07/08/2009
Didn't Elton John write a song for MJ? "Don't let your son go down on me".
Barberton, OH
Posted 05:41 PM, 07/08/2009
I have been lambasted on Twitter for expressing my disgust and outrage at the "Sainthood" of Michael Jackson. And let's not forget the ambulance chasers known as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Makes me sick.
Stow, OH
Posted 08:27 PM, 07/08/2009
I think that Mr. Dyer's remarks about Michael Jackson are pretty much on the mark. Other media folks have also commented that this hullbaloo surrounding his death is overdone. This begs the question of whether Mr.
Dyer and the other media types who write and talk about the whole thing being overblown make themselves part of the problem being addressed?
Posted 10:28 PM, 07/08/2009
Is the ER joke at the end a type-O? Can't help but wonder if Mr Dyer wrote about MJ or if he just printed an email that he received from someone else?
Bizarrebertucky, OH
Posted 11:25 PM, 07/08/2009
I deeply disturbs me when people put him in the same league as Elvis and the Beatles,and go on and on about what a genius he was,lol. He was a freak show with crappy music and a few dance moves. Give me a break...
I could see how maybe a very misguided 9 year old girl might like him,but I would hope that most grown ups would have better taste in music.
It's scary to know that so many people can idolize somebody as creepy as Micheal Jackson,and make no reservations about it.
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:24 AM, 07/09/2009
Michael Jackson is NOT the Pope or a President. Lets stop making him out to be one.
Akron, oh
Posted 08:17 AM, 07/09/2009
Even if you leave the molesting accusations out of MJ's life. The man was nuts, and as the public became aware he was shunned by the American people. Now in his passing those who once embraced him are praising him as a saint. The same people who abandoned him for the last 15 years or so. The whole thing is just sad to see.
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 08:44 AM, 07/09/2009
When did Bobby D join The Hillbilly Nation?
Posted 09:10 AM, 07/09/2009
Doctor to an elderly female patient ... How long has it been since you were bedridden? Elderly female ... I haven't been bedridden since my husband passed away 25 years ago!
akron , oh
Posted 09:14 AM, 07/09/2009
well bob I am shocked to say I agree with you about mj. He was a freak and the fact that the taxpayers had to shell out money for that memorial is beyond outrageous. The jackson family should be sent a bill. it's not like they won't make it up tenfold in royalties from the selling of the memorial dvd.
CF, OH
Posted 09:19 AM, 07/09/2009
Little known fact about MJ. He owned a children's clothing store.
In honor of his untimely death, they are having a sale. All boys pants will be half off.
CF, OH
Posted 09:22 AM, 07/09/2009
Little known fact about MJ. He owned a children's clothing store.
In honor of his untimely death, they are having a sale.
All boys pants will be half off.
Kent, OH
Posted 09:35 AM, 07/09/2009
The difference between MJ and Disney movies?
Disney movies can still touch children.
Posted 10:13 AM, 07/09/2009
While I completely agree with Bobby's feelings about MJ. I find it very ironic that a writer for the Beacon would ever criticize one media outlet's reporting compared to another.
akron, OH
Posted 10:44 AM, 07/09/2009
Jackson was a popular culture icon in the same manner as Elvis, the Beatles, and Princess Di. I have no problem with the hype over his entertainment contributions, and if there's be so much "adulation" about his personal stature and habits, I haven't paid a lick of attention to that. The hype was tiresome, but I can't imagine why people are so surprised and/or offended.
The joke at the end of the column is old, old, old. Can't believe you're passing it off as a real-life ER story.
columbus, oh
Posted 11:09 AM, 07/09/2009
Mr. Dyer...reading the comments on this blog just shows so much racism and gutter minded people, that it makes me ill. Michael is dead now, and let him lie in peace, his name has been pulled, dragged and dipped in public comments for far too long! One thing that really puzzles me about all the SO CALLED child molestation cases is that, me being a parent of a young child and I gave permission for my child to go to Neverland and hang out with Mr. Jackson, enjoy all the unlimited things I am sure he was given to have a really good time, then when the parties over my child would come on home. But the parents of so called accused child, were quite different, THEY GOT THERE CHILD HOME, FABRICATED A FILTHY STORY TO GET MONEY! BECAUSE IN THE REAL WORLD NO MONEY IN THE WORLD COULD PAY ME OFF IF SOMEONE MISTREATED MY CHILD! So lets take a look at those low lifed parents of those children, because right about now, they are probably BROKE...and looking for another target to sick there kid on for more money.
MICHAEL WAS INNOCENT AND WILL ALWAYS BE INNOCENT IN MY MINE. And less we not forget those Priest who molested the boys for years.......Case Closed! I haven't heard you comment on them and they are men of the cloth...lets get a blog started about them and how they have almost ruined the Catholic existance.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:20 PM, 07/09/2009
Geez, Bob--at least you used the word "alleged"! Were you there? I, too, am sick of the coverage, and have avoided it, as much as possible, but he wasn't convicted of anything, it's possible it was made up.
