We have been speaking about the reasons for hope and how to find hope in a hopeless situation. The doctor who looks to me for hope is his own reason for hope– he is a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility. Especially when things look hopeless, it is important to roll up your sleeves and become part of the solution. Hopelessness paralyzes and it’s imperative that hopelessness not be allowed to take up permanent residence in your mind when you are feeling flattened by life.
Finding hope sometimes takes a little detective work
Looking for the redeeming spark in a situation no matter how dim, is an exercise in humanity and human hope. When hope dies, humanity dies with it and we cannot allow that. That same doctor, disillusioned by how big the task appeared and how huge the specter of weapons of mass destruction loomed, knew it was important to find a way to contribute to uplifting our humanity, to declare that humanity was more important than treachery– which is the real origin of those weapons and where fear and separation live and love does not. It’s only when humans and humanity becomes nameless, faceless and disposable that we find reason to invent killing machines.
One of the first things we did in the Sister City project ” back in the day” when Russians were “the enemy” was to photograph Russian faces. We featured an exhibit of photographs and didn’t tell the audience that the faces were Russians until the end of the exhibit. The response? “Oh my gosh! They look just like us!” You think? And when the doctor was feeling completely overwhelmed by the magnitude of the weaponry (10 identified stockpile sites in Russia and 13 in the U.S. of chem-weapons alone) and of what we were undertaking he came to “Mama Gaia” and asked for some hope, some redeeming quality. Why the arms race; where was the redemption in that?
“Well, without the specter of that sheer magnitude– of the reality that there are enough weapons stockpiled to kill the planet many times over, we might have never sat down together to talk. We might have continued conventional wars for hundreds of years and never thought to seek a solution because the threat wasn’t big enough. The stakes weren’t high enough to motivate anyone to try to change it.” With his despair gone and energy restored, he rolled up his sleeves once again.
That’s why it’s important to find the little gemstone in the pile of rocks. Many, including me, feel despair in the current events in the media. Michael Jackson remains the mirror for our culture. The name “Michael Jackson” seems to bring out the bright shadow in his fans and admirers or at least those who “get” him. And it brings out the darkest elements of humanity. This trial is a reminder of how really polarizing a figure Michael was, how controversial, how stirring. And yes, he loved to stir it up. I suspect he still does. And I think from where he is sitting, he may not be opposed to using his body to illustrate man’s inhumanity, to stir it up– he doesn’t need it anymore.
Whose trial are we watching?
Watching the media this last week made me think of huffing– you know that practice of sniffing glue to get high? The huffing media seems to be tripping all over itself trying to sniff out the story and figure out if Michael is the bad guy or the amazing soul that some people say he is. In the coverage it is so amusing to see the talking heads, in the same segment salivate over the juicy details while examining the impact of this event on his children. They have no idea which way to let their heads spin. It’s like watching laboratory rats caught in a maze of their own making. They look silly, petty and sardonic with their “breaking news” in the “Michael Jackson death trial” revealing a clawing and pathetic grab for ratings. You can be assured they were coached in the linguistics of using “Michael Jackson death trial” instead of “the Dr. Conrad Murray trial” for effect and impact.
You may actually be watching “the tabloid media death trial.” The more they continue this pathetic charade, the more nauseated the public becomes in reaction to their antics. The more sickening their behavior, the more the public gets fed up. The ratings are not what was expected after the Casey Anthony debacle despite the network hype about the coming spectacle of the doctor accused of killing Michael Jackson. In the nightly sound bites, they present Jackson sympathizers and Jackson critics. And the audience is left reeling from the contradiction.
They don’t know who to believe as they parade “biographer” after “biographer” in front of the cameras. The talking heads don’t bother to ask the Michael Jackson researchers or fans about the truth– the one population who knows it. They look to the tabloid darlings like Ian Halperin and Stacy Brown and they ask questions of Rabbi Schmuley Boteach who was ejected from Michael Jackson’s inner circle because of his alleged financial treachery in misappropriating funds from the Heal the World Foundation begun by Michael. Michael cut him out of his life when Schmuley betrayed the very man to whom he was supposed to be spiritual adviser– who then wrote a book revealing intimate and confidential therapy discussions– a violation of his Rabbinical cloak and the trust bond between therapist/spiritual adviser and client. They don’t bother to ask the fans– the stable and reasonable fans.
