It appears that Michael Jackson has kicked the Nation of Islam to the curb. He does an O.J. and tries to play on the sympathies of black Christians. At least someone calls him out about it.
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Fans of Michael Jackson (news) erupted in cheers Monday as the pop star emerged from a double-decker tour bus and went into court for a showdown with the prosecutor who has pursued him for years on child molestation charges. [SNIP]
Jackson made a surprise visit to Los Angeles' pre-eminent black church on Sunday, which legal experts said was an effort to boost his reputation ahead of the showdown with the Santa Barbara County prosecutor. [SNIP]
Jackson's appearance at First AME Church in South Los Angeles the day before his attorney was to challenge Sneddon in court also raised eyebrows.
"Jackson has never been involved with the African American community in the past," Defense attorney Steve Cron said. "I can't imagine why else he would suddenly get religion."Is that one of Jackson's defense attorney's? Ouch! He'll be off the team soon.
Christian forgiveness? Sure, Mr. Jackson. Are you guilty of something? If you are, and you were to admit it, I’m sure that most Christians would bestow forgiveness upon you; which has absolutely no bearing on whether or not you should be subject to the earthly consequences of your actions.
If you’re not guilty, why are you walking up into an AME church all of a sudden? Why not a predominantly white one or Korean one? And don’t tell me that it’s because you feel more comfortable around black people.
You know that it’s because the AME members are the least likely to toss you out on your emaciated butt --though I bet many of its members are fuming at your odious presence--and you went to kiss their collective butts in order to gain public support for your travails in the name of skin-color :::snort::: solidarity.
Just so we’re clear.
What IS Michael Jackson's skin color, anyway?
Posted by: Silicon Valley Jim | August 16, 2004 at 04:17 PM
Trust me, this is one AME that's definitely fuming. Also, being that Chip Murray is retiring from ministry this October (in the AMEC, all ministers must retire when they turn 75), I'll refrain from additional criticism.
I doubt the publicity will help MJ anyway; he's definitely prison bound, and not even an hour in the front pew at FAME L.A. can save him.
Posted by: Darmon Thornton | August 16, 2004 at 05:32 PM
SVJ: doll-colored
Posted by: baldilocks | August 16, 2004 at 05:50 PM
The last words up there are "Just so we're clear."
In a couple of years, he'll be clear - as transparent as a soft-drink bottle.
Posted by: CGHill | August 16, 2004 at 07:10 PM
Fans arrive on a double-decker bus?????
Truly amazing how these spontaneous demonstrations come about.
You made a point that most people overlook: Sure we forgive you, and when you've served your time, we'll shake hands and be brothers. But first, do the time.
MJ isn't one who voluntarily goes places where there's lots of ordinary people around. Showing up in a church full of people is out of character.
I suppose he gave his Nation of Islam bodyguards the day off...
Posted by: Mike | August 17, 2004 at 09:37 AM
Weren't the Jackson family prominent Jehovah's Witnesses?
http://www.freeminds.org/african/discrimination.htm
This paper researches the history of the racism found in the official teachings of the Watchtower Bible and Track Society, whose followers are now known as Jehovah's Witnesses. Their history reveals they are not free of racism as they now claim, but have manifested extreme racists views in their official, mandatory teachings. Even though 52% of the Witness' membership are non-white, not a single minority person held a leadership position in 1994.
more here:
http://www.freeminds.org/african/african.htm
quick JW 101:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/witness3.htm
Posted by: Liz | August 17, 2004 at 01:17 PM
Hey LaShawn, don't hold back! Tell us how you really feel!!
Posted by: The Grouchy Old Yorkie Lady | August 17, 2004 at 01:54 PM