On September 27, 2011 the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray began. The doctor is accused of involuntary manslaughter in the death of the King of Pop Michael Jackson. While his actions are in question, is he solely to blame?
Michael Jackson, who was probably the most recognized person in the world, had major influence over the people around him. I question whether or not the people around him truly were concerned with him, or just concerned with the almighty dollar. Money brings people who you may have never met out of the woodwork. They gain your trust and when you need them the most, they seem to disappear. Sadly, this happened in the case of Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson had an addiction. Addicts will do anything to get their own personal drug of choice. Michael had the money to do it. He also had the people around him who didn’t question his actions or offer to get help.
There has to be a fall guy in this story. Michael’s fans are angry, and as they believe Michael had nothing to do with his own demise, Dr. Murray is the one who is put on the chopping block. Dr. Murray should have listened to his conscience and just walked away from the situation. He is not completely to blame for this tragic event; however, the media seems to point otherwise.
This is just another tragic case of a celebrity not getting the help to get clean. This is happening all too often with cases such as Amy Winehouse, Chris Farley and John Belushi, as well as Jackson. Dr. Murray did have a role in Michael’s death, but Michael had a major role in his own death as well.
According to the Department of Human Services in Utah, in 2010, 88,251 people over the age of 18 were classified as needing treatment for substance and alcohol abuse. What is even more alarming is the number of people under the age of 18 who needed help was 11,899.
If you know anyone who has a substance abuse problem don’t be afraid to talk to them. You want to get them the help they need. You never know, you could be saving the life of the next great music sensation.
Places to get help in Salt Lake City include the Agape Center and Odyssey House.
