Hi. This is a copy of a message I posted on http://www.michaeljackson.com a couple of weeks ago in order to pay my respects to this beautiful human being. I just wanted to share it with this forum as well. Let's use this thread to post similar tribute messages to the King of Pop.
Dear Michael,
I spent several radical years protesting against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, against poverty and racism, against government attacks on civil liberties, education and workers’ rights. I attribute this to you. Your songs, including ‘Heal the World’, ‘Man in the Mirror’, and ‘Black or White’, were responsible for implanting the seeds of a social consciousness in my mind from a young and impressionable age. They had an extremely progressive message and reached me at a pivotal time when I was just beginning to understand how the world worked. I admire the way you constantly fought to break down racism in the music industry and beyond. You also drew attention to how children are oppressed within the system we live under.
I admire the way you fought back against all of the false allegations made against you through your music. You were so strong, because you never simply laid down and took the media’s abuse without a fight. I admire the HIStory album because there are so many inspiring songs that serve as powerful statements in your defense after FALSE allegations were made against you, including ‘D.S.’ (TOM SNEDDON IS A COLD MAN… and the Chandlers and Arvizos are disgusting, money-hungry liars that should be convicted of perjury).
I admire how you always expressed yourself in the way you chose to, not caring about what the media thought and never capitulating to them. You always looked fantastic, and lived the lifestyle you wanted to live – it takes guts and strength of character to do that. You sent a message to the world that it is ok to be different. It is ok to be a little eccentric and “strange” and to have quirks. People should be able to express themselves any way they want to. That’s what makes us who we are and what makes us human. It is something to be embraced, not ridiculed. I believe this message has been your greatest gift to the world.
I'm suspicious about your death. I don't trust anyone that was around you.
I am sad for your family and especially for your children.
I cry a lot.
My favourite songs of yours are always changing, but currently I enjoy 'In The Closet' (love the very sexy video especially!), 'You Are Not Alone' (this will be played at my wedding one day), 'Smooth Criminal', and 'Stranger in Moscow'.
I love you, Michael. Thank you for everything that you’ve done for me, especially for the progressive values you have taught me. You have been a wonderful friend and you have enhanced my life by bringing so much joy and light to the darkness of childhood and adolescence. I saw you perform live when I was 10 years old. It was the most excitement I'd ever had in my life up to that point. It gave me something to be happy and excited about as a little girl. I’m sorry for the way we have treated you. I have so many regrets. I miss you and can never forget you. I am shedding tears for you and thinking of you. I will celebrate your life for as long as I live.
Love forever, Courtney, xx