Category: POP culture
Michael Jackson: Predator or Prey?
Written by Ron McClure Jr.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009 17:25
50 Comments

I would like to start by saying this: abusing children in any way — emotionally, physically, or sexually — has to be one of the most evil and abhorrent actions in this world. Even convicted criminals will beat and kill child predators in prison. I think that practically every person has a little voice inside him that intensely — sometimes gently — speaks to him about what is right and what is wrong.

It’s no secret that Michael Jackson was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with young children. But, what if Michael was innocent? What if all of Michael's friends are right — that he just really loved children in a completely innocent way?

Michael Jackson undoubtedly lived a life outside of the norm. Jackson was a victim of abuse himself. He was forced to live out his childhood under the adoring lights of the stage and the probing lights of a relentless press. As he grew, Michael began to long for a childhood that had been snatched from him. He spent most of his adult life trying to relive that childhood in a way that he was never afforded, and some would say that he built the lavish Neverland Ranch — adorned with trains, amusements and exotic animals — for this very reason. Often, he would have hundreds of kids as guests there for special celebrations and occasions. One thing was quite obvious, Michael Jackson lived his adult life like a child.

In 1993, the Chandler family had been very close friends with Michael. They were often referred to as Michael's "adopted family." After a rift had formed between MJ and Evan Chandler, Evan had made this statement, "There was no reason why he [Jackson] had to stop calling me." Evan then began to accuse Michael of sexually abusing his son. Evan had even drugged his son with sodium Amytal (a powerful sedative said to open people to suggestion) which was when the boy allegedly made the claims of abuse. When asked if he was concerned about how a law suit would affect his son, Evan Chandler made this statement in a taped phone conversation, “That's irrelevant to me…It will be a massacre if I don't get what I want." What he wanted was money.

Some might ask, “well, why would MJ have paid that boy if he was innocent?” That’s a good question. It's conceivable that an innocent man would pay money — an amount seemingly inconsequential to him — in order to make a bad situation go away. Especially since Jackson did so under advice from family. Is it possible that Michael never meant to imply his guilt by settling that case? On the other hand, Evan Chandler demanded money before he ever brought criminal charges against Michael. If the evidence against Michael was so damning, why would any father seek money over legal action? What kind of father would want an evil man to go free and continue to terrorize more children?

So, after being accused in 1993, Michael began a downward spiral of prescription drug abuse. He had been wounded by one of the only people he trusted — a child. Think about it. Aside from some plastic surgery, which was likely a product of his fragile child-like self-image, Michael Jackson had not began to act like a “freak,” as some say, before that first accusation. Everything that followed was a product of what he had become — a prescription drug junkie.

Like I have said before, I will never really know what happened. But, just what if, by chance, Evan Chandler did sinisterly encourage his son to make accusations to extort money from Michael? The boy's mother vehemently declared that Michael had done nothing wrong. And it is quite interesting that everyone close to Michael Jackson still claims he never molested any children.

If Michael was indeed innocent, can you even begin to imagine the hell that he lived in for so many years — the unrelenting pedophile jokes, death threats, hateful letters and despising looks. I'm not trying to defend Michael Jackson, but at what point do we draw the line between protecting our children and needlessly destroying a man’s life? Was Michael Jackson truly a predator, or was he actually the prey of greedy liars? Only God and few people really know.

 
Michael Jackson: An American Icon
Written by Ron McClure Jr.
Friday, 26 June 2009 17:37
28 Comments

Do you remember parachute pants? How about bandannas? Growing up in the ‘80s was quite a memorable experience. I can remember taking break-dancing lessons at a local teen club in Louisville, KY. I was about 8 or 9-years-old then, and my competitive nature propelled me to be asked to become a member of the club’s break-dancing team, “The CC Breakers.” Crystal Cove was the name of the club, and I still remember many names and faces from that experience. One of the first dance-moves I learned, which was before the break-dancing lessons, was self-taught. I picked it up by observing my idol, Michael Jackson. I was an incredible moonwalker at a very early age. Mike was my hero.

My parents bought me the “Thriller” cassette, and I still remember carrying my table-top tape recorder/player around everywhere I went and playing the tape over and over and over. The lyrics of “Beat It,” “Billy Jean,” “The Girl Is Mine,” “PYT,” and especially, “Thriller,” are forever ingrained in my memory. I loved Michael Jackson.

