The last time I spoke to my friend Michael Jackson was about a month ago, 3 weeks before his shocking death. He had called me late one night to ask about another of my close friends who he had read about in the news. Laura Ling, a former colleague and friend, was detained originally by North Korean border guards along with her colleague Euna Lee on March 17th. Since then, they have been imprisoned, had very little contact with their families or western officials, and endured a secretive trial at which they were sentenced to twelve years hard labor. At this present moment, it is unclear where Laura and Euna are – whether they remain in a government guesthouse where they were originally held, in a hospital (due to medical problems for both of them), or moved to the infamous North Korean labor camps that many do not survive.
Michael had read some of the details regarding Laura and Euna’s predicament. As was often the case with him and global events he read about – from famine in Africa to victims of natural disasters in far off countries, to orphans created by wars – he felt a deep sense of empathy for Laura and Euna. When I shared with him that Euna had a four-year-old daughter, he was even more anguished.
He asked me whether I had had any contact with Laura. I told him I had written her a few letters and had been assured they were getting through. Outside of that, her own family had only heard from her twice – brief monitored phonecalls – in the over three months they had been imprisoned. When I told him that, Michael paused.
“Do you think,” he said hesitantly, “that the leader of North Korea could be a fan of mine?”
I didn’t really know how to respond. Not much is known about the reclusive Kim Jong Il or “Dear leader” as he is called in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Over the years it’s been alleged he has a thing for Hollywood, certain NