The morning newspapers were all awash with coverage of the Michael Jackson send-off in downtown Los Angeles yesterday - with the big spotlight focused squarely on the star-studded Memorial Service - which did not disappoint.
Usher, Mariah Carey - even one of the Jackson boys - graced the tastefully-decorated stage to perform on cue during the much-ballyhooed televised event that was simultaneously broadcast with lightning speed around the globe.
Reporters left no stone unturned in their treasure hunt for newsworthy gems.
There were up-close stills of fans wearing their hearts on their sleeves - and a bevy of high-profile entertainers captured on film in a poignant moment or two as they were solemnly whisked in by motorcade.-
And - to underscore just how exclusive MJ's final gig was - aerial views of curious throngs being kept at bay.
But, it was the awesome spectacle of the gold casket being ceremoniously hoisted up and tenderly placed just beyond the footlights and in the eye-line of grief-stricken mourners, that caused tears to well up in the most stalwart of onlookers in the packed stadium.
Usher, Mariah Carey - even one of the Jackson boys - sang out and touched the hearts of dedicated fans and family members in tow - even rapt viewers glued to the boob-tube at home - without an ounce of melodrama clouding the uplifting renderings that swept everyone within earshot away.
In spite of an angelic presence which wafted over the proceedings, a little drama was injected into the scenario, nonetheless.
A few cynics were inclined to wonder aloud if an estranged sibling (La Toya Jackson) would alight with the inner family circle - thus confirming - that an untimely passing of a loved one has the capacity to heal all wounds.
On this occasion, it surely did.
Speculation that two former wives (gosh, he had more spouses than you could toss a stick at, in spite of the fact gossip-mongers alleged he was "gay") might attend - even pass a civil word between 'em - fell flat when it was evident there would be no-shows by either.
One awkward moment just about upset the apple-cart, too.
CBS reported in a News Flash that an irate man disrupted the Memorial Service outside of Staples briefly when he shouted out angrily that the King of Pop was a child molester.
In tandem with his unexpected outburst, a posse of cohorts thrust up a half-a-dozen or so hand-made signs, that sullied the dearly departed's name and reputation further.
The LAPD quickly rushed in and ejected the rabble-rauser - at which point - an AP photographer jockeyed into position and ably captured a still to bolster the report broadcast live online at the CBS website.
Because the incident was in sharp contrast to the ongoing peaceful events - and a pay-out to one alleged victim to the tune of an astounding $20 Million still raised a spectre of doubt long after charges were officially dropped - I was inclined to pen a post on behalf of Journalistic Ethics.
To ignore the ugly incident would have been morally wrong, in my estimation.
A short time later, a news update informed viewers that after a brief discussion with the disgruntled protester, the men-in-blue were inclined to release the upstart without filing charges.
In spite of a logged account, top brass at the LAPD proceeded to misrepresent the facts at the end of the frenzied day - either to save face - or to protect the image of the force.
"There were no arrests, no traffic incidents, no uses of force by officers, and nothing resembling a problem," Bratton stated for the record matter-of-fact without batting an eye.
Golly, was the crusty old Police Chief, just clueless about what went down?
For starters, he was way off-base on one count.
The problem with the protester was obviously a serious one - why else would it be deemed necessary to detain the individual for a brief spell out on the sidelines - out of harm's way?
Notwithstanding that glaring falsehood, the AP photo posted here clearly establishes that the LAPD did - in fact - forcibly "haul" a gentleman away in a less than polite or orderly fashion!
I understand now why the melee in MacArthur's Park last year didn't faze the Chief one bit .
For the LAPD, that was just a routine salute to the Citizens of this fair city, eh?
Fortunately for the LAPD, reporters were too-hyped over the glittering non-stop real-time events unfolding before 'em, to give a rat's a** about one embarrassing moment well-heeled guests preferred to cast a blind eye to.
Sure, I applauded one Congresswoman who had the b**s to lash out and condemn the ugly interruption in no uncertain terms, which cast a momentary pall on the Memorial Service.
And, for good reason.
At a funeral - friends, family, and members of the community - are entrusted with the serious task of ensuring there is a loving send-off on the deceased's day-of-all-days.
What of judgment, you say?
Left to the good Lord, of course!
But, documentarians are not barred from drafting a thumbnail character sketch on any sentient being who walked this mortal coil (celebrated or not) to ensure the annals of history resonate with truth and are not bound with fluff.
Therefore, in spite the fact a Steve Lopez column in today's morning newspaper agitated a smattering of die-hard Michael Jackson admirers who waxed annoyingly near-and-far that the journalist's less-than-flattering portrait was in poor taste on the heels of the Memorial Service, I say "kudos" go out all-around.
Oscar Wilde said it best:
"The truth is rarely pure and never simple."
http://www.julianayrs.com
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