What is there to learn here?

I clearly see the controversy surrounding Michael Jackson, the rainbow of his music vs the shadow of his pedophilia and drug abuse. I think there is something we need to confront here. Does the fact that he created beautiful music and gave charitably excuse the victimization of the innocent? Does, by his own admission, the fact that he was an abused child excuse abusing other children? Does wrestling with his conscience, or celebrity loneliness and isolation, excuse his abuse of drugs? I hear the "Pollyannas" and apologists scream for his crimes to be glossed over and not brought to light but I believe that does not serve us, or him. When we refuse to task and acknowledge his trespasses we endorse those trespasses, I believe. Would any who would grant abandoning the discovery and discussion of those trespasses like their children to follow his path or would have been glad to have their children participate in sleepovers at Neverland? If the answer is "yes" I beg them introspect over their parenting philosophies and criteria.

Heroes are (according to Dictionary.com) "...a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal..." Was Michael Jackson a hero by that definition? He created some beautiful music but the world can go on, and even improve, without music, can the same be said with abusing children and drugs held as an idealic quality? I say "tragedy". "Tragedy" that those around him, including his family, let him get to the condition he was in when he died. "Tragedy" that we are faced with playing "Yeah, but..." with someone who meant so much to so many. "Tragedy" that art, once again, is sacrificed on the alter of human indulgence. Best, possibly, to do what Gandhi counseled "Hate the sin, love the sinner." But I don't think we can ignor the sin, excuse the sin, or do a full discovery about the sin. Sad, so damn sad... (This entry was also posted on CNN)