Deber, I think we have a tendency to overdo just about everything in our culture.  We (and by "we" I mostly mean the media) go way overboard with the accolades and then eventually turn viciously on the very object of our affection.  To a lesser extent, we recently saw the same thing with Susan Boyle.  Everyone was positively singing her praises.  Then, sure enough, they began cruelly picking at her appearance, mental state, etc… 

Michael Jackson is an extreme example, because he was so extreme, but it’s much the same thing. 

I think you are correct that she is one of the more responsive contributors.  There is definitely something to be said for that. 

Andrea, I just finished reading the new Fred Astaire biography.  There is no mention there about him saying Michael Jackson was the greatest dances ever (or of his generation).  Of course, that doesn’t mean he didn’t say it but I’d like proof, too.

The moonwalk was slick, for sure.  But, in re-watching some of those old MJ videos, it looks to me like his routines consist of a lot of posing mixed in with a few great moves.  Whereas, Astaire is dancing the entire time.  Lord knows I’m no expert on great dancing, though.

this article says Pierre Salinger says the allegations are bullshit.  Pierre Salinger has been dead since 2004. 

That’s right, which goes to show that this claim is no bombshell.  The rumor, true or false, has clearly been around for quite awhile (the age of Mommy Dearest’s nail polish notwithstanding). 

No offense to anyone but, I believe that very few people over the age of 55 ( I am 42) have any idea what kind of impact this mans music had on the generations below them.  Every single song brings back a specific memory of a time in my life along with the feelings I was feeling at that time…

Heidi, I think this is a very individual thing.  I am under 55 but his music did not have any great impact on me.  I like some songs well enough but was never moved to purchase any of it.  It has no particular meaning to my life.  Having said that, I know he did have an impact on many others and I respect that.  But it is by no means universal.

I am kind of nonplussed at some of the comments of disinterest on this thread.

But you mentioned in an earlier post that you no longer follow the family because you have lost interest in it.  Perhaps some of the other posters on this thread feel the same? 

Children can never have too many people in their lives who care about them.

Agreed!  Hopefully, all of the adults will keep that in mind.

Patricia, I am puzzled by the furor from both sides of this topic.  Obviously everyone feels their view is right (otherwise they would not feel that way).  So…if those who hate Sarah Palin and feel she has torpedoed her chances at the Presidency are correct, shouldn’t they be rejoicing?  She will soon be ancient history and that is exactly what they want.

Conversely, those who admire Palin and feel her move was a stroke of genius should likewise be happy because, if they are right, she is now that much closer to the Presidency. 

Instead everyone is at everyone else’s throat over this.  Makes me wonder if anyone from either side is really that sure of their convictions.  I neither love nor hate Sarah Palin.  My feeling is…she made a choice, now let the chips fall where they may.  As a result, she will either suffer the consequences or reap the benefits.  I just cannot get all that worked up over it.