Let us not go overboard

Well today was Mr. Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center in L.A. It was all over the television I am sure and I did not watch it. I have already heard enough talk about his tragic life and his unfortunate death to last for a while. Recently there has been a rash of "celebrity" deaths and as far as I can tell none of them aroused as much media interest as the events associated with Michael Jackson. What will Michael be remembered for most? Will it be his undeniable talent or will it be other less savory aspects that one associates with his personage? Steve McNair whose death certainly was not in the natural category did not even come close to garnishing the media interest that Jackson's demise did. What would one think that McNair will be remembered most for? Coming out of a small college to play at the highest level in professional football? His ability to be a successful field general in the NFL? Probably he will be remembered for both of these, but he will also be remembered as a guy who allegedly died in circumstances due to what some would consider abhorrent behaviour. What will Billy Mays be remembered for? Other than for those who personally knew him, he will be remembered chiefly as a huckster on infomercials. He was so annoying that I really liked him. You could not turn on the television it seemed without him blaring at you "Billy Mays here." I will miss him. What about Farah Fawcett? She died tragically from a disease that I am sure ravaged her body, but not her soul. From what I have seen on television she was a good person who had her share of success and disappointment.
All of these people led public lives to varying degrees and all of their deaths were tragic for those who knew and loved them. That is the point here. Their deaths were a tragedy to loved ones, but the rest of us should show some moderation in our grief process. The circus like event surrounding Michael Jackson's death is quite frankly morbid. The constant barrage of media attention is nothing less than voyeuristic and way out of proportion for a man whose contribution to society was as a jester and (let us be honest) an object of prurient curiosity. I am sorry for the grief of those who knew and loved the man , especially his children, but I feel sorry for those who take such unhealthy interest in his demise. Their lives must be missing something that only they would know. If we feel the need to mourn those who truly contribute to society, let us mourn the U.S. and allied troops that were killed this week in combat. They truly deserve public adoration. Something to ponder.