It occurs to me that the public doesn’t know the truth because it is fractured and scattered in so many places and takes so much effort to find it. And many just don’t care and that’s because they don’t know the stakes or the history in this story and its impact upon the present, and of course, the future. The fans can change that knowledge base by continuing to bring the truth to counter the lies wherever they find them. There are some positive things occurring with this trial and that needs to remain in focus. The fact that it is telecast live is good– for in 2005, the public relied on the media to bring them the truth; they didn’t. The same cannot happen here when the proceedings are this transparent. While there is still some spin, there is less. The media has even tackled some of the tabloid lies directly, and cleared them up.
Taste: in the eye of the beholder?
What really disturbed people was the photo shown in court. The autopsy photo of Michael Jackson shown by the prosecution in this case (with what possible probative value I do not understand) was shown later on HLN after a sardonic and obviously contrived moment of “caution” spouted by the media crew there. Despite the heroic attempt to restrain the glee in being able to bring that evidence and breaking news to their audience, some of it showed on their faces. Political commentator John King spoke later in the evening on CNN about the photo but said on air that they have some decency at CNN so they weren’t going to show it. Brava CNN!
Soon after the photo was re-broadcast on HLN, a very sick, depraved and sadistic individual on Twitter sent 15 tweets to Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson with the photo attached. That kind of bullying crossed the line– any decency was shattered and HLN, that’s on you. At the same time as all this was taking place, Anderson Cooper was conducting a special on bullying at CNN. “The Bullying Stops Here” was the title of the program hosted by Cooper whose nightly “Ridiculist” segment targets and makes fun of someone on prime time TV.
Last week the media featured a drug impaired Michael Jackson slurring the words that revealed his private thoughts and secret motivation for the “This Is IT” comeback and tour– a children’s hospital built with the proceeds of his concert series. That prompted something that is attributed to Jonathan Moffett- Jackson’s drummer and friend for 30 years.
Now will you listen? Will you believe? Apologies accepted here:
Words of Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett:
“……. . . . . . . . . ‘NOW’, . . ‘NOW’ Will You Understand?” ‘Those Of You’ who Doubted. … . . . ‘Those Of You’ who Accused. …. . . . ‘Those Of You’ were ‘SO’ Insensitive? …. . . . Those Who Didn’t, . . . Couldn’t Understand? You ‘Ridiculed’, ‘Judged’, and ‘Persecuted’. ‘Hounded’, . . Drove him into the Ground! … . . Now, do you see? After hearing the Recordings Yesterday? Th…e Recordings from the ‘Heart Of His Soul’? EVEN when and while he was in the control of and under the influence of his ‘Handlers’, who aided, abetted and supplied his Impairment of ‘State Of Being’. ….Yet ‘EVEN’ under it’s influence, . . . . his ‘Heart, Mind, and Soul’ was focused on ‘Caring’. Caring for ‘Others’ Other Than Himself. Dedicating his Future, his Life, his Heart, his Mind, and his Soul, to the Needs Of Those ‘Who are Left To Suffer’, “Under No One’s Watch”, other than his. EVEN In The Face Of What ‘HE’ was dealing with as was evident on the ‘Betrayal’ taped recording. From a Genuine Loving Man, . . . these sentiments flowed. “My Babies!”. “My Children!” “I must help them”. “They need help.” “I want to help them.” “I Love Them All!!!” Angelic, indeed. A Loving Man who Walked and Labored among us. Bore Compassion for and with Others in mind. “Can You Finally See, . . . the ‘Beautiful Man’, . . . ‘Wonderful Human Being?” Truly, Honestly Wonderful!!! The ‘Angel Among Us’! Doing “GOD’s Work”. “GOD’s Will”. ‘Behind the Scenes’, . . ‘Un-Publicized’. Hopes and Dreams Recorded in private, . . . though by Betrayal. ….. . . Now that he’s gone, . . . Dreams Un-Fulfilled, . . . Hopes ‘All’ Gone, . . . ‘Done’. ….. . . Those who doubted, . . . . . . You ‘NOW’ have compassion on The ‘One’ who showed, Had and Bore Compassion for and towards ‘SO Many’ others in dire need. All those who now will ‘Never’ come to know, the benefits of his Hearts Desire to Help them. Help that because of what has been done, will and shall never come. …. . . Help, now Never to arrive for All those he spoke and Hurt for. Now, . . . this Hope has been Quieted, . . Heart, Mind and Soul Silenced. …. . . . In cheating him of his life, efforts and dreams, . . you have Cheated and Deprived, the Desparate Children All Over The World who needed him. All those with ‘NO HOPE’. His help and caring was forthcoming. Now, never to be realized. Thus, they’ll continue to suffer, trapped within their spirits, hearts, souls and minds of depression. For their “ANGEL OF CARE” has been taken away by negligence. “Fallen”. …. . . . So Sad this world to be, . . . if we can’t even ‘Recognize’, an ‘ANGEL Of THE LORD’, come to save ‘HIS’ SEED………………….” . . . . . . . “LET US PRAY”…._ Much Love, Jonathan Moffett “One Love, For All” “All, For One Love”….._
Michael an addict?