Posted 12:26 PM, 07/09/2009
Whether he did it or not, he continually invited these children over to his house. He should have learned his lesson the first time.
Scottsdale, AZ
Posted 01:42 PM, 07/09/2009
btown-via-capcity:
If there is a racist on this page, it is you. And although there have been numerous cases of molestations by Catholic priests, no one has seen fit to elevate them to the level of Pope or to put their images on a postage stamp. MJ was a talented wierdo pervert and Bob Dyer hit the nail on the head. Get over it.
akron, oh
Posted 02:15 PM, 07/09/2009
Btown- In an interview he said (referring to the boy sitting next to him while holding hands with him) " Yes I share My bed with children, one of the most loving things you can do is share your bed with someone" Do you really need any more proof? The dude thought he was Peter Pan He was nuts. In an interview a reporter asked him if he would want to be buried in a lavish egyptian sarcophagus and he said " Why no, I never want to be buried" the repoter said "if you could have it your way what would you like" MJ said "I would like to live forever" Total flippin nutcase. Plus how could any one compare this creep to the likes of the great Martin Luther King Jr. He wasn't proud to be black and he did nothing as far as breaking social barriers between black and white. You want to learn about someone who did try chuck berry or sammy davis jr. Jackson was a freak yes he had a few catchy riffs but he didn't write them he was just a puppet that could dance.
Akron, Oh
Posted 03:02 PM, 07/09/2009
btown-via-capcity = the only racist on this blog and supports child abuse must be a child sex offender him/herself
Akron, Oh
Posted 03:32 PM, 07/09/2009
I think Al Sharpton presiding at his funeral says volumes. His guilt has now been sealed. Thanks Al.
columbus, oh
Posted 04:16 PM, 07/09/2009
Dickie M, bilbo, Loyalzipfan....
I am so sorry if I hit a nerve with you all, or hurt your feelings. But just like you all I have a right to believe what I choose too just like you do. I only stated my opinion on things. You all seem to get hot under the collar, keep your pantyhose on and enjoy this blog. It is here for you, me and anyone to have fun with. Racist...well lets just say yes I am an african american and as far as racist goes, it doesn't fit my profile. I have seen and been through so many bouts of racism in my days and its so sad that we will never stop, it just seems to grow like a germ, getting worse with time. So am I a racist? You answer that one!
Cuyahoga FAlls, OH
Posted 04:21 PM, 07/09/2009
Mr. Dyer has hit the nail on the head with his column. I am sick and tired of hearing all these things about Michael Jackson. Yes he was a great entertainer but let's not elevate him to god like status.
I am tired of hearing about his estate, his children, how his family is coping, and where the family is going to bury his body. Come on people. When the time comes for us, we are likely if we get a paragraph in the obit page. The next day people are saying 'who'?
Papa Jackson sees this as another opportunity to make money off his son. He demonstrated it when he pushed his record label at the BET awards and again at the news conference.
What is next - a National holiday to celebrate his birth? His death? I can think of other 'holidays' that deserve a National holiday. D-Day, September 11, and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Those people gave their lives for this country and deserve to be honored. Did Michael ever give his life for this country?
Why should the post office waive the five year requirement for the stamp? Just because he was Michael Jackson? Enough people - let the man be buried and rest in peace
Kent, OH
Posted 05:18 PM, 07/09/2009
@btown via cap city:
Lighten up. (MJ did)
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:28 PM, 07/09/2009
btown-via-capcity - You are a black (not African American) racist and there are plenty of you out there. So, shut up. Oh and yes you are illiterate.
KOOKville, oh
Posted 09:58 AM, 07/10/2009
What do MJ and caviar have in common??
They both come on little crackers. Ha Ha !!
Akron, Oh
Posted 01:19 PM, 07/10/2009
rayy - look at the court transcripts. It wasn't made up. He was aquitted because jurors in this contry are generally made up of stupid people like yourself.
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:14 PM, 07/10/2009
How do you know when Michael Jackson is having a big party?
There's valet parking for the big wheels.
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:16 PM, 07/10/2009
When is it bedtime at Michael Jackson's house?
When the big hand is on the little hand.
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:34 AM, 07/15/2009
I think shockingly racist Akron would agree with me...how about we divide the nation into people who want to live in harmony and people like posters here; Racists who can't afford to get away from blacks but hate us just the same.
I realize I am one of the few people in the area who doesnt hate Bob Dyer, but why he decided now is the time to suck up to the sick-sad lot is beyond me...
AKRON, OH
Posted 10:49 AM, 07/15/2009
You're nobody till u die!
Akron, Oh
Posted 11:46 AM, 07/15/2009
@ The Godfather--Only a certain class of person would serve caviar on crackers, and that class would prefer mountain oysters...sorry to ruin the joke, but caviar is served on toasts points...PS how dare you drag that cutie pie Luke Wilson into your stupidity...Did you look away when Snoop was on camera in Old School? too dark for ya?
Akron, Oh
Posted 12:28 PM, 07/29/2009
Well put Bob Dryer. I have been thinking that for a while! Thanks!
