Maybe Tomorrow

Song Fitting Expression of Jackson Spectacle
By Michael P. Tremoglie
Tea Time Blog

A fitting commentary to the spectacle which the demise of singer Michael Jackson became can be found in the title of my favorite Jackson 5 song, “Maybe Tomorrow.” It is appropriate because if anything comes from this incident it is that – in the future - Americans will stop the deification of entertainers.

The mainstream media, so anxious to televise those killed in action in Iraq arriving at Dover Air Force based during the Bush years, lately have done nothing to acknowledge the sacrifices of the defenders of our liberties. Yet, they provided unlimited reporting about a man who sang songs.

Maybe tomorrow that will change.

The exploitation of this event is crass and disgusting even by Hollywood standards. Al Sharpton, as Juan Williams noted on the Fox News Channel, had little contact with Jackson. Yet, Reverend Al shows up to get some prime camera time – and presumably some donations.

Maybe tomorrow that will change.

The United States House of Representatives held a moment of silence for Michael Jackson. They also passed a resolution recognizing his accomplishments. President Obama sent his condolences.

Yet, Ed McMahon, who died a few days before, was a World War II aviator and also served in Korea. The man risked his life to defend his country and did just as much, if not more, charitable work than Jackson ever did. Nobody in the White House or Capitol Hill said a thing about Ed McMahon.

Maybe tomorrow that will change.

The aunt of a soldier killed in Afghanistan complained that her nephew’s death was not noticed at all. He was killed in action the same day Jackson died.

Maybe tomorrow that will change.

Of all the politicians who tripped over themselves to be involved with L’Affair Jackson, only Alaska Gov, Sarah Palin issued a statement during this whole period expressing sorrow – not about Jackson - but about soldiers, who were stationed in Alaska, recently killed in Afghanistan.

Maybe tomorrow that will change.

For the next several days there will be hagiographies about Jackson. His fame will be exploited by news stations, magazines and anybody who can remotely cash in on slaking the thirst of a public that is seemingly conditioned to revere all entertainers.

The good news is that this is starting to change now. Many Americans are realizing that Michael Jackson was a good singer – a great singer, a great entertainer. However that is all that he was.

Maybe tomorrow we will honor those who represent the apogee of humanity: the altruistic, the heroic, and the selfless.

Michael P. Tremoglie can be contacted at elfegobaca@comcast.net