Speaking Ill of the Dead

Michael Jackson has been eulogized by every television outlet for the past three days. Every minute of footage of the King of Pop has been witnessed, and his albums are flying off the shelves once again. In short, Michael Jackson has accomplished what Elvis Presley did when he died: a final comeback.

Some have said there is no such thing as a second act in American fame. But occasionally, a fading star is given new life, if only in the afterlife.

Many forget that when Elvis died in 1977, he was just a caricature of his former self, the sex symbol of the 1950's and '60's. His concerts were becoming more haphazard, and his appearance became almost grotesque. Had he not died that summer, it is easy to imagine that he would have become a faded lounge singer greatly in debt and living as a recluse.

Ironically, all of Michael Jackson's financial problems will be solved by his death. His estate will grow in value, just as Presley's has. His living relatives will live off the residuals for decades to come, and his children will be very rich.

But perhaps the greatest benefit to Jackson's death is the absolution both fans and the press have granted the singer. In death, all sins seem forgiven, and allegations of child molestation are glossed over in biographies on television and in the hearts and minds of millions on the street.

Indeed, one man interviewed on CNN said Jackson "had his problems, but..." Fourteen lawsuits and two criminal cases for child molestation have been reduced to "problems" in the eyes of the public. In time, his alleged abuse of children will be abridged to a footnote nestled in between his "Bad" and "Invincible" years.

In death, Michael has finally succeeded where 750 million records worldwide failed: vindication for his sins and eternal fame as a music legend and not a damaged life.