"Michael Jackson Conspiracy" by Aphrodite Jones

I watched the Oscars last night and was enjoying the show, when suddenly, the moment for remembering past stars and entertainment execs came upon us. As the images popped on screen, and James Taylor performed, I started to hold my breath a bit, wondering if Michael Jackson would be acknowledged. He did have Thriller, perhaps the greatest video of all time, and then there is THIS IS IT. But still, I felt the Academy might snub him. It's funny to think that I would worry about Michael so much, yet I do...  And I know that many of his fans worry about Michael, because of all the allegations and rubbish that he was dealt in his lifetime, and the tarnish that still exists on his legacy. Many of us still fight for his name, even though his brilliance as an entertainer is now being acknowledged. Many of us try to break through the media "wall" to get to our friends and family who sill have their doubts about MJ, who seem permanently brainwashed by the media bombardment of the past 20 years. I will say one thing: Michael was a King of great magnitude... he was not only the King of Pop. As the Academy reminded us last night during the Oscars, MJ was a King of Arts and Science as well. For many of us, those attributes mean so much. But even more, I think his fans remember Micheal for something people rarely acknowledge: Michael was a King of kindness. That may seem corny... that may seem stupid to say... but I watched his humility and chronicled his kind deeds worldwide. And my own tribute to Michael, as I try to remember everyday of my life, is to learn from him. Actually, it's quite difficult to mirror the "Man in the Mirror." It's hard to be more loving, to be more forgiving, and to show acts kindness to strangers. Yet Michael did this everyday, even in the face of public humiliation and mockery. I may be taking a chance of being too "mushy" with these remarks, but I just need to say to Michael, THANK YOU for setting the bar so high.

AJ