Is there a society or organization out there dedicated to awarding thoughtless and cruel parents with the "Evilest Parent of the Year" award? If so, let's nominate Joe Jackson. The latest news from the living cesspool of self-entitlement, greed and jealousy is that he's publicly blaming his own wife, Katherine Jackson, for Michael's death, due to her inability to remedy Michael's prescription drug addiction. And in yet another bid for a hefty payday, Papa Joe is suing AEG Live, the promoters and organizers of Michael's aborted final tour. Joe Jackson clearly wants someone to pay him homage, so here's his Jumento Award.
There's lowdown and dirty and then there's Joe Jackson. His tom foolery would be harmless if he weren't so ruthless and vindictive. Publicly blaming your already distraught, overstressed wife for the death of your drug-addicted superstar son is an unfair and uncalled for blow to the gut. There is no doubt that in many ways, Katherine played an enabling role in some of Michael's more destructive behaviors, but the truth remains that Michael was a grown man who made his own decisions. The blame for Michael's demons rests with him. Others may have played a role, but Katherine didn't put those pills in Michael's hand or pay those doctors to drug him up with anesthesia. Michael held the smoking gun.
Janet has already spoken out about the family's attempts at intervention with Michael, but with the money, power and influence Michael wielded, he was able to dismiss any meddlers with ease. So Joe can't say no one tried. And really, an "I told you so" comment to your wife as your son's dead body lies on the mortuary table is about as appropriate as a "he should've worn his seat belt" comment to a mother after her son dies in a car accident. Too little, too late.
There's no sense in revisiting Joe Jackson's many failings as a father. Long story short: Rabid hyenas treat their young with more care and delicacy than Joe Jackson. And knowing how close Michael was to his mother, there's no doubt that he'd be pissed if he were here to hear Joe slamming his beloved mother as a bad parent. In fact, it's highly likely that Michael is in heaven doing this right now to Joseph's spirit:
In the words of Angela Bassett playing the role of Katherine Jackson in the classic TV film "The Jacksons: An American Dream": "Go to bed, Joseph! Go to bed!"
