Michael Jackson dies at age 50.

An entirely unpolitical development has occurred today, but a development of great importance and magnitude. Beyond the endless coverage on every major media outlet the impact of Michael's death due to cardiac arrest will probably penetrate society on every level. Why is his death so important and seemingly overshadows the equally tragic death of Farrah Fawcett.

Perhaps it is the very same reason I am writing about the death right now. Although difficult to judge one might be correct in asserting that MJ's name is the most prominent and well known name in the world. In fact the reach and influence of MJ's work exceeds that of any other entertainer in the history of humanity! Worse yet, unlike Farrah's well known battle with cancer MJ's death seems to have hit humanity like a sledge hammer. His death took an estimated one hour to report starting from the headline "Michael rushed to Hospital" and ending "Michael pronounced dead". Humans do not deal with such unexpected news in a very favorable fashion.

Then of course there is always the complication of MJ's eccentricity and lengthy court battles involving charges of child molestation. To me the suits of molestation were nothing more than America's appetite of suing people with money. I found it extremely difficult that a child stuck in a man's body was capable of harming kids he most likely viewed as friends. In fact, MJ was considered to be the MOST sued entertainer in America. He was considered easy prey for not only his immense wealth, but his obvious disconnect from reality. He may have been considered a freak, but a freak whose musical talent exceeded anything before or since. Ultimately, most geniuses are considered freaks and misunderstood by society, MJ is no exception. In order for humanity to enjoy the beautiful music and exquisite dancing ability, humanity must equally accept the man behind the talent.

Inevitably a high profile death will be shrouded in questions and mystery. Information regarding his struggle with pain killers will emerge, along with his rare skin disease that many are still unfamiliar with. The amount of of stress he was invariably experiencing while planning his comeback tour and any other possible implications that may have expedited the death of this misunderstood man. Perhaps we will learn information based on the autopsy that will further highlight MJ' struggles and hopefully serve to clear his name and reputation better than any interview could ever come close in doing. However MJ's life and history do not consist of his hardships, but the amount of joy he created to the millions of fans that adored him.

MJ's music and videos have sold more records than any other musician's and rightfully so. MJ's cultural footprint is larger than he could have ever imagined and his contribution to pop music and dance will be regarded as nothing short of revolutionary. One only hopes that his less than glamorous past 15 years will be just a footnote of history and he is remembered for the truly magnificent superstar that he always was.

R.I.P. MJ.