Reader comments
Memorial service bids farewell to Michael Jackson
70 comments | Read story
I agree with the above | 8:44 a.m. July 7, 2009
I agree that Michael Jackson was a disgrace to humanity and does not deserve all
this attention. Yes I agree his life was wasted, and he was crazy to try and
make himself into a female and not appreciate what God had given him, his life,
his talent, his gender. May he rest in peace now and hopefully be forgiven for
all his sins someday. He started out being a cute, talented young man who went
way overboard on things. He doesn't deserve to be worshiped the way people
are going crazy over him! He looked like a freak and acted like one in my
opinion!
SJ | 8:57 a.m. July 7, 2009
Correction. Should have been idolization not idealization. My bad.
Comments continue below
casting stones | 9:05 a.m. July 7, 2009
It just seems like people on comment pages such as these love to cast stones at
others, without reflecting on what they themselves have done.
MJ had amazing talent, and granted, not all his choices were great choices. BUT - he did bring some fantastic music into this world that people will always remember, smile and bop their heads to. At least he tried to use his talents to the best of his ability.
I"m sure the choir of angels is going to have alot of fun doing Thriller in Heaven!
MJ had amazing talent, and granted, not all his choices were great choices. BUT - he did bring some fantastic music into this world that people will always remember, smile and bop their heads to. At least he tried to use his talents to the best of his ability.
I"m sure the choir of angels is going to have alot of fun doing Thriller in Heaven!
Parents just don't understand | 9:10 a.m. July 7, 2009
Loved his music. Sad about his life. I feel bad for the people whose parents
exploit them at a young age for fame and money and then in the end, it messes
them up. Jackson's life is a prime example of how messed up people can get
from living that life at a young age--ie. Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, etc...
Who could really want that for their children? Even still, Jackson's mom
wants his money and his estate.
Doesn't surprise me | 9:20 a.m. July 7, 2009
The negative comments on heretypical Utah freaks. Give the guy a break he had
more talent than any of you will ever dream of and no singing in the ward choir
doesn't count. The haters in tis stae is amazing. If you hate celebrities
so much don't go to movies and turn your TV and radio's off. Ya that
will never happen.
Emjay | 9:25 a.m. July 7, 2009
I don't think Michael Jackson was trying to make himself into a woman at
all. In his strangeness, he thought that he was being a man. I do think he was
trying to make himself white. It's clear that his children are not really
his biologically and were obviously conceived with a white man. He seemed to
want to reject his blackness and the black world. He clearly had serious
emotional issues and had one of the worst cases of arrested development
possible.
He was a creative genius but shouldn't be a role model for anyone.
He was a creative genius but shouldn't be a role model for anyone.
SLC gal | 9:29 a.m. July 7, 2009
We will NEVER see a performer in our time as much of a enigma, or with as much
talent as MJ had. Rest in peace Michael!!! Your fans will NEVER forget you!
Personally I hope to get a front row seat to one of your concerts on the other
side when I get there!
Hurry | 9:39 a.m. July 7, 2009
Please hurry and get this memorial over with, so we can start worrying about
real news again.
RE: Emjay | 9:48 a.m. July 7, 2009
Ok because you say so.
re: Doesn't surprise me | 9:59 a.m. July 7, 2009
I beleive you, sir, were the first to mention hate. We do not "hate"
celebrities. They obviously have their place in this world as entertainers.
But to worship and obsess over their every action like our society does is
messed up. Enjoy the work they create but remember they aren't deity.
Misunderstood | 10:04 a.m. July 7, 2009
Michael Jackson is one great talent period! .. He is misunderstood by many ..
there are too many judgemental people out there who need to look at themselves
first.
Casket is all | 10:06 a.m. July 7, 2009
The funeral was this morning and a "casket" will be at the memorial
service - likely just an empty shell.
