EDITOR,

I can say with complete honesty, I am not a person who looks up to celebrities.

The only things that separate them from the rest of us is talent — which is questionable in many cases — and money. Heck, these days all you have to do to become a celebrity is have a questionable IQ and give birth to eight or more children. Mediocrity is now good enough.

With that in mind, I give you Michael Jackson. Say what you will about the man, but he was the epitome of talent. He was what entertainment is all about. He was truly one of the most talented individuals to ever walk this Earth. I didn’t care much for a lot of his newer music or some of his questionable behavior, but to this day there is nothing better than being a kid in Oakland back in the 60s and 70s, sitting around with my friends listening to “I’ll Be There,” “ABC,” and “Never Can Say Goodbye” on the radio.

How can anyone who is old enough to remember ever forget that first moonwalk during his performance of “Billie Jean” on the Motown 25 special? I thought the stage was rigged, and like most others had to bat my eyelids to be sure of what I just witnessed.

We have lost a true legend. Michael is gone, but fortunately for all of us, his music and our memories remain. Rest in peace, Michael, and thank you.