Let's let Michael Jackson just rest in peace.

I grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, in the late 60's and early 70's, just across the river from Manhattan. I was a hard core Rock n Roller and I can remember when there was nothing better than listening to the smokey voice of the Nightbird, Allison Steele, in the wee hours on WNEW radio. She would open her show with that incredible FM lay back proclaiming: "The flutter of wings, the shadow across the moon, the sounds of the night, as the Nightbird spreads her wings and soars above the earth, into another level of comprehension, where we exist only to feel. Come fly with me, Alison Steele, until dawn. She was a pioneer in progressive music and would jam to the sound of Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Yes, King Cirmson, Genesis, Jefferson Airplane and Emerson, Lake and Palmer, just to name a few. May God rest her soul.

I also remember cruising alone during the day in my 1963 Volkswagen micro bus, which had no FM, listening to the king of New York radio at the time, Cousin Brucie, (Bruce Morrow), on AM radio 77, WABC. I would secretly enjoy the "bubble gum" music of Tommy Roe (Dizzy), the Archie's, the Osmond's and of course, the Jackson Five. OK, so after all these years I'm finally out of the closet--- So What!. I liked the Jackson Five.

Over the years in his solo career, Michael Jackson evolved into one of the finest entertainers of our time. Jackson was instrumental in changing the music video industry from just a promotional tool to a form of art. He raised the standards significantly for all artists on MTV because now you didn't just have to sound good, you had to look good as well and as far as showmanship was concerned, most entertainers couldn't hold a candle to Jackson.

Jackson was a huge commercial success and with wealth comes eccentricity and over indulgence. He was addicted to prescription drugs, which is not hard to do if you have a personal physician that you just instruct to prescribe certain medication, or he's fired. Jackson was also addicted to plastic surgery. there again, if you have the money you just tell the doctor what you want, regardless of the medical necessity. Supposedly he had a preference for young boys but the first incident went away, you guessed it, with the majic of money. He was acquitted for his alleged misconduct the second time in a court of law. Although Michael seemed to have more than his share, we all have our shortcomings and problems. To the critics who were so quick to condemn him I say let the one without fault cast the next stone.

Recently the results of Michael Jackson's autopsy were conveniently leaked to the media. Most people safely assumed that Michael met his early demise as a result of an injection of an anesthetic that was only supposed to be used in a hospital. The autopsy confirmed this; however, I'm sure that enquiring minds just had to know that Michael had a receding hairline and had a black tattoo on the front of his head. We all needed to know about the scars behind his ears and on his nose and the white spots on his chest and stomach. If he wanted to tattoo his lips pink to save on lipstick, that was his business. I'm surprised the report didn't state the size of his genitalia which would have made a great story for the tabloids.

Michael Jackson was the King of Popular Music. Everything he attained was the result of discipline and hard work. I just don't see why, even in death, we must continually drag this guy through the mud. It's time to remember Michael Jackson for his accomplishments and contributions to humanity and just let him rest in peace. Amen.