[BC] Michael Jackson, R.I.P.

[Rich Wood]

------ At 07:11 PM 6/25/2009, Thomas G. Osenkowsky wrote: -------

>I have NEVER mocked the dead, ill or those who
>are otherwise unable to defend themselves. I am
>ashamed, embarrassed and frankly disgusted to
>have any association with those who do.

This has been a terrible week for entertainment. We've lost people 
who have made our business and our lives interesting, productive and 
profitable. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson each had 
devils to fight. When Ed McMahon visited WOR offices emptied as the 
staff came by to say hello. He was a delightful man. Every life has a 
down side. Failed marriages, financial mistakes and cancer took a man 
who loved to be around people.

Farrah Fawcett endured her share of blond jokes and showed herself to 
be a strong woman battling cancer and sharing the experience. I can't 
help believe she made many women stronger as they experienced the same thing.

Michael Jackson made many of us a lot of money. He brought showbiz 
and tremendous creativity to our formats. With all that talent he 
suffered a miserable childhood and leeches trying to suck as much 
money as possible. We all know how vapid today's radio is. A 
performer who made it exciting is gone. Even the early MTV that 
didn't play Black artists were forced to change their policy. His 
creativity made the suits even more empty.

I'm really surprised at some of the posts here today. I should say 
disgusted and embarrassed that the death of a person should cause 
people to assemble to think up jokes.

This is the second time in recent memory Tom and I have agreed with 
each other 100%. Each of them went too early. Let's let them go 
peacefully. Let's let them be judged by a spirit at a salary level 
much higher than any of ours.

Rich