The current meme on HLN and other media outlets is about Michael Jackson being an “addict.” The term “addict” according to the Twelve Step programs and any of the inpatient or outpatient treatment centers means someone who at some time has abused a substance or chemicals. In those terms, anyone with a previous history of drug abuse is considered an addict for a lifetime. The philosophy states that there is no cure and that once and addict, always an addict, the only difference is whether or not the person is actively “using.” After graduating from nursing school, I did a six month internship in AODA (Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse) and as the child of a disfunctional family, I attended ACOA (Adult Children of Alchololics) meetings for a long time. I had a rageaholic parent and I wanted to know about dysfunction in families.
My knowledge is from being immersed in the field as a trainee and as a health care provider. It is true that Michael Jackson, in that venacular and within the Twelve Step and treament framework, is technically considered an addict. There is no distinction made between addiction and dependency within the treatment community. All drug dependency that creates a problem for the user, is considered “addiction.” That is why Jane Velez Mitchell insists on the label. She is a recovering addict herself.
Jermaine Jackson comes from a different philosophy and says that Michael was not addicted and is not an “addict.” Jermaine’s opinion has been essentially dismissed by the pundits as “denial” which is considered part of the illness of addiction as it affects those surrounding the addict. Dysfunction is effectively practiced by “enablers” (who obtain and provide the substance for the patient) or look the other way and deny there is a problem– to themselves and to others.
Jermaine has said this:
“I hope the “rent-a-pundits” on TV were listening to this week’s lab results that prove there was no Demerol in Michael’s body when he died. Finally, the truth comes out to nail the speculative bullshit that has filled air-time by people who prefer to fill in the blanks rather than stick to facts from court: that there is NO evidence of what my brother was ‘under’ at the time of Murray’s audio recording; there is NO evidence that Michael was “addicted” to Propofol as some, like Dr Drew, have guessed; there is NO evidence that Michael’s insomnia was linked to Demerol usage (a defense theory.)
I have grown tired of the assumptions attached to the audio recording of Michael – the 2+2=5=slurred speech=addict argument that follows some kind of ESPN-style analysis that is not only a travesty to the truth but to the memory of a man who is not here to speak up for himself. This week, the EXPERT evidence shuts up those pundits, ex-friends and attorneys who have seemed determined to paint Michael out to be something he was not in the years before his death.
I’ll say it again: events in 1993 and 2001/02 have nothing to do with my brother’s death in 2009. Michael was not an addict. He was an insomniac desperate for sleep. We endure this evidence because we want answers — and this vindication from the lab results is one of those irrefutable answers.”
What Jermaine is actually saying is that Michael was not actively abusing drugs at the time of his death, that there was no Demerol in his system and that his brother had a problem sleeping. It seemed as if Michael may have been just succumbing to Propofol in that state he was in although we weren’t told what agent was introduced into his system.
What the pundits are going on and on about is the drama in the courtroom when the prosecutor took bottle after bottle of pharmaceuticals out of evidence bags and labeled them– lining them up on the table-top until that table looked liked the inside of a pharmacy. It was drama for court and, of course, high made for TV drama prone to sensationalization and hysteria.
All the media seems to have caught the same “virus” and is “infected” with that same sickness. In actuality, the medicines show a much different picture if we look at them closely:
They actually demonstrate someone who was not only not addicted to his medication, but was non-compliant with the medication he was prescribed. Had he or Murray thrown out the medications no longer being used, there would be no ‘pharmacy in Michael Jackson’s bedroom.’ But of course, that would not make for reality TV drama. And that is really what this case and the television following of the case is about– conscripting all this information for ratings and to deliver viewers to their sponsors’ doorsteps.
I started this post out by talking about hope. Yesterday, mine faltered a bit and fans, anguished over the events and the direction they are taking, sent emails and comments. And someone who has been a rock in the vindication effort lost her faith in humankind. Been there. So where is it?
