Bordering on the Bizarre: Watching the Jackson Verdict from Afar
The strangest, most postmodern thing happened recently. And it's not the fact that I've just posted my innermost thoughts to a weblog. I'm in the pseudo-rustic lounge of Washington State University's student-run bookstore, sipping on a soy latte and...
Posted to Culture by Raúl Moreno on June 19, 2005 03:45 PM
Jacksons to Celebrate Verdict With Fans
The Jackson family plan an invitation-only bash as a thank you for loyal supporters, fans and friends of Michael Saturday night at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, near Jackson's Neverland Ranch. The chosen will receive word of their invitations...
Posted to Culture by Eric Olsen on June 17, 2005 02:11 PM
Guilty By Opinion
After obsessively watching the Michael Jackson trial, it's coverage and the aftermath, I find it interesting how it seems that, despite being found not guilty, the general public opinion is that Michael is a molester. (I'm fishing for a...
Posted to Culture by Hardy on June 16, 2005 09:39 PM
Jermaine Jackson Speaks With Larry King About Michael
Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine, with nothing much else to do, spoke with Larry King about his brother's condition, frame of mind, future, the trial, the possibility of a Jackson family musical reunion, and lots of other things last night.
Posted to Video by Eric Olsen on June 16, 2005 10:50 AM
The Crime of Michael Jackson vs. the Crime of Catholic Priests
This post might get me into trouble, but it's been on my mind this morning. Please don’t read this if descriptions of sexual acts freak you out. I don’t want to put you off your lunch, or horrify you unnecessarily....
Posted to Culture by Adam Ash on June 16, 2005 10:08 AM
A Culture Of Idols
There was an interesting question posed in today’s Toronto Globe and Mail by their Television critic John Doyle. In his analysis of the media coverage of the Michael Jackson trial he said that the real story had been missed. The...
Posted to Culture by gypsyman on June 16, 2005 06:45 AM
Michael Jackson: sympathy for the devil, but not the celeb
Michael Jackson makes me think of Elvis and Brando. These are people who reached the top of their professions in the “entertainment” business, but somehow failed in being people. They strike me as solipsistic in their lives, without true friends...
Posted to Culture by Adam Ash on June 15, 2005 06:07 PM
Man In The Mirror
Watching Michael Jackson Moonwalk to freedom from the Santa Maria courtroom gave me pause to reflect on this once enigmatic, and revered, pop icon. Where does he go from here? Second acts are rare and Michael Jackson's altered popular music forever...
Posted to Culture by John Hood on June 15, 2005 05:49 PM
Article comments
1 - q
I find it interesting that his innocence relys completely on the fact that the Arvisos were only there to rake in as much cash from him as they could get. Yet, they have repeatedly stated that there was no motivation for his money.
MJ would most likely be found guilty in a civil case as the burdon of proof is far less, the jury only needs to have 3/4 members agree (or 9 of 12) and MJ would be forced to the stand in which the prosecution would tear him up and spit him out. - - take heed fans, remember OJ? - -
So here's the kicker! If there is no civil case, this means that the MJ defense was all smoke and mirrors about a greedy family that really had only one objective....to expose MJ for the acts of molestation that really WERE committed.
If there is a civil case MJ will most likely be found at some degree of guilt. It's a no win for wacko!!
something to ponder
2 - Eric Olsen
interesting points q - but what about the mother swearing there wouldn't be a suit? She would have to come up with a "reason" for her change of heart.
3 - q
Yes, this is where the confusion lies.
If the mom really was this so-called "grifter" then she would never have made the statement about not wanting "the devils money" and a civil case would have been filed before the criminal case was finished. I really don't think it was ever about the moms fabricated, quick, get-rich devised plan at all. Otherwise, the money would be right there for the taking.
Sneddon knew MJ's history and was frustrated at how he paid a huge (25 million) get out of jail - free settlement in '93 and figured this would be his only shot at a redeemed conviction. He felt that Jackson had continually molested young boys and it was his duty to prosecute. Sneddon has only lost 5 cases in 37 years, which clearly shows that as the District Attorney, he only seeks justice when there is due cause.
4 - q
The mother could always use for a "reason" is that her family were accused to be "liars" and the only way to prove that they were telling the truth would be in a civil case. She could even state that before any judgement is awarded, that all of the amount after legal fees would be donated to a charity for cancer research. Like the OJ case, this would also be the only way for MJ to "pay" (literally) for the crimes committed.
5 - Eric Olsen
q, more good points - the more Mesereau brags about showing them to be liars, the more justification she has, to "protect the family name" or whatever
6 - me
dat crazy niggaz nose gon fall
7 - Mihos
Janet A. was likely paid a large sum of money to help plant evidence in Neverland.
She didn't need Jackson's money, she needed
the instigators.
8 - Eric Olsen
paid by whom?
9 - Timo
Well Janet.A is fucked!!!!!!!
what's she doing now?......oh yeah shes on trial for fraud,i don't no the exact charges but its all down to one thing again........MONEY!!!!