We cant wait 4 obama 2arrive in Ghana. RIP mj...

Michael wud hav bn better in da LORD.

Enough with the coverage of Michael Jackson. Yes its a shame he died, but there are much more important things going on in the World than his death. It doesn't warrant 24 hour media coverage day after day, its ridiculous considering the US economy is in the tank, there are 2 wars going on, Obama is in Russia, the situation in Iran and China and Palin just quit.
GET BACK TO REALITY HE WAS ONLY A POP STAR.

Why? Why? is L.A. is pleading proverty. The TOURIST DOLLARS will help alot with the bill. Why is it that no one has spoken of the revenue that will come to the city by all the people coming to L.A. for the memorial to Michael Jackson? Please leave answer my question? Thank You

Hi... I just felt compelled to write. Michael Jackson was a child molestor who because of his $ got away with it. We are spending millions on his memorial when California is financially broke and we are in a recession. WHATS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE....? I agree he was a brilliant musician, but HE WAS A CHILD MOLESTOR who ruined the life of children. Michael Jackson was a brilliant musician, but lets face it HE WAS MESSED UP...and by the way..his children after having him as a father will need TONSS OF THERAPY!

Looking forward to MJ's memorial service today. It should be great with all of the talent that they have going to perform. I'll of course be watching Coop to get the low down on it. Hopefully he'll throw in a little snark to keep us entertained! LOL

It's sad what happened to Steve McNair. But you play with fire and you're gonna get burned! He was cheating on his wife with this woman. He should have known better. They say also that the night before he was killed that they were pulled over and the woman was arrested for drunk driving and he was let go and taken home by a taxi. She told police she was high not drunk. So who knows..maybe they were high or drunk again when she killed him?

Cindy..Ga.

CNN might need to get back on the stick as a research and true news station – while NBC wisely noted that the flocking of tens of thousands to half a million fans to LA means LA $$MONEY$$ CNN can't get off the "expense of having the event" story. Do you realize how many people are driving, flying, and arriving by rail to LA and how many hotels are already booked up? Let's see – tours, food, souvenirs, other entertainment, etc... Sounds like LA will break even if not make money! How about staying on the POSITIVE side! LA is an extravaganza city, and if there were any time fans would be willing to raise the LA economic picture, this would be the time it will happen – LA is very smart.

At last check 79% of viewers who were polled online at CNN's home page said they did not plan to watch the memorial service at all. If it is a representative sample, shouldn't that tell you all something, like we're sick of the coverage. Quit milking the man's death for ratings in the media and move on... Post-analysis of a funeral and memorial-get real.

Russia will do what Russia wants to do. What I would have liked to see was the leaders discussing the role Russia and the US are playing with regard to the issues in North Korea and Iran. Seems the hot topics were avoided to make the Obama administration look pretty on a PR tour. We got clearance to fly to Afghanistan using Russian space. Otherwise, this was a pretty lame visit. Considering that a chunk of our space missions are flown in conjunction with Russia on Russian launch pads

And Al Franken is a joke who sadly was voted in by people who thought this guy could do something. Guess the Dems needed another liberal far left "yes" man who wouldn't think but play the game to get the agenda pushed though. Fortunately, the Dems are infighting amongst themselves, so hopefully his damage down will be minimal.

Please ignore the first comment. I hit send before editing.

At last check 79% of viewers who were polled online at CNN’s home page said they did not plan to watch the memorial service at all. If it is a representative sample, shouldn’t that tell you all something, like we’re sick of the coverage. Quit milking the man’s death for ratings in the media and move on… Post-analysis of a funeral and memorial-get real.

Russia will do what Russia wants to do. What I would have liked to see was the leaders discussing the role Russia and the US are playing with regard to the issues in North Korea and Iran. Seems the hot topics were avoided to make the Obama administration look pretty on a PR tour. We got clearance to fly to Afghanistan using Russian space. Otherwise, this was a pretty lame visit. Considering that a chunk of our commercial space missions are flown in conjunction with Russia on Russian launch pads and US businesses and culture are a part of Russian life, I'd say our nations can work together fairly well.