The power of Words the power of Voice:
You heard in Michael’s own voice what was on his mind, what his dreams were and what he cared about most. Despite their best efforts to break him, the false accusations and the draining and horrifying trial of 2005 did not take that from him. With his own body and graphic photographs now, Michael Jackson has shown to us what the world did to him– first it rendered him in favor of unconsciousness and then it rendered him dead.
Dick Zimmerman was the photographer who shot Michael and Lisa Marie as well as his Thriller album cover. Dr. Drew interviewed him as a guest and asked him about his relationship with Michael. Dick was able to tell Drew that Michael complained about media saying that in the Diane Sawyer interview ‘I poured my heart out and told them the truth about me and they twisted it. I tell the truth and it doesn’t work. I don’t know what to do anymore.’
Then Dick said this:
“Michael Jackson was an incredible artist. Probably the most talented and dynamic entertainer in history. You know, it’s tough enough for an average entertainer to maintain a successful career but then imagine maintaining the enormous magnitude of Michael’s.
Having to continue to create perfection but having the obstacle of the media, looking for ways out of jealousy or whatever with criticalness in order to fill up blank pages in newspapers—to suppress rather than to validate his talents or find ways to inspire. Suppression unfortunately in this country usually leads to drugs.
Sure, Dr. Murray is guilty of negligence and should be punished and take responsibility for his negligence; Dr. Murray just happened to be there at the end—the fall guy. But Michael started to die years ago from trying to handle the suppression from his media attackers. They were constantly looking for ways to bring him down. We lost too many iconic performers to the media leading to suppression, leading to drugs. Leading to death. Lady Gaga will likely be next; I certainly hope not.
Michael was highly misunderstood. He loved children; was totally concerned for their future on this environmentally strained planet—but compassionate, very compassionate.
The media couldn’t have it any other way. Michael is compassionate; no one could be that compassionate so let’s see how we can twist that into a negative how about turning it into child molestation—well yeah, that works!
I’m glad that these drugs, slurred words from Michael are there to be read, just turn off the volume and you will finally understand who Michael Jackson really was.”
Then Drew asked Dick Zimmerman about the portrait he painted in honor of Michael. Dick told the audience he has painted a montage of Michael to depict his journey through all his life.
If Michael has to be gone, and the pain has to be so gritty, and the trial has to be so disheartening, and the habit of using Michael Jackson for less than honorable and entertainment purposes has to continue, then let history record it, and record it well. In the future, when a truly civilized world looks back on this time, this period in history and sees how humankind entertained itself; when the future correctly sees Michael Jackson for who and what he was– through new means being explored and yet to be discovered; when Michael Jackson’s messages in his lyrics, life and work are finally understood in the same context in which they were created; when the pundits have all gone home jobless and the talboids are all dust because humankind has grown up and the civilized world has arrived, one thing will be abundantly clear: a kind of darkness visited humanity– a darkness that future readers will call “the dark age of the entertainment and information industry.”
Names will be named. Villains will be identified and their photos included and their crimes against humanity revealed. What will be chronicled in human history will be the racism, the rise and fall of shadow, the names of those seduced by the power of the darkness, and those who brought humanity into the thrust of evolution. The heroes of those times will be lauded for their contribution to bringing the light into the forward motion and who steadfastly stood for love, compassion, humanity and the enlightened unity of humanity. There will be one among them who will be called the father of modern civilization; he will be called the cultural mirror and messenger and his name will appear near the top of the list. That name: Mr. Michael Joseph Jackson.
29 Comments
Barbara I was very naive to believe that a photo presented as evidence at trial in a developed nation where laws are respected, could be a document strictly confidential and secret, but it was not so. TMZ Television is showing the photo on its facebook wall with thousands of visits and comments shared on a high rating, I decided to go to report the photo just marking it as offensive and I was helpless in the midst of vultures destroying the remains of the man I love. Would like to ask the person responsible for publishing the photo, how would he feel if someone also rise the autopsy photo of their more loved family member deceased? if they still have feelings … Barbara have you lost faith? No, I do not want to lose it someone told us this in one of his songs:
Don’t let nobody take you down brother
Just keep your eyes on the prize
Your feet flat on the ground
So keep the faith
Baby yeah
Because it’s just a matter of time
Before your confidence will win out
Actually I’m sharing the video “man behind the myth” with the common people not fans, I’m adding the following review or introduction:
“This is the only thing I’ll ask you to see about Michael Jackson, never anything more … Could you do that for me? It is information that shows the reach of media in their ambition and how they can destroy someone’s life just for money. (Ratings) Do not believe everything the media says, they manipulate the information to promote their own agenda.