Cats | 10:31 a.m. July 7, 2009
To RE: Emjay...Anyone with eyes can see that what Emjay said is true. There is
no malice in Emjay's blog. It's just an observation of what is
completely obvious to anyone who isn't blind or isn't in denial.
Michael Jackson was brilliant but was CLEARLY an extremely troubled and warped individual who bleached his skin, distorted his face and ADMITTED he slept with young boys. He got away with child molestation because he paid the kids' families off to the tune of $20 million. He obviously needed help but refused to get it. He surrounded himself with Sycophants and FIRED anyone who tried to tell him the truth.
I don't blame him for being disturbed he had no childhood and an abusive father. He was mobbed by the public and paparazzi. He had too much money and spent it like a child with no limits. Yes, he was seriously emotionally arrested and living in some sort of sick fantasy land full of perversion and drugs.
It's a sad story..a cautionary tale. I'm personally a big fan of Michael's...the way he used to be before he got so sick.
Michael Jackson was brilliant but was CLEARLY an extremely troubled and warped individual who bleached his skin, distorted his face and ADMITTED he slept with young boys. He got away with child molestation because he paid the kids' families off to the tune of $20 million. He obviously needed help but refused to get it. He surrounded himself with Sycophants and FIRED anyone who tried to tell him the truth.
I don't blame him for being disturbed he had no childhood and an abusive father. He was mobbed by the public and paparazzi. He had too much money and spent it like a child with no limits. Yes, he was seriously emotionally arrested and living in some sort of sick fantasy land full of perversion and drugs.
It's a sad story..a cautionary tale. I'm personally a big fan of Michael's...the way he used to be before he got so sick.
Mrs. Jensen | 10:50 a.m. July 7, 2009
@It Doesn't Surprise me, Your prejudice is showing. There has been NO hate
expressed by anyone on this blog except your bigoted statements toward people in
Utah. I don't believe ANYONE said he wasn't talented. THEY SAID HE
WAS DISTURBED. That is totally obvious.
Apparently, you think that everyone should just accept the warped and self-destructive behavior of everyone...and if they don't, then they are "freaks." Usually people who defend self-destructive behavior are masking the guilt they feel because they are engaging in some of these behaviors themselves.
There is no question Michael Jackson was an extremely sick person. His own family acknowledges this. He was also a creative genius. It's just so TRAGIC. But, no HATE has been expressed.
Apparently, you think that everyone should just accept the warped and self-destructive behavior of everyone...and if they don't, then they are "freaks." Usually people who defend self-destructive behavior are masking the guilt they feel because they are engaging in some of these behaviors themselves.
There is no question Michael Jackson was an extremely sick person. His own family acknowledges this. He was also a creative genius. It's just so TRAGIC. But, no HATE has been expressed.
RE:Mrs Jensen | 11:19 a.m. July 7, 2009
No mention of the word hate has to be present, just by your words and others on
here there is plenty of hate to go around. Read your own words and see how
hateful you sound. If anyone is bigoted it's you, so what have you been
doing lately?.
Anonymous | 11:25 a.m. July 7, 2009
Jackson had $.5 million in debt and he had a golden casket?!?
Bab | 11:42 a.m. July 7, 2009
WHO CARES!! We have bigger problems the to worry about a dude who lived a
stressful life with so many problems. He was a great musician for sure but I
don't own a cd of his and plan never too!! Let him go and put this
pathetic tribute out of his misery.
RE:Bab | 11:58 a.m. July 7, 2009
Obviously you care!.
ABSURD!!!!! | 12:22 p.m. July 7, 2009
the ridiculous media circus surrounding Jackson is totally absurd and is a sad
commentary about the valueless state of our society. A US soldier is murdered by
an American Muslim terrorist a few weeks ago and that terrible and tragic event
got virtually NO coverage from the fickle left wing national media. Go figure!
BLAAAAAH!!! | 12:34 p.m. July 7, 2009
I am very SICK! this is disgusting! Some people DON'T deserve to be famous.
However, they do come in all sorts and sizes of EVIL throughout history!