And Al Franken is a joke who sadly was voted in by people who thought this guy could do something. Guess the Dems needed another liberal far left “yes” man who wouldn’t think but play the game to get the agenda pushed though. Fortunately, the Dems are infighting amongst themselves, so hopefully his damage done will be minimal.

Corporate-controlled media is exploiting the sad story of Michael Jackson- from childhood pimping by his father to fame, to his eventual mid-life, substance-abused, self-destruction. Sensationalizing, to the point of shamelessly marketing tickets to the glorification of his lost soul, the spectacle of his death- no matter how well-intentioned he may have seemed to his adoring, misguided fans-, is below journalistic ethics. Mixing all this with his twisted perspectives on reality, (he could never justify his defense for sleeping in the same bed with children unrelated to him, or more blatantly, dangling his own child from a balcony), it is a sorry time for American journalism. Why do we condone child molesting for someone who could sing, dance, and self-mutilate, but punish those without such talent and fame? Why do we continue to report on the misguided fans that ignore the scurrilous facts surrounding this fallen star? Why can't we see through the smoke screen left behind by this narcissistic entertainer?

Dear Mr. Anderson:

Given the fact that the economy is bad all around the world – How can we who have enjoyed (young and old a like) Mr. Jacksons music for over 40 years – show our appreciation? My suggestion is that if every fan around the world would send a memorial donation of $1.00-$5.00 to the city of Los Angeles in lieu of flowers and cards, so that the burden would not fall on the Jackson Family or Los Angeles. I was raised in the manner that in the time of bereavement for the decease family you would viisit, make phone calls, send flowers, cards and/or extended yourself to contribute food to feed the family, or even help the family with financial burden of the burial if needed. We all grew up with Mr. Jackson and for alot of us he became a brother, son, uncle, and/or a good friend. So, if you could contact whom ever would be in charge of the financial burden for Los Angeles and the Jackson Family of the "Jackson Memorial" I would appreciate. Look forward to hear from you.

We Are All In This Together,

D. E. Williams

P.S.: I would like to donate $5.00 to get the ball rolling

I understand that Michael Jackson was an icon and a legend, but this media coverage has been a bit ridiculous. After the memorial today, will we get back to relevant news? Can someone tell me if Iran is still there? The news of North Korea firing a missile was buried under stories of Michael Jackson this weekend. I grew up with Michael Jackson and can remember the spectacles that were his video premieres on network television. I am sad that he passed, but I will welcome the return of more relevant news stories.

I will be praying for The Jackson Family... May the Lord comfort you in these difficult times.

Michaels love will forever live on thru his words.

you reported that catherine Jackson was ssen exiting the motorcade into forest lawn cemetery, and you had not seen the children, the children were seen on the screen cnn showed on air, exiting with catherine jackson. They were very visible, all three children.

Good Morning!

Tell Anderson that Michael Jackson's children got out of the first car with Mrs. Jackson and walked into the Forest Lawn Chapel with her.

I'm watching the coverage at Forest Lawn and with Katherine Jackson the children were walking behind her.

I have a question. If Michael Jacksons body is going to be at Staples, why is the family having a service before. Wouldnt it be easier to do the memorial at Staples then have the private service and burial?