Michael suffered from a disorder called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder that led to chronic insomnia. He had trouble sleeping because of years of pressure, press attacks, his skin disease (VItiligo), lupus and baseless court cases where he was proven innocent of all charges.
Currently the trial of doctor Murray who abandoned Michael after injecting an overdose of propofol. Propofol is an anesthetic that is only to be used in surgical and medical suites. When Murray realized he was not breathing he did not call 911, did not properly administer CPR, lied about what drugs he had given and withheld critical information from emergency room doctors. If convicted, the maximum penalty is 4 years in prison. Dr. Murray took the life a man who intended to use all the money from the concerts of “This Is It” to build the largest children’s hospital in the world, as played from a recording in evidence at trial.
I ask this favor to see the video because I want you to understand this man and that he was not the “crazy eccentric” as media painted. He was an innocent man, full of goodness and desires to change the world, who saved the life of many people. I am convinced that he deserves the recognition and respect. He belongs beside Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Diana Spenser, Mahatma Gandhi, among others. I am convinced that someday the world will recognize him as a visionary genius who tried all his life to make the world a better place.” http://vimeo.com/28381782
Dalia, I have corrected the inaccuracies in your comment. I would ask that advocates refrain from calling Michael their “angel” or “idol” because that is laughed at. I would advise that people NOT go to TMZ and those kinds of sites- you will add to their numbers and feed them with hits and more sponsors. Keep in mind the mentality of people who visit these kinds of sites- is that who you want to hang around? You are seeing ignorance and cruelty there. When the photo was shown in court, there was no way to stop it from leaking onto the Internet. Yes, Michael’s children will see it. The world can be very cruel. It is sadistic bullying, plain and simple. Those people will have to some day answer to their actions. Leave them to the shadow. And continue to spread the light. ~B
Dear Rev Barbara, everything you write here is on point… its everything I feel. How you describe the media could not be done better… the talking heads spinning around… grasping at every straw.. trying to make it sound worse and worse… but at the same time offering some little thing that might tell the truth to lure you in to watch them again.
How wonderful Dick Zimmerman was; he stood his ground with Dr, Drew and said what he was asked on to say… it’s interesting to see them try to limit anything good to be said about Michael. I made a comment to Dr. Drew and referred him to this site. I am digusted with him for repeatedly showing a condom cath on his show, as if that has some importance to the trial. I feel these are the enablers that feed the darkness to greater heights; your insight is so great. Please keep writing, it sustains many to rise above. Thank you.
This writing is so important, Rev. B. And I agree, the day will come when this messenger will be recognized. I was thinking the same the other night when Dr. Drew said much of Michael’s life indicated pathology. I was disgusted, but also almost smiled — these individusls who cannot see the goodness and the move to a higher plane, and who are so sure that their narrow view of us and life is correct. Won’t some of them be surprised. Michael, in death, still continues to teach. Love and peace.
Barbara, I’m amazed by your writing, your choice of words. They speak to me. 🙂 I’m in tears. That’s all I wanted to say. Extremely sorry for the other stuff. I still hope you can forgive me…..
About the autopsy pic, I’ve heard many people say, “So what if the picture is plastered in the media worldwide for all the world to see. It’s Michael Jackson. He shouldn’t get special treatment because he’s Michael Jackson.” and “Yeah, people are overreacting to the photo, just because it’s Michael Jackson. But it’s not horrific — it’s just a body. Michael Jackson doesn’t get a pass because he’s Michael Jackson. It was just him sprawled out on a gurney right?
OH GOD A DEAD BODY. it happens to everyone eventually. He’s dead anyway, I’m sure he could care less about how ‘disrespectful’ people are being.” I mean, seriously? Do people not have compassion for another human being? So just because it’s Michael Jackson, it makes it ok for the photo to be shown, for all the world to see?
I know, I know. Michael was at heart, a very private man. All the religious and spiritual philosophies about death say that when someone drops the body, it is very freeing and no thought is given to the shell that is left behind. It is the attachments we have to loved ones that make it difficult. Dignity should be accorded to all human beings–before and after death. I think the pain is deeper because Michael was so disrespected in life. I worry about his children. They need our prayers and support. We are immortal beings and some beings are immortal legends. Michael lives on. Truly he does. ~B
Already have. Blessings. ~B
I needed this post today almost as badly as Michael needed sleep. Thank you, Barbara.
