Michael Jackson was just that Big
By Brian E. Muhammad

I have been glued to the news broadcasts since Thursday, June 25, when the last piece of news, that I and the world expected to recieve was aired; “Michael Jackson is dead”-marking the death of another public figure who became bigger than life in the last two centuries.

As a self confessed “news junkie” and one who finds pleasure in keeping up with world affairs, the coverage on Michael Jackson seemed second to none internationally.
 
One can only look at the internet traffic that went into over load after the announcement or look to the networks that repositioned the turmoil in Iran, President Obama and the scandal around Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina to the scrolling print at the bottom of the screen.

Every Network from CNN to Al-Jazeera covered the earth shaking anouncement.

Simply put, Michael Jackson was just that big.

The reaction to his death is attributed to the true quality of his heart and the capacity of his love, which was widely misunderstood.

The global reaction is in spite of how the powers that be conspired to publicly destroy Michael Jackson in recent years.
But the best of who he was is having the final curtain call.
The response around the world bore the proof that Love had greater reach than the hate of his detractors.
One can further bear witness by the crowds who showed up at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center where the “King of Pop” was rushed to.
Likewise there was the multitude that turned Harlem’s 125Th Street, in front of the Apollo theatre into an impromptu place of mourning, dancing and celebration of the life of the symbol of popular culture.

A scene of messianic proportions for a man that some cultural commentators argue was annointed.
“Michael Jackson has been ordained by God to revolutionize pop culture in a way that would never, ever be duplicated”, said Bruce George, Co-founder of Def-Poetry jam to Global Peeks.

Shock and disbelief reverberated across the globe at the news of the world renowned performer. On the streets of London -where a reported 750 thousand tickets had already sold for his 50 night “come back” tour-music of the iconic singer filled the atmosphere in celebration of his life.

South Africa media was full of the testimonials, tributes, and recounts of Michael Jackson’s visit to the country as part of his “History Tour” during the 1990’s.

Former President Nelson Mandela was one of the first world leaders to express his condolences over the news through his foundation.

"The Nelson Mandela Foundation regrets the untimely passing of Michael Jackson. His loss will be felt by his fans worldwide." Jackson sang at Mandela’s birthday anniversary in 1998, met again in 1999 and made a donation to the Nelson Mandela Fund for children.

AP reported that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez simply said that it’s "lamentable news."

“He was a beautiful human being. If not for him, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing,” said Recording artist Lenny Kravitz from London.

In Romania, where a Jackson concert in 1992 helped mark the country's new freedoms after the fall of the Soviet bloc, singer Lucian Viziru told AP, he was stunned by the death.

"I grew up with him, I learned his dances, his songs, everything. My first ever cassette was 'Thriller.’”

All across the globe the masses responded, not to an accused pedophile and molester that certain bloodsuckers of the poor painted him as, but to a gifted soul whose talent was highly developed.
 
Only a human being with a certain kind of heart can achieve reaching such a diverse group of people.

The naysayers, haters, and plotters of his destruction have to accept the fact that in death as in life, Michael Jackson was just that big.

(Brian E. Muhammad is a Talk show Host and Commentator on Politics and Foreign Affairs- He can be reached at Globalpeeks@gmail.com)