Creepy | 12:40 p.m. July 7, 2009
Why do I feel so creepy every time I think about or read about MJ lately? Maybe
it's because I hate hearses and flower sprays and caskets, and innocence
lost, but also because I think MJ was very creepy!! He was a very good looking
and talented man, but his last years, he was the epitome of a sold soul.
Anonymous | 12:42 p.m. July 7, 2009
for the record:
1-MJ was found NOT GUILTY of molestation, and during the case, it was pretty clear that the accuser and his family were a little 'off' themselves. It's not really a stretch to think that they were trying to get money out of him, especially in light of their past.
2-MJ had a condition that caused lightening of his skin, he didn't "bleach" himself, he had a skin disease.
Make all the false judgments you want, it only exposes you as uncompassionate and mean, especially on the day of his funeral.
As for me, I was never a huge fan of his newer stuff, but he was a talented man who defined music for decades. He had a tragic life, and it seems even in death he cannot escape mean-spirited people (like some on these boards) that just want to hurt him.
1-MJ was found NOT GUILTY of molestation, and during the case, it was pretty clear that the accuser and his family were a little 'off' themselves. It's not really a stretch to think that they were trying to get money out of him, especially in light of their past.
2-MJ had a condition that caused lightening of his skin, he didn't "bleach" himself, he had a skin disease.
Make all the false judgments you want, it only exposes you as uncompassionate and mean, especially on the day of his funeral.
As for me, I was never a huge fan of his newer stuff, but he was a talented man who defined music for decades. He had a tragic life, and it seems even in death he cannot escape mean-spirited people (like some on these boards) that just want to hurt him.
CougarKeith | 12:45 p.m. July 7, 2009
I love dancing to Michael Jackson's music, he is a remarkable entertainer.
He had some very hard times, and was accused of some HORRIBLE THINGS during his
life. He turned into a "Freak" out of pressure and a horrible
childhood which he never was allowed to have. I feel for the guy, and his fans.
HOWEVER: This is just a rediculous spectical over a great singer and a great
entertainer. Suddenly he is this "Invincable Superman"??? I don't
get it? Everyone poked fun at him, ridiculed him, did everything they could to
"Put Him Down" as a freak, a pervert, a child molester, yet now that
he is dead he's a "God" type of Larger Than Life guy? I am sad to
say, I'm sick of it! I'm ashamed of the way the American Public is
acting over his death. May he rest in peace, and now realize the love he had for
him. How sad, Sad Indeed he wasn't given this love and attention from so
many while he was alive. Maybe then he wouldn't be dead right now.
JB | 12:54 p.m. July 7, 2009
re: Doesn't Surprise Me
We seldom see ourselves in a true light. It is so easy to judge others. You castigated commentors for being negative but you called the people of Utah freaks. That's the same type of thinking as slapping a child for slapping someone. You are a negative person...deal with it.
We seldom see ourselves in a true light. It is so easy to judge others. You castigated commentors for being negative but you called the people of Utah freaks. That's the same type of thinking as slapping a child for slapping someone. You are a negative person...deal with it.
JW | 12:55 p.m. July 7, 2009
I wonder if he's one of the 144,000?
Anonymous | 1:23 p.m. July 7, 2009
Bunch of Hateful bigots here, can't see the wonderful progress he brought
to this world. Rock On Brother, you will be missed!
Re: Anonymous | 1:33 p.m. July 7, 2009
You don't get it do you? Nobody is being a bigot here, and most acknowledge
the progress he did make in this world and HIS message! The part we are mad
about is the "Black Agenda" being bandstanded in his service! It
isn't what he was about!!! They are Twisting his work, his message and
Being "Pro Black Power"! Was that his message? NO! He was for HUMANITY
not Just Black people! He did what he could to not be "Black" look at
his surgery, his appearance, his associates, he loved ALL PEOPLE! GROW UP!!!