My mother, being more aware of time and history and having the realization of documenting the present, helped me to start a Michael Jackson scrapbook. I still can recall sifting through newspapers and magazines — carefully cutting out pictures and articles about the King of Pop (MJ). My parents bought me the famous, shiny, right-handed glove (of course, it was not as cool as the real one). They bought me two special articles of “outerwear,” too — the badass Thriller jacket, and the zipper-covered Beat It jacket. I was the man… I had the training, I had the passion, but most importantly, I had the attire. “You Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”? I was the man.

Okay, Elvis was my first love… And, KISS came shortly thereafter. But, I can remember MJ being the first musical artist that hypnotized me. I cannot listen to any song on the Thriller album without being jettisoned back 27 years in history — it’s like association in its purist form.

Last night (6-25-09), I received a text message from a friend. It informed me of MJ’s untimely demise. To be honest, I first thought it was a spam-message — you know, the crappy Forwards you get from your friends and family. But, when I got home, and then today, watching the news is like watching my own funeral. I mean, my childhood idol was way too young for this to happen. Is this a joke? Is this one of those “fake your death and run to a 3rd world country for anonymity” schemes?

Michael has been chastised over and over for being a little “eccentric,” and many things (like reconstructive surgery) he brought on himself. But, he has been an easy target for many cruel jokes over time, and especially the last ten years. I read a book about him when I was a kid — one that talked about his childhood. His life, as a child, was more messed-up than his life as an adult. I admit that I don’t know the truth about Michael, and I never will. However, a part of me has always sympathized with him. How could anyone that lived his life be expected to act normal?

Well, he’s gone now. It still seems surreal, but there are a few things that will always be “real.” Michael Jackson entertained millions of people, Michael Jackson changed music videos forever, Michael Jackson was the architect of Pop Music, and most of all, Michael Jackson affected many people — even some simple folks like me.

 
Excuse me, would you stop hating us, please? Thanks!
Written by Ron McClure Jr.
Friday, 24 April 2009 20:04
18 Comments

I was watching the news this morning, like I do everyday. And, I caught General David Petraeus as he addressed a House appropriations subcommittee — voicing his concern about recent insurgent “homicide” bombings in Iraq. Gen. Patraeus warned that the progress in Iraq is still “fragile and reversible.” Then, in the background, I saw something a bit peculiar. A small sign rose from the small crowd of spectators, just over the general’s right shoulder. It said “FUND DIPLOMACY, NOT WAR.” Is it sinful to want to punch a stranger in the mouth? Forgive me, Lord.

Why are there so many people that want us to be a weak, pansy-France country that is just asking to be attacked? I don’t get it, what’s the purpose of being “liked” by spineless countries, when terrorist groups pose the greatest threat to our peace? I doubt that Al Qaeda is shaking in their boots because they saw Obama kissing Hugo Chavez square on the keister. They’re probably laughing at us.

Then you have this crap about “waterboarding.” There are actually some folks that still think that it was wrong that we waterboarded Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (9/11 mastermind). Of course, we were able to get information that thwarted future attacks and saved American lives. But, apparently to some people, waterboarding is “torture.” Do you think having your fingers cut off, being electrocuted, having your legs broken, and having water "poured in your face" are all equally, torture? Give me a break. If waterboarding is so “cruel” and despicable, then why do we use it on our own soldiers like Colonel Oliver North? He was routinely waterboarded in military training, and you don’t see him suing the government, do you?

I want my country back. I like the idea that the world fears the wrath of the United States. What’s wrong with that? Do these idiot libtards really think that our enemies will say, “well, we were going to implement a terrorist attack on America, but now that they have become so ‘nice,’ we just can’t follow through with it. LIFE TO AMERICA!” Come on, really? I can’t even fathom what goes on in the anti-war hippie's mind. I know what doesn’t, though — rational thought, reasoning and logic.

“Fund Diplomacy Not War.” What does that mean, anyway? When you were in school, did you know any bullies? How many blokes made peace by walking up to the bully and saying, “excuse me Mr. Bully, but can we just talk this out?” None. Bullies are bullies by definition. They want what they want and have no concern for the people in their way.

So, I suggest we gather up all of the anti-war hippies and send them over to the Middle East, armed with BFF necklaces and copies of “We Are the World.” Then, we would really witness the power of diplomacy.