George Rebane

I was not a fan of Michael Jackson, but I celebrated his rise from lower middle-class beginnings to international stardom and fame – the former because I am not able to understand his music or its performance; the latter, because his life is yet another testimony to the unique magnificence of this land of liberty and opportunity.

His troubled life will now be fashioned into one of our national myths, a myth that will most likely be embraced more by the young and the have-nots.  As do the careers and prefabricated personas of professional athletes, his myth will undoubtedly inspire many young people to forsake education – as did he – and go directly for the golden ring.  The chances for grabbing that ring have not improved over the decades.

Yet he was a generous man with an enormous talent that gave him life and his fans joy every time he stepped on the stage or in front of the cameras.  We should remember him for those gifts.