That is the problem is the Exploitation made of his death for INDIVIDUAL
CAUSES!!! That is what makes ME SICK!!! Not him, not his music, not his dancing
or his life, it's the Exploitation of him that makes us all SICK!!! May God
Keep Him Well! Holy Cow see what "They" are doing to him, they are
making an "AGENDA" out of his death! That is disgusting!!!
observer | 1:39 p.m. July 7, 2009
Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, NAACP, Black American Caucus, The Martin Luther King
Family and every other Black Pride and Black Power Group in the country is using
him beyond belief! I am feeling so bad for him! First they Bandstand his
Innocence and dare anyone to make accusations about him, then they Use him and
Exploit him to be able to band stand their causes! This is totally
anti-American, Anti-White for the most part, and goes against his own belief
about the fact it doesn't matter if your "Black or White", yet
they ignored his own cause to band stand their own Agenda's! Most of those
who spoke at his Memorial were there for their own Agenda
CrazyWonder | 1:46 p.m. July 7, 2009
My favorite quote of the article...
"This is a moment that I wished I didn't live to see," Stevie Wonder said before his performance.
"This is a moment that I wished I didn't live to see," Stevie Wonder said before his performance.
RE:JB | 1:49 p.m. July 7, 2009
And there you go JB doing the same thing!.
JB | 2:53 p.m. July 7, 2009
re: comment at 1:40
You bet I'm judging, but I'm not hating a group of people and calling them nasty names. I am telling that person that grouping Utahns together is wrong and I have a right to that judgment.
Hating Jews, hating blacks, hating gays, hating Mormons, is all a terrible thing. People should not hate groups of people. Someone believing that Michael Jackson was not a good role model is entirely different than someone hating a group of people and lumping them all into one category and calling them nasty names. I would never call that commentor a nasty name but I sure will let them know I believe it shows hypocrisy to write what they did.
Disagree all you want...it is your right.
You bet I'm judging, but I'm not hating a group of people and calling them nasty names. I am telling that person that grouping Utahns together is wrong and I have a right to that judgment.
Hating Jews, hating blacks, hating gays, hating Mormons, is all a terrible thing. People should not hate groups of people. Someone believing that Michael Jackson was not a good role model is entirely different than someone hating a group of people and lumping them all into one category and calling them nasty names. I would never call that commentor a nasty name but I sure will let them know I believe it shows hypocrisy to write what they did.
Disagree all you want...it is your right.
Digbads | 2:55 p.m. July 7, 2009
Anonymous said
"Bunch of Hateful bigots here, can't see the wonderful progress he brought to this world. Rock On Brother, you will be missed!"
What in the world are you talking about? Crotch grabbing? Excessively plastic surgery? Sleeping with chimps and little boys?
It has been so tragic to see this wonderfully talented boy fall and suffer so much. Very very tragic.
"Bunch of Hateful bigots here, can't see the wonderful progress he brought to this world. Rock On Brother, you will be missed!"
What in the world are you talking about? Crotch grabbing? Excessively plastic surgery? Sleeping with chimps and little boys?
It has been so tragic to see this wonderfully talented boy fall and suffer so much. Very very tragic.
Hmmm | 3:00 p.m. July 7, 2009
I can't help but wonder if the people on this board condemning him for the
accusations are the same people who say "We shouldn't judge"
whenever some guy in Utah gets accused of the same thing.
sunny south | 3:02 p.m. July 7, 2009
Did not Jesus say love one another and also we are told not to judge as we are
not qualified. Enough said already. God bless America.
Anonymous | 3:04 p.m. July 7, 2009
Plastic Jackson + plastic melt down = LEGOS
SJ | 3:07 p.m. July 7, 2009
Rev. Al Sharpton? What church is he a Reverend of and where do they meet?
Mike | 3:20 p.m. July 7, 2009
How come his kids are caucasian? What am I missing?
Mind Your words | 3:23 p.m. July 7, 2009
Please mind your words, and let us be respectful at least of the loved ones MJ
has left behind. Thanks.