I have been limiting my-self to a few sites and MJ fan-sites for trial coverage. I don’t have the strength to view even a single American T.V. reporting of this trial but I came to know that many anchors like Nancy Grace made fun that Michael Jackson slept in his “piss…” I cannot imagine any human-being saying this about a deceased person who needed a catheter because he was sedated. And there is some Dr. who puts a catheter on his every show about this trial? I shake my head in dis-belief… something is seriously wrong with America where such cannibals enjoy air-time and somebody really listens to them. I am sorry if it offends. But Barbara, this is not a culture of humans…no it is not. It is not even the culture of beasts…it is more like cannibalism. A human being feeding on another human being.
And they say, everything about Michael Jackson is pathological? Being child-like is pathological… being innocent and playful is pathological… being unbelievably compassionate is pathological… having till your last breath dreams of healing the world is pathological. Of course, it is and even worse in the world of those who feed on another human being.
“What you meet in another being is the projection of your own level of evolution.” – Ram Dass
Speaks for all these heartless people in the western media.
And on a less bitter note, I was again thinking of what Michael Jackson was doing by being unbelievably kind to almost every one he ever met, what was he he doing by loving his fans unconditionally and of course all the children of the world…whose pain was literally his own.
As I was processing this, I remembered this poem by Rumi…What do you think will happen…
If you can’t go to sleep
my dear soul
for tonight
what do you think will happen
if you pass your night
and merge it with dawn
for the sake of heart
what do you think will happen
if the entire world
is covered with the blossoms
you have labored to plant
what do you think will happen
if the elixir of life
that has been hidden in the dark
fills the desert and towns
what do you think will happen
if because of
your generosity and love
a few humans find their lives
what do you think will happen
if you pour an entire jar
filled with joyous wine
on the head of those already drunk
what do you think will happen
go my friend
bestow your love
even on your enemies
if you touch their hearts
what do you think will happen.
I hope the world one day is really covered with the blossoms of love that Michael Jackson laboured to plant…the seeds of love have already germinated in many many hearts. And many, many people have found their lives because of this one man.
I read this on a Ram Dass site, and how true it is of Michael Jackson!
“I can only trust. There is no alternative.. I have to be available to be hurt and to feel pain. Pain sucks. But being available to experience that pain rather than recoil from the thought of it, is likewise being available to experience life’s joy. Open and permeable. When my patterns try to control a situation away from the threat of that most painful pain, there is an equal and opposite contraction and resistance to the very sweetness and lightness that life offers. Can I be hurt and have an open heart? Can I be softly vulnerable and yet resolute in my honesty and purpose? To hurt and keep my chin up and shoulders back, so the tears that cleanse and purify have no place to pool. “
And finally a word by Ram Dass himself about what unconditional love does and why Michael Jackson affects us so much (I understand each one of us know but just to repeat may be)
“One day in India on my second stay, Maharaji said to me, “You don’t have to change anybody; you just have to love them”. When the other person doesn’t fit into your model of how heaven would be, you don’t have to play God. You just have to love individual differences and appreciate them the way they are. Because love is the most powerful medicine.
If each of us is separate, and yet each of us is part of the whole, but we got lost a little bit into dualism and we’re finding our way back out, every time we’re in the presence of unconditional love, we remember. And when we remember, we open. And when we open, the light pours through us.”
To me, Barbara your extensive research and the power to bring the understanding through your words and Ram Dass’s words just sum it up all for me.
“Every time we’re in the presence of unconditional love, we remember. And when we remember, we open. And when we open, the light pours through us. If you became a person who could love unconditionally, everyone you love would flower before your very eyes. Every way you look would be light. That’s one of the fringe benefits of this method. It’s breathtaking. At every level.”
This is the magic of Michael Joseph Jackson, this man loved…really loved and many, many people and children flowered. The world is filled with the blossoms of his labour of love…
Barbara, thanks for your correction to my comment. Also I want to share some good news: Someone very close to me admitted today, that MJ was a gentle soul and that the media lied about him to get wealth. That’s a big achievement because he used to tell me that Michael was false. He changed his mind because of the telephone recording, I was very pleased to hear it from Michael’s own voice.
THANK YOU Mr. Jonathan Moffett for expressing so beautifully what we “crazy” people have always known. Why doesn’t the media print that? He doesn’t line up with the message they insist the public be fed, that’s why. I must admit I am utterly shocked by the statement “anyone with a previous history of drug abuse is considered an addict for a lifetime.” WOW. I never knew that. I cannot imagine what it must be like to work so hard to overcome something and then still be labeled. The only thing that matters is the present. Conquering something means you won the battle; how damaging to still be labeled something from the past. In the case of this trial, there were NO DRUGS found in Michael Jackson’s body other than the drugs Conrad Murray gave him. No wonder that despite this fact, the media still INSISTS on calling him a drug addict! Now I understand where they’re getting it from. How very very sad to label someone something for a lifetime no matter WHAT the present circumstance. Whatever NA’s “rationale” for this, I think it’s incredibly damaging as we can see by this case.
Oh Suvi, this poem was set to music by our choir director who is also a composer! I can sing this poem! Perfect. And I met Ram Dass 3 years ago at retreat; he was amazing. Namaste` ~B
I believe Nancy Grace said “Jackson slept in a bed surrounded by his own urine.” It’s not the first thing she misunderstood. She didn’t understand about condom catheters and how they fit over the outside. I think that is why Dr. Drew demonstrated a condom catheter for the audience.
Yes, tabloid journalism and tabloid TV is exactly that– cannibalism. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-barbara-kaufmann/shocking-secrets-revealed_b_924555.html
I believe Michael was under immense pressure and most of it from himself– this was his to be his comeback. The pressure to perform in addition to not knowing how he would be received after all those years and buidling the hospital too. America treated him horribly and England was worse. He’s bullied front page once again. Yes, the darkness in human nature and the perpetual bullying makes me ashamed. It’s no wonder the man couldn’t sleep.
The Cannibals are FAILING. Their ratings are TERRIBLE. And Pinsky’s are the WORST. How is THAT for some really good news? The more we can post on fan sites to keep joining the boycott, the better because some big gun at HLN predicted this trial to be a ratings blockbuster without parallel, and 5 or 10 times the size of the Casey Anthony trial, and the OPPOSITE has happened. HAH!, as Michael said in Monster. There is nothing like terrible ratings to shut something down…
Michael’s blossoms are blooming, Reverend B’s site is a HUGE Michael Blossom, and I know some REAL psychiatric experts (as opposed to the impostors on HLN) who think there is absolutely NOTHING pathological about being child-like and incredibly good. Is the Truth starting to run its marathon? Let’s keep the pressure on, Blossoms!
>I can sing this poem!
Thats Amazing! Would it be possible to record that song and upload to youtube Barbara whenever you’re free enough to do that? It will be really wonderful to hear that 🙂
I am presently in England and obviously I don’t read the tabloid trash but the mainstream newspapers like telegraph, guardian and bbc news are not sensational. I mean they are giving very little coverage to the trial (I have to really look and sometimes don’t even find it on the main page)…that garbage is meant for people who use their minds as dust-bins; you said it once! 🙂
Frankly, the urine thing hurt me more than the autopsy picture. Maybe because in the Eastern culture we are more open about death and the dead body. In India we bathe the body, put on new clothes, decorate with flowers, perform the scared rituals and keep the body on display for people to pay their respects. Then we carry the dead body through the streets in a procession where everybody can see the deceased person to the crematorium. While the body is taken on its last journey we chant, “The Name of Ram alone is true” so basically the body is mortal… it is a “re-membrance” for those of us who are passing by.
So seeing Michael’s dead body was not so strange for me but autopsy photo looks so unwarranted and to top it all… making it all like a circus. So shameful. But as you said, Michael, the spirit we love is in a loving, peaceful place… all of this touches him no more and it tells more about the people who are doing it than him.
I am sure he is watching over his children too…I hope and pray they are strong.
Oh gosh! I will ask our choir director if anyone recorded it. It was quite beautiful- we worked hard on it for a long time. I love how India treats those who have passed. As for the people who sully Michael and trash those who represent the light- shall we leave them to answer to Kali? Mantra for today: MJ-Ram-MJ-Ram Ram-Ram-Ram I am sure that you know the last word uttered by the dying Gandhi was “Ram.”
Desecrating the dying or desecrating their graves was and is a serious offense; we feel revulsion for those who violate consecrated space. We need to remember what dignity and civilized behavior is. And we need to apply it to the living. I have some ideas about how to go about this; I will need everyone’s help after the trial. Ram. ~B
Barbara, when you said you will need everyone’s help after the trial, what do you mean?
It was very painful to see the photo displayed on the tabloid news and I felt that it was unnecessary but may confirm that Michael Jackson is indeed dead. Jermaine states that MJ was an insomniac desperate for sleep from PTSD. (I also know what it is to have PTSD and to be an insomniac) Others have also made this statement. It reminds me of the time that MJ said he loved knowledge. To be asleep is to be ignorant and to be awake or insomnia is to be knowledgeable.
