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November 21, 2009 11:36 am PST

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WORDS CAN’T EVEN EXPLAME WHAT AM FEELIN RIGHT NOW I FILL LIKE POP IS OVER WITH OUT HIM AND I NO THat no one will be able to take M.J spot ever RIP MJ AND MJ jus rember you are not alonG YOUR TRUE FAN, KESHA

Comment by KESHA on 6/25/09 at 5:05 pm

The only sad thing about Jackson’s death is that it has overtaken the story of Farrah Fawcett’s death - and she was a far superior human being… (then again, it didn’t take much to be far superior to Jackson)

Comment by PAUL on 6/25/09 at 8:20 pm

The oppressive Jehovah’s Witnesses cult is ground zero for Michael’s ‘dysfunctions’.They messed him up really bad.
—
Danny Haszard born 1957 3rd generation Jehovah’s Witness (been there)

Comment by Danny Haszard on 6/25/09 at 10:07 pm

Yes, the author is right.  When Michael was a JW he had focus and a real spiritual grounding to his life.  It was after he left that he succumbed to his own frailities and became dysfunctional.  Very sad.

Comment by Gene on 6/26/09 at 3:01 am

Tell the truth

What is it that produced ‘wacko jacko’? I think it had a lot to do with Watchtower indoctrination,putting him on their end of the world apocalyptic Armageddon guilt trips.

80% of all kids in the USA leave the Jehovah Witness religion when they become of age,that is telling.
I watched him growing up in an Orwellian Watchtower world that paralleled mine.

(He died a converted Muslim,after the Jehovah’s Witnesses had disfellowshipped him )

Comment by Susan on 6/26/09 at 3:18 am

It’s amazing that Michael Jackson died on that same day as the yartzeit (3rd day of hebrew month Tammuz)of the
Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach was a follower of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Comment by hayjay on 6/26/09 at 11:08 am

I was a fan of Michael Jackson’s music but the accusations of child molestation turned me totally off and I could not enjoy his music anymore. Whatever the actual figures are about his settlement with his accuser (which are often quoted as ten to twenty million dollars to keep silent) the fact that Johnny Cochran was his attorney and encouraged him to make a large settlement is quite worrisome. Of all people, attorney Cochran would have been the last person to allow any person to extort money from one of his clients with a false accusation that could destroy his clients career. Johnny Cochran would never encourage a client to pay hush money to make a false accusation disappear and would have done everything possible to make the accuser criminally liable for extortion and slander. An icon, whether they are a musician, artist, dancer, composer, politician, business person, or world leader, cannot remain an icon if any hint of child abuse is not definitely proven false, nor should they remain an icon when they publicly state that they shower and sleep with other peoples chidlren. Too strange, no matter how talented, to accept.

Comment by Mark Jeffery Koch on 6/26/09 at 11:45 am

“It was obvious what Michael always needed,“ the rabbi continued. “He needed connection with God, spirituality and family. Michael was a Jehovah’s Witness and when he was a Jehovah’s Witness he was doing quite well, but then he had a falling out with the church and that is when all these problems began.“

the author is 100% correct. and not just michael, all of us nid this…

Comment by john on 6/27/09 at 6:45 am

I was in the same congregation as Michael he when was a JW and I can tell you the Witnesses didn’t know what to do with him. He never felt part of the group, because they were alternatingly complaining about how he was too “worldly” or sycophanting him. The simplistic and naive conclusion that his life spiraled downward BECAUSE he left the Witnesses are made by people who didn’t know how troubled he was long before that.

Comment by Christian Volk on 6/27/09 at 1:54 pm

Not the religion and not true about 80% of young people drop out…only those who are against what the bible really teaches….he did not convert to islam ..Jermaine did and even he is not true to its teachings because he would be providing for his family and not have the court to remind him of his responsibilities…maybe folks should get the facts….about JW’s as well as the Jackson’s!

Comment by shellylla on 6/28/09 at 10:22 am

Having been a JW for decades, and understanding what they’re up against, I can only wish them well. They’re not allowed to do any legitimate research on their own religion outside of Watchtower publications, and live under the constant threat of disfellowshipping if they vary from, or in any way question, ‘the truth.’ So they cling to quotes like the one above to show that only JWs are happy (they’re not, but they’re unaware) and that anyone who leaves the organization ends up in the gutter, literally or figuratively. Pity JWs, they’re living in a (miserable) dream world and it’s just about impossible to wake them up. With good reason they’ve been called ‘the misery loves company religion.’

Comment by robert on 6/28/09 at 2:13 pm

Although I am not a JW, I know many and I think it its quite the contrary, the majority of them seem very happy and content.  And I would say the rabbi’s quote is probably correct, he left God, his focus was elsewhere and that led to him spiraling out of control.  I also know a little about the JW’s teaching and they do emphasize that God will have the final judgement of people (not the church) and that both the righteous and unrighteous will be resurrected, so there is still hope for all of us.  I believe Michael had a good heart, that is what is important and that is what we will be judged on.

Comment by Chris on 6/29/09 at 12:54 pm

Those comments that MJ’s problems were the fault of JW are another example of criticism coming from the mouth of the ignorant. If the truth be known those people who make that charge are probably the same ones who scoff at the Bible. Odds are that they have never read one chapter in it. Thats really sad isn’t it?

Comment by Boyd on 6/29/09 at 5:23 pm

I agree! and only Jehovah can read our true heart condition and it’s not up to man to do this.  Man can not direct his steps so we can’t judge Michael only Jehovah can and will do this in his due time.  I just pray that Sis. Jackson keeps her faith and know that the righteous and unrighteous WILL be resurrected, but it’s up to Jehovah.

Comment by Theresa on 6/29/09 at 6:21 pm

it’s our faith that counts most and not the situation of any person…

Comment by g on 6/29/09 at 11:04 pm

Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t be ghouls.
The Watchtower society freaked him out disfellowshipped him…. he turned Muslim, now the Jehovah Witness ghouls are trying to get PR out of his death

Comment by Janet Powers on 6/29/09 at 11:10 pm

What really is sad is the about the comment when a JW is disfellowshipped the truth is all the person has to do is repent for what he did and then he is welcomed back into the congreation. iam not a witness yet soon to be one but have studied with them for ten years there is saying that is so true “knowlege kills all fear, what u dont know about u are afraid of so everyone should ther research on this religion like we do on all others so when we go door to door we know your customs,so fact remains READ YOUR BIBLE THER IS ONLY ONE.

Comment by connie masullo on 6/30/09 at 5:26 am

Check our ruspiritual.com . It’s time get down to some basics and strengthen them to the best of our abilities

Comment by shlomo on 7/08/09 at 7:48 am

To the whole world,this is my personal feelings about the life and times of my greatest entertainer, Micky J.The same society that made Michael Jackson,also destroyed him.I believe that Michael,never set out to creat the type of world he created around himself,he was just doing his thing,the thing he was soo passionate about,“Good music”.But suddenly and like a bang he erupted and took the world by storm,then fame and fortune came.At this point,he became scared of the society,knowing fully fell,that in this society,fame and fortune could bring pains.Unfortunately and in his naivety,he thought that,this society could get through to him,as they had done to other great black heroes of our time,through women only.For this,he changed his attitude towards women,stayed far away from them and ran as fast as his legs could carry and also tried to change his identity and as it was rumoured,even tried to deny his black race.Desparate as these forces could be,they did not give up on him.They kept the tab on him,until they found out that,he loved to play around children,then they said hurray,they have found the lead and from no where,he was accused of child molestation.Michael’s heart was broken.They broke him emotionally and psychologically,but they did not break him physically.This made him again to withdraw from the eyes of the world and he became confused,he did not know where to go again,he was runing around the whole world and yet,he couldn’t get any peace.He did not know,who or where to turn to and insomnia sets in and drugs and animals became his closest confidant.Again his adversaries,not done with him,wondered,where his renewed strength could be coming from.They finally found out that,he now leaves on drugs,again they said hurray.His drugs request,prescriptions and possible administration was hijacked.They made drugs instead of food his daily meal,and eventually they started over feeding (overdose) with drugs and he finally became an addict.MJ died slowly,until that 25th of june,when he decided to give up finally,to avoid embarrassing himself and his family in that concert,which he was being forced to do,which was the final efforts by these sharks to destroy and desgrace him publicly.Michael was faster than his adversaries,as he did not allow them,to disgrace him publicly.I believe he gave up himself.
On the issue of his sexuality.From testimonies,the world should not forget that MJ,had good relationship with women at his early and younger age and even when,he became scared that,he could be destroyed through these women,he did not completely run away from women initially,but he started feeling more comfortable in the hands of older women and finally he started making his relationship with opposite sex a top secret.If atall MJ was gay,though i do not support that,i still believe that,he was taken advantage of,because,since he was not socialising anymore with women and because they knew he had emotions and issues to be taken care of,different people started going to him and offering him all manner of help,which atimes were bizarre.The only mistake MJ made was that,in his times of trials and tribulations he did not turn to God almighty.Nevertheless,i an sure that God is his infinite mercy will grant him eternal peace.God bless you all.

Comment by Wabara Gerald on 7/08/09 at 4:57 pm

Michael Jackson deveria ter feito um alinça com o outor da vida não com a seita mas sim com Jesus que deu sua vida por ele,e ele não reconheceu o sacrificio que Deus fez para ele e buscou gloria para ele em ves de   buscar o reino de Deus trocou por o reino da terra que tudo passa mais o reino de jamais passara com a morte dele fica de exmplo para muitos

Comment by aurenito correia de almeida on 7/08/09 at 5:28 pm

there have been a lot of good comments as well as good pts. made.
MJ was an extrodianry human being, which often times is typical with individuals who have serious issue and, are fortunate enough to have an outlet such as the obviuos one he had.
MJ seemed to have been a troubled soul from a very early age ( entertaining at age 5- which means he entertained for at least 45 yrs of his 50 yrs on earth)WOW. Unfortunatley there was not a lot of help out there especially for people of color during the 60’s,70’s,80’s and; by the time indiviudals such as the Rabi came along; MJ was probably well on his way to untoucable, out of reach to wanting the help he really needed.
someone said it earlier- too many enablers surrounding him- too may haters that knew and saw what was happening to him but walked arount the “pink elephant” as if it was not there.
in the therapuetic community it has been said that if a person does not get the help needed by age 35- it is very hard to began to process these issues( unless they are motivated and willing)
In an ideal world MJ should have gotten the help at age 5, but the devil Joe I know would not have had anything to do with that.
I’m judging that from the cruddy way he used MJ death to promote his CD- no remorse what so ever.
MJ gone now and Jehovah-God will have the final say -so on his next journey- not you or I, but HIM

Comment by nichole strawder on 7/09/09 at 10:03 am

The question arises was Michael Jackson abused? The answer is absolutely yes, he manifested every symptom in his life. The belief system of Jehovah’s Witnesses cult routinely covers up abuse and of this Michael was a victim.
The weirdness of his life and actions are easily explained by understanding the “us against them” belief system of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
He was never at peace and always felt like a failure to his mom for not emulating and living her beliefs. The result was a sad person trying to find peace but deep down feeling he was never good enough where it really counted

Comment by Jody on 7/09/09 at 10:14 am

if it is true that the last boy Jordan back in 2005 who accused MJ of molestation has recanted his allegation since MJ’s death as I have read over the internet-this would be an out rage and I think justice should prevail- I think he and his father should be made to pay back every penny plus pay for scanlalizing MJ good name and reputation to the extent of the law.
this would be a hanus crime if this is true and for what a few dollars that they probably could not spend effectively because GOD knew it was blood-money
as afor the doctor (S)responsible for supplying MJ with prescription drugs over the years and; whom ever used their medical license to give that last fatal dose(s) should lose everthing and I mean everthing- doctors are the real drug dealers-street drug dealers are just following their lead, I’s have more respect for the street dealer as we expect them to be deviant, but both have the one thing in common- greed- the one thing the differ in and that is doctors are suppose to know the limits of the effects of powerful drugs and they are suppose to help not hurt and’ up hold the oath they took- as for a drug dealer they are suppose to do just what they do- be ruthless- get all they can get- and not care how or who it hurts-hmmm
It is my hope that MJ’s death raises a new awarness of drugs in this country- it is a saying in the rooms of narcatics “some one has to die in order for some one to live” I hope MJ’s dying is not in vain- as a drug counselor and a very effective one I might say- this is very sad and raises a new awarness for the clients I care for.

Comment by nichole strawder on 7/09/09 at 10:22 am

MJ WANTED TO SAVE THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD NOW HE HAS

Comment by derek spiers on 8/25/09 at 2:56 pm

I don’t know Boteach or what potential negativity surrounds him.  However, what he stated about the departed King of Pop, in principle, cannot be ignored.  At the very heart of this matter, I believe, is a fundamental lack of moral code that is not rooted in relativism or situational ethics.  And while none of us is wholly complete, a strong moral fiber, based in an objective, rather than subjective standard, will serve to inform us when we go off course, and how to get back on it, instead of continuing to be adrift on an ocean of endless possibilities.

Whatever others think of Boteach, I must, in some ways at least, concur with the orthodox rabbi that the tragic, sad, and far too early end to MJ’s life need never have happened.  The fault lies with those acted as enablers for his deep depression and hunger for more and more superstardom, while simultaneously ignoring his desperate plea for real love, affection, and help.  Not the kind of phony, sycophantic friendship that is only there while the money and the fame is good.

But it also lies- and Boteach is correct in this, no matter how much some may wish to deny it- fundamentally with MJ himself.  His lack of anchor in more permanent values, circumscribed in an unchanging moral compass, is what has led to this end.  When one substitutes fundamental principle for the superficial and fleeting satisfaction of trinkets, bobbles, and notoriety- and when one locks out those who attempt to steer one back onto a path that is not composed of such illusions- one is setting the course for one’s own destruction.

MJ once confessed to Lisa Marie Presley that he felt he would one day end up like her father.  Sadly this “premonition” is now a reality that should never have occurred. 

And both MJ’s family and the world have been meanly robbed of the future and greater work which MJ could, and should have been able to accomplish.

I loved Michael Jackson as an entertainer and for all the wonderful good he did the world.  But what he truly needed, a real, close group of confidants to give him a kick in the backside and turn him right, is what he both did not get and rejected when it was offered.

This tragedy is the result.

May he find in death the healing and freedom from pain he never did in life.

RIP Michael Jackson, King of Pop.

We still love you and miss you dearly.

Comment by Lal Wynstrom on 10/01/09 at 11:45 am

Also, for those who may judge my comments based on such, I do not pen my thoughts on MJ’s end rooted in any way in the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnessism.  I believe this religion is phony, supremely judgmental beyond biblical Christian standards, and a cult.

I am glad that MJ escaped it.

However, my statements are based in what is my continuing examination of the ever-coming forward former associations of MJ.

These people, along with other insights from factually-based articles, sans innuendo, are providing a perspective on a deeply troubled mind who suffered in quiet desperation and didn’t, for whatever reasons, get the help he needed.

Comment by Lal Wynstrom on 10/01/09 at 12:00 pm

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