Someone Died | 3:31 p.m. July 7, 2009
One of the most talented individuals passed on. He was loved by billions of
people. He got a little weird but we don't know the circumstances. Stop
judging. He brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. I enjoy most of his music
but want to remember him in a good light. I wouldn't want to live a day in
his shoes. He was under a microscope and could trust very few people. I hope
everything I've done wrong doesn't get published after I die.
Sperm donor | 3:51 p.m. July 7, 2009
His kids are white because he used sperm donors. He is their father, just not
biologically.
Deserve what U live | 3:52 p.m. July 7, 2009
Sheesh, Someone died, and we all will in good time, and rather we leave a EVIL
legacy is up to us.
Ally T | 4:11 p.m. July 7, 2009
MJ is the singer with the most donations to charity, he married Debbie Rowe so
her kids could have a father, she was pregnant when they got married. He had a
skin condition called vilitigo, it's lightly noticable through out his
pre-white years until he finally had his pigmentation changed. He's a very
admirable man even though he's made mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes.Even
Mormons. Just respect the guy for what good impact he's made and let him
rest in peace. His kids loved him for who he was. Brooke Sheilds called him a
"little prince", Usher cried for him and you have to admit, he was a
good man aside from his diesease and taking in a woman to marry that wasn't
carrying his child. He has no biological children sadly.
JB | 4:23 p.m. July 7, 2009
My last response didn't get published. I hope this one does.
I do judge situations, we are all supposed to do that. I don't judge people. I said a person's actions were hypocritical to blast Utahns for being critical of Michael Jackson but then call those Utahns freaks.
I have no desire to judge Michael Jackson. But, to those of you who hate groups, whether it be Utahns, Mormons, blacks, gays, Jews, etc. Disagreeing with the beliefs of a certain group is different than hating them. I believe that kind of thinking is wrong. If some of you believe that is being judgmental, then we will have to disagree.
I do judge situations, we are all supposed to do that. I don't judge people. I said a person's actions were hypocritical to blast Utahns for being critical of Michael Jackson but then call those Utahns freaks.
I have no desire to judge Michael Jackson. But, to those of you who hate groups, whether it be Utahns, Mormons, blacks, gays, Jews, etc. Disagreeing with the beliefs of a certain group is different than hating them. I believe that kind of thinking is wrong. If some of you believe that is being judgmental, then we will have to disagree.
His own.. | 4:26 p.m. July 7, 2009
He tried his best in his own way! Everyone learnt something from MJ, wheather it
is about yourself, others, the environment, sexually etc..i personally feel that
he was misunderstood in the mainstream of things,however let the man be,life is
too short to be dwelling on negativity,as there is only one judge.
..His moon walk still kinda cool!
..His moon walk still kinda cool!
InAZ | 5:21 p.m. July 7, 2009
I thought the memorial service was very nice......there were times though when I
cringed like when Magic Johnson said he was a better point guard because of
Michael Jackson, or when one of the speakers said that we need Michael here but
God must have needed him more.
awsomeron | 5:54 p.m. July 7, 2009
I have never followed or done anything a so called Star said to do that I did
not want to do anyway.
Michael Jackson did not waste his life. He gave the World much and took little.
They Celebrated a Life, and a body of work that covers 40+ years.
He was not in the Box because he made the Boxes want to Dance.
I remember the little boy with the Afro on Ed's Show and I remember just last Monday and all times in between.
I believe his Daughter that "he was the best daddy"
He had some issues we all do, he had perhaps a few more. The Jury said Not Guilty all counts. 1 he paid off. His choice, McDonalds Paid off the Old Lady that put the Coffee in her lap. People are always paying off other people. What was the result of your last Divorce.
His Peers and his fans and some huge heavy hitters honored him today. Money does not buy that kind of love.
His Daughter said "he was the best daddy" Then hugged Aunt Janet. Let it be.
Michael Jackson did not waste his life. He gave the World much and took little.
They Celebrated a Life, and a body of work that covers 40+ years.
He was not in the Box because he made the Boxes want to Dance.
I remember the little boy with the Afro on Ed's Show and I remember just last Monday and all times in between.
I believe his Daughter that "he was the best daddy"
He had some issues we all do, he had perhaps a few more. The Jury said Not Guilty all counts. 1 he paid off. His choice, McDonalds Paid off the Old Lady that put the Coffee in her lap. People are always paying off other people. What was the result of your last Divorce.
His Peers and his fans and some huge heavy hitters honored him today. Money does not buy that kind of love.
His Daughter said "he was the best daddy" Then hugged Aunt Janet. Let it be.
MJs | 8:07 p.m. July 7, 2009
Anyone for KFC??? The MJs had a thing for it. That was a crack up!
Is everyone done bashing the dead? I'm sure it will happen at your funeral as well.
Just remember - He is also a child of Diety - just as you and I are. So, lay off your fellow brother and let his family heal. Your mortality is showing.
Is everyone done bashing the dead? I'm sure it will happen at your funeral as well.
Just remember - He is also a child of Diety - just as you and I are. So, lay off your fellow brother and let his family heal. Your mortality is showing.
I'm so bad | 10:10 p.m. July 7, 2009
People will immortalized Michael for a few month's and then they will
gradually bring out the bad stuff on him again, and bash him until till kingdom
come. After we die no matter how bad we are we get a few minutes of forgiveness
from others when we are dead. But then after a few months the nasty, gritty,
stuff appears all over again. If you're really a bad guy down here, then
you're going to be known as a bad forever, and no matter how nice someone
else try's to paint a good picture of you. History keep your bad stuff
alive and well and very nasty for others to learn about.
Sincerity | 11:36 p.m. July 7, 2009
Some in Utah may don't like or hate Michael Jackson but guess what..... The
world loved him and will keep loving him for ever. He was on of us and we were
him.
We are the children. We are the world.
We are the children. We are the world.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- Zoo animals get Thanksgiving feast 9:26 p.m.
- Miners' Cantwell makes name for 9:22 p.m.
- Religion cited in deportation fight 9:16 p.m.
- Utes determined to finish strong 9:13 p.m.
- For RSL, being late worked 9:10 p.m.
- Price man on trial for hostage case 9:08 p.m.
- Matheson phone meets reach 10K 9:01 p.m.
- Can BYU throw vs. Air Force? 8:56 p.m.
- Air Force wants to make it the 'Big 4' 8:55 p.m.
- 4A: Timpview defense stepped up 8:54 p.m.
- Mailman's nomination delivered
- Jazz finally win in San Antonio
- U. professor dies after fall from bus
- 'New Moon' rising: Vamps vs. 'wolves
- Horrifying scenario described
- Archuleta still calls Utah home
- 4A: Timpview wins 4th title, 4 years
- Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
- Utah jobless rate at 6.5%
- Unga's status 'a game-time decision'
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
182 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah166
- BYU, Utah struck gold in coaches123
- Lies shatter Utah family122
- Palin's book shows she's unqualified100
- Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case95
- Jazz finally win in San Antonio94
- BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.94
- Utes knock off rival Aggies92
- Huntsman pleased with Obama84
Latest comments
Again, another great game plan from the coaches in a year that has been more...
Nice Win Miners... even with the errors that we made and the many flags on...
Too bad for Hurricane! They definately deserved it! One lucky pass changes...
More like "offensive mistakes and 40 personal foul penalties"
Timp had 3 turnovers in the red zone, so I'm confused as to why those...
I know everyone but the TBird nation wanted them to lose today but what a...
Thank you for your service to our country, and the personal sacrifice that...
And since NYC is a bigger city than SLC, obviously the Nicks are a better...
I’m thrilled to hear about this! Where can I get one of those moon jar...
Robbed???????
Advertisements
Grow up people and live your own life.