“How do we keep fighting these injustices?”
What’s the alternative?”
“I have repeatedly stated my support for Michael Jackson through all the allegations and the attempts to vilify this great legend, and I will undoubtedly continue to do so even now that he has passed. Every time they knocked him down, Michael got back up. He stood up and told us all to take a look at the man in the mirror and to heal the world. He told us to remember the time, and now we remember the plethora of good times he gave us: the sold-out international concerts, the largest album sales in history, the impeccable dance moves, and more important, his generous, humanitarian side. Donating hundreds of millions to charity, creating his own non-profit organizations, and genuinely caring about the state of humanity. Michael will and must be revered for his distinguished and rare character. A young man from Gary, Indiana, Michael continually
paid homage to his humble beginnings and to his black brothers and sisters. In his sheer existence, he forced White America to confront some of its inherent biases and made it possible for many of today’s artists, athletes and even the President himself to exist. Before Tiger Woods, there was Michael Jackson, and before Barack Obama there was Michael Jackson. This man made it OK-and cool-for kids in Japan and kids in Kansas to moonwalk. A transcendent individual who crossed every single racial, social and generational line. MJ was much more than the King of Pop: HE WAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A TRUE GROUNDBREAKER AND PHILANTROPIST. I pray history will finally serve him due justice. Reverend Al Sharpton 2009
“Goodbyes are only for those who LOVE with their eyes…because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.” RUMI
Today, I carry with me an ache that vacillates between swell and subside…and, I confess that my spiritual side is once again feeling attacked. I remember my friend, Lynda, talking to me about intent…asking the question, “Is the intent pure?” Throughout the journey in writing articles to PAY MICHAEL FORWARD, I have been helped and educated by so many. Of course, my MASTER TEACHER is Michael. But, I have learned so much from YOU. I have also been cautioned about my views on the media and gently warned that it wasn’t healthy for me to ever expect a change. Michael himself said things would never change no matter what he said or did. Here’s where I get into trouble…intellectually, I really do get it. And, I often find myself giving a pep-talk to my heart, trying to toughen up, trying to quell the anger and disappointment. In battle between mind and heart, the struggle isn’t a fair fight…MY HEART ALWAYS WINS. Emotion rules in this body of mine no matter how much I work to do the opposite. The advantage to this struggle is that my goal is simply to NEVER STOP TRYING. I am determined to get the truth out…I am determined to speak out for justice…I am determined to assist the NEW MEDIA. WE ARE THE NEW MEDIA. I am convinced of
that. Impatience to broadcast the truth across every inch of this planet causes some measure of desperation. Seeing today’s Huffington Post article about XSCAPE raised the temperature in my body and the hairs on the back of my neck. Here is where Lynda’s question appears front and center. Now I know, we will not all agree on the release of Michael’s demos and the results of others affecting the final product…that I understand to be true. I respect the debate when it is DONE with respect. What stirs my emotions is INTENT. All it takes for me is false intent and I feel the need to speak out. In an article discussing artistry, an article that on the outside appears to be positive and done with a measure of care for Michael’s Legacy…I do not accept the mention of allegations. I see a false intent, to appear to want to protect Michael’s legacy…but, the very mention of that topic in a discussion of an impending 
album release reinforces the brainwashing done by the myth-making media once again. I see it as deliberate. I see it as intentional…making sure to reinforce lies that the public often accepts as truth. “STUCK IN THE MIDDLE AND THE PAIN IS 
THUNDER!” You, bet!
Loving as we all do…with our hearts and souls…there truly is no separation. We feel Michael with us each and every day. We turn to Michael’s artistry to feel close. “When you want to be close to me, listen to my music. The love is stored there.” Michael Jackson.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8DKD0PoRSI
YOU LOVE TO PRETEND YOU’RE GOOD
WHEN YOU’RE ALWAYS UP TO NO GOOD
YOU REALLY CAN’T MAKE HIM HATE HER
SO YOUR TONGUE BECOMES A RAZOR
SOMEONE’S ALWAYS TRYIN TO KEEP MY BABY CRYIN
TREACHEROUS, CUNNING, DECLINING
SAYING YOU JUST WANNA BE STARTIN SOMETHIN
Michael’s genius transferred his frustrations and anger into incredible music. He spoke out in speeches and interviews, lyrics, poetry and prose. He used his fame and fortune to create positive changes. AND, HE HAS INSPIRED ALL OF US TO DO THE SAME. In examining MY intent, I know I am committed to continuing to write, continuing to try to 
PAY MICHAEL FORWARD in every way I can. The ache I carry with me today will subside, and will return. My heart and soul will continue to override my brain. And, I will continue to reach out to YOU for strength and love. The trick is to remember all that Michael experienced…and, continues to experience…without reliving it. I haven’t discovered how to do that yet.
“I want to continue to grow. To me, the biggest sin of all sins is to be given a gift, a talent, because it’s actually a gift from God, to take that and not cultivate it and make it grow, that’s the biggest sin in the world.” Michael Jackson Ebony 1981
Be patient with me, Dear Friends. I love you. Let’s continue to reach out for history’s honest portrayal of Michael Jackson…for us there is no separation.
Jude
HIS tory
MYstory
YOURstory
OURstory
Forgive me, but I don’t really get it… are you against the release of Xscape?
beautiful jude. yes the lies will continue forever. it’s been like that from the beginning of time. we will remember Michael’s beautiful messages. I send his mother a wall plaque in memory of him. I didn’t take a picture of it, but I’m happy just doing that for him. but I would have loved to see Katherine Jackson’s smile love to all..
Sometimes I ask myself…how did Michael know WHY he was here? Because he most certainly did know….and he never gave up extending himself to the utmost for what he knew to be his mission in life. I know he was a deeply religious man…and a ‘feeling’ one as well. And he poured all of that into his music and lyrics…so very honestly. One would not have to wonder where or what his state of mind was. All you had to do was listen to his songs….and you would know. I remember once reading some nasty article about him (I was with him at the time) and I got so irate I just screamed and threw the paper on the floor! Then I remembered something Mr. Balanchine had told me….on the subject of Reviews. I had just performed a big piano recital in ALICE TULLY HALL in NYC and received a wonderful review in the NY Times for the concert. He said “deeeer…good, but if you believe the good then you must believe the bad ones so best to believe nothing and just do your work.” In this case he meant…..practice the piano. I told Michael (then) that story and what Mr. B had said and he said….Mr. Balanchine is so right! And then he picked up the news article I had thrown to the floor and put it in the trash can. And said…’this is where this belongs. I pay no attention and you shouldn’t either… just like Mr. B told you!’ I didn’t read the papers after that. Michael was such a strong character… I wish he could have met Mr. B….they would have gotten along so well. And I also wish Michael could have worked with Jerry Robbins as a dancer….that type of choreography would have suited Michael very well (it wasn’t classical ballet per se). Maybe in our next lives!!!