Desperate for sleep means you want to shut out the world for a while. MJ was a man who knew too much and Murray gave him eternal rest. Four years is not enough penalty for taking away the livelihood of a man who wanted to build a children’s hospital, a man who wanted to care for our worlds most vulnerable. This dream may never be realized now because of the greed. The world didn’t listen when MJ tried to deliver the message through song. Maybe now the hearts of deaf men will hear the inner voice of the one who made a difference.
You will have to stay tuned for that. ~B
Please, never say never. Michael was unable to complete his dream; it may not be forever lost. The fans want to see it happen. We’ll see what inspires what transpires. And even if convicted Murray may not spend time behind bars (house arrest is always an option in non-violent crimes) and the State of California is releasing non-violent criminals or placing them in jails instead of prison if convicted.
Try to keep in mind that for what happened and how it happened there is no penalty that will ever pay. There is no redemption and no rewind for the living when someone is in the grave. It is important to tell the story of how he got there and who put him there– and Murray is not even the beginning. Murray was the end. He provided the final insult to this man’s honor and is only the last if multitudes who took advantage of his vulnerability. This time someone taking advantage of Michael Jackson yet again, killed him. And they keep killing him… I guess they haven’t heard how it happened. We’ll have to keep reminding them.
Barbara, I know Michael Jackson wanted to build a children’s hospital, but wouldn’t that open up more ridicule and more smearing of his name, jokes from people? They didn’t understand his reasoning for Neverland and his purpose behind it. I just don’t think Michael will ever be taken seriously.
Evil people have ruined his reputation and don’t see a kind, loving, compassionate individual who wanted to protect the children of the world. They saw something sinister and questioned his motives. I’ve been crying alot lately and I Just feel for MJ. I can’t shake this feeling. It’s hopeless. I just don’t understand why people have to be so cruel, especially when it comes to Michael. 🙁
Amanda, we all feel some of that. I am not a fan but a researcher. I don’t know how fans, especially long term fans, hung in there through all that has gone before. I have spoken to them and many times they lost faith and it felt hopeless. But they did not have social media. They not have solidarity. Much has already changed since Michael’s death. Things have been galvanized. Vindication work goes forward in earnest.
Books are now being released by those who actually knew Michael or by those who have put years of research into their work. People who knew Michael or worked with him are speaking out. Stay tuned. And you may as well keep the faith; it’s better than the alternative. And if you allow yourself to stay in the darkness or keep talking about it, spreading it– you contribute to the collective shadow. Meditation and prayer with visualizing and feeling the outcome as benevolent is a much better use of your (our) time. Capish? More about this next time.
Amanda, Rev. B. is so right. Hang in there and don’t give up. I have loved Michael since he was 11 years old, long before social media brought all of us together. Through all of the pain inflicted upon him, he never gave up. He stood tall, with grace and dignity, and continued the good fight. That is what galvanized those of us that were always there. There were so many times when we felt so helpless, wanting to speak out on his behalf. Now we are one voice, and things are changing, little by little the real man is emerging for the rest of the world. Dr. Murray’s trial will fade away, and Michael’s gifts to all of us will be recognized. Love and peace to you both.
Complaints about the televised airing of the autopsy photo can be made here: http://www.fcc.gov/complaints
Sleep my friend! For the dawn will come again in another time,
And your kindly soul can finds some solitude at last,
Rest, as your seedlings grow and sparkle from the vine,
And children laugh and play as God above looks down
On that other morn, as sun will strike the earth with shafts of light,
And ripened grapes shake and gently tremble on the boughs,
As mountain streams stall and turn back around their paths,
The heavens open and each man falls prostrate on the ground
And Jesus comes amongst us, as propechies of the past did fortell,
Your rested body then wakes from the slumber of the age,
Rose scented petals fill the Temple, falling, circling all around
And you shall rise and take your rightly place by his side,
And man shall then forever know all the evil that was done,
To fellow man, to starving child and also to you alone,
The destitute shall then arise, the sickly smile again,
And each shall know your beauty as we stand in judgement of the age.
Thank you Patrick. May your heart be healed from this immeasurable loss. ~B
Dr Treacy, thank you so much for this beautiful poem dedicated to Michael. And thank you for being a true friend to him. I am sure that your genuine frienship provided solace to Michael’s wounded heart. You have my eternal gratitude. God bless you, Nicole (France)
Such a beautiful poem, Patrick. Much love to you and yours.