The distinct class accompanying your coverage on this entertainer's memorial/ceremony is Anderson Cooper. Thank goodness CNN has him in this momentous broadcast. Don Lemon is also so informative, well spoken and has an amazing tone to his voice. I apologize ahead of saying, but Soledad with these two is just irritating. She has a jerky tone, not a smooth voice, and she tends to ramble, in many programs, speak much too quickly, adding to the rambling and is one of very few people who try to speak over Anderson or interrupt these two guys...

where is the rest of the jacksons family buried? grandparents etc. I don't hear much about the jw religion. if you look into it you would know that they see death as a defete. They don't have memorials because they feel they will live on the paradise earth. the do not have a church rather a kingdom hall so I am interested how they family will handle this funeral. thank you. I don't think that such a high profile figure who was not a Christian has had such a concern with a funeral. this goes against their believes which is why I feel he made no concessions in his will for a funeral or even just a burial place. thank you for your time

With the talk about who is paying for the memorial of Michael Jackson, why isn't there talk about the revenues that the MJ tourist are bringing to the economy?

CNN is trying to idealize the image of a pedophile and pervert like Jackson
Why is CNN doing this?
Because CNN has lost his centered based news status
Its right now an irrelevant form of yellow journalism with idiots like Anderson Cooper and Larry King
Sad

I would love to get my hands on the MJ memorial program and since their seems to be so much concern about how the fans can contribute to the enormous bill incurred for police and fire protection, what a great way to repay the debt! Print and sell them to ALL MJ fans, and keep all the other guys on e-bay and similar sites from selling a few of them at extremely inflated prices. I view this as a win-win for all!

A historic day is taking place as we say goodbye to one of the greatest recording artists and entertainers who ever graced this planet .... the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. I would like to dedicate " UNITY ", a beautiful song by Kelly Rowland, to all Michael Jackson fans throughout the world. " UNITY " is a song about eternal love, loss, hope and faith and truly captures the emotions of today's event.

Peace everyone,
Julia Taylor
Vancouver, Canada

will be missed very much, i think we need to remember mj for all the good that he has done. for the lives he has touch, like mines. rest in peace mj

This 24/7 coverage of Michael Jackson is maddening. Last Thursday the Marines launched their biggest attack in Afghanistan against the Taliban – yesterday was the first time I could find one measley story that 7 soldiers in one day have since died in that attack. Where is their coverage for fighting for our country? MJ did change music but enough already. Our priorities are whacked – we are fighting two wars and losing soldiers every day – where is their coverage?

I agree with you A, no mention has been made about how much money the tourists are leaving behind in your city. Also are asking fans to pick up the tab for this, did they ask that of the fans recently when they had increased security with the Lakers parade, which also commanded increased security. FAIR!

I am sick to my stomach listening to U all trying to say u are covering MJ Memorial and to hear you talk about him the way you do today, give it a rest let the man rest in peace, let him bury in peace. He is not the only one who ever did wrong in his life, there are some people out there that hate the man and they dont even know him they only know what crap you all report. Its a shame that this man has no honor in his own country and in foreign countries people are giving Micheal big honors. When Dianna died look at the crowd that garthered, it all went well, here we are living in fear so much we cant allow his fans to come by. What, was Micheal so bad that his fans would be that disrespectful too? Havent you all notice that Joe and Kathrine Jackson raised children that have respect for themselves and others and love for each other? Leave Micheal Jackson alone let him rest in Peace, Let those of us who want to remember the good he has done do that in peace. There are a lot of people out there who will miss MJ because he is the one who put food on there table and roof over there heads, for them I say R.I.P. Micheal we will miss you.

My heart goes out to the Jackson family. I am quite distrubed by the deaths with our known superstars. Within two weeks they have had some talented people leave this world. We have to pray, have faith, and stand together. Luke 11:17 states any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. We must humble ourselves like little children. It is not what goes in the mouth that makes it foul but what comes out. We have all sinned. No one is perfect. Just like we judge others we will be judged the same. To the representative of New York read Luke 11:46 You experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them. May God forgive your harsh words and opinion of Michael Jackson nationally.

Anderson, it's a treat to see you this early! I know you dislike covering Hollywood stuff & this should had been done over a week ago. I'm glad that Michael will be put to rest finally.I know CNN is getting a hard time for the coverage, but how can you not cover it, The World is Watching & You look good Anderson.

Like others have said- this 24/7 coverage of MJ needs to stop. I was fine with it the first couple of days after he passed. I understand the significance. I respect the talent he had. I am sad for his family and the music world- an icon has undoubtedly been lost.

However- this is getting out of hand. There is so much going on in the world right now- Iran, Korea, Afganistan, the economy, I could go on and on. These are not good times- and all I have been able to see on the news for the last week and a half is Michael Jackson. My husband and I are self professed news junkies and watch AC360 every night- but the level of coverage being given to MJ above all of the other pertinant news that needs to be reported on- is rediculous.

I hope that his memorial today gives the media the closure they need so we can start getting information again about everything else going on in the world right now.

I am watching CNN's memorial to Michael and I have always admired his superb talent and oh yes, he is an american icon. One of the commenators mentioned that perhaps no one could possibly fill his shoes. Well, my comment is that presently, there is someone that Michael has passed the torch to. He already has millions and millions of fans worldwide in just a relatively short period and I feel already has achieved icon status. His name is Adam Lambert. I could go on and on about his talent and genius but mark my words, he is one of the great icons. Today is both an extremely sad but also happy day as we remember that beautifully, talented little boy and genius of this tortured soul. I do hope he now is in a peaceful place making more wonderful music and creating more exciting dance. Love ya Michael. We will miss you. Annette from San Diego

Michael did contribute to our pop culture through his amazing visual and performing arts abilities. There is no doubt/question about that. Arts have come a long way, andhe was and will probably always be one of the most outstanding contributors for the arts. But he is also a criminal. Should he get away without coverage to his illegal behaviour because he is a super star? I was watching Larry King last night cover him like, “I don’t have tickets tomorrow, am I really getting in to the memorial?” Ok, I know it’s important to cover Michael’s memorial, but starting next week, Larry, have a special on his illegal lifestyle. And I don’t think you ever showed your Roxana Saberi piece from Paris, Anderson. You were in France and Michael’s death became prominent news, so you reported about Michael. I realize Michael’s an icon, but the media really needs to get the message out that the Hollywood lifestyle has it’s consequences. Take this opportunity to cover the other side of the Hollywood lifestyle. Otherwise CNN, you are giving the message that rich people get away with what normal people don't? Starting tomorrow...can CNN start reporting how what Michael did, taking pain killers, Valium and Ativan and possibly asking a nurse for Diprivan is illegal? Anderson, get Don Lemon out their to do some investigative reporting on this. He covered how Michael greatly contributed to the arts. I enjoyed and learned from this special piece. Now the coverage that was spent on Michael’s contributions have to show the flip side. Michael was like Bernie Madoff. A criminal. Let's be real. His concerts and fast lifestyle lead to doing drugs just to keep himself moving. With the media not giving the same amount of air time that taking these drugs is illegal...and not spending the time to get the message out that these drugs, taken the way Michael did is illegal, and then just glorifying his fast lifestyle, we will teach society it’s ok to live this way and emulating isn’t illegal. Society should not rely on drugs to get us up and down. Maybe that’s why boring people barely get coverage on their lifestyle on CNN, but gives Michael’s life elevation. How about an angle showing how his fast life that attracted the unscrupulous lead to his own demise. He was living completely off of drugs. Elvis, Anna Nicole, Marilyn... please. Now do some responsible journalism and let kids know that such a fast life causes one to garner "fake" friends who only want your money and lifestyle. (Since Michael had no childhood, he basically bought that childhood w/Neverland. Which of course attracted the unscrupulous to claim he's a child molester. If he lived a low key life, not going on a spending spree w/his expense estate then people wouldn't be going after him). He could have lived a humble life, given his money to charity (which he did do), and quietly invested it. The showy lifestyle demonstrated he was making money, which brings on all the losers who want to latch on to it–doctors, lawyers, business people and “friends.” Perhaps these folks are what contributed to his abnormal life. I heard this is costing LA $4 million. (Crazy expense when our state is issuing IOUs). Someone of Michael's stature should be required to pay the city for this. I mean if he's making more money after his death, the family should do the right thing and pay for these expenses. Downtown business, freeway system, has all been disrupted. CNN, thanks for the almost two weeks continuous Michael coverage. I did learn a lot about him. I really see how he helped the arts, and how he broke cultural barriers. But there is a dark side. And it would be irresponsible to not give that same amount of air time ... why what he did is illegal. Get Tubin, Gupta and other specialists/experts on with non-stop coverage so that everyone knows that Michael’s drug lifestyle, which happened because of his fast paced lifestyle is illegal, and he should have been in jail for it along with all the doctors, nurses and pharmacists that allowed Diprivan to leave the hospital environment. We need to let people know this angle, and stop glamorizing Hollywood culture. Our young people will think living Michael’s lifestyle is normal. And have you noticed– drugs seem pretty “normal” these days. Pretty soon everyone will be using Diprivan because they can't sleep.

I'd like to address the comment about the unneccesary burden this memorial has placed on taxpayers. In no way is the added traffic going to help this city. There aren't enough tourists that can help pay this estimated $4 million dollar bill. We're already the number one taxed state as is. The economy is a mess and this state has a $26 billion dollar deficit as is. I personally think the Jackson family should pay for it. Afterall, I had to pay for a police escort for a personal funeral so why not the Jackson family? Why should their funeral expense come at the expense of taxpayers?

Anderson I was doing some research on patric burris I don't know but this does not add up the guy was a petty crook what made him snap his rap sheet might be 25 pages long but it all petty stuff I am not a bleeding hart liberal but cheack it out it does not add up what made him snap

the sad part about this mj frenzy is that these folks do not have a clue about anything. making a god out of some bubble gum music artist. mj was talented but nothing more. you wonder why this country and the world is in such a mess-too many idol worshipers and not enough intelligence. how many of these little morons know where africa is never the less the atrocities that have been committed for the last 20 years. what about bosnia and the genocide that took place. better yet ask one of these illiterates about nazi germany-you would be lucky if you found one person. the news media is not much better-you clowns are in a feeding frenzy. you make me want to puke. this guy was a child molester pure and simple. he paid off most of those individuals that had a case against him. shows how much these people cared about their children. BLING BLING and screw the kids. i live in canfield ohio next to youngstown,poland and boardman. i have not seen one person out boohooing about mj. i dont give a rats ass about mj and neither does the vast majority of americans in this country. mj is a very sick criminal-good luck on your tour in hell.

The amount of time devoted on major so called news networks devoted to covering MJ death is ridiculous. Robert McNamara died this week a far more important figure in history barley gets commented on yet there is and was hours of coverage to this Pop music writer who hasn’t had a hit in years; killed himself with drug addictions; should have been in jail for child molestation which by the way might have saved his life; in general is a freak. The choice of what the media decides to cover dramatically demonstrates what is wrong with the media and this country.

my third comment. why should L.A. and calif, pay for this joke. mj is nothing more than a bubble gum music artist. as a tax payer in this region i would be outraged. it is like paying for the funeral of a mafia member. those of you that support the child molester should pay the bill not the tax payer. oh i forgot-between your crack habits and other drugs you dont have the cash. i have a better idea to deal with you dead beats. pull the cops out and let you morons deal with the situation. before you know it you jerk offs will be ripping each others throats out. send in the choppers with mini guns-5 minutes later the problem will be solved-a 50% mortality rate. saves a lot of money in more ways than you can imagine.

What would I like to see from Palin especially on the day she quits? Her rear end going through the door to go home and then nothing from her from now on. She has overstayed her welcome and since she couldn't take the heat in the kitchen should stay out of it.

The tensions of the Cold War has eased some but there is still a chill in the air that I would like to see gone. Russia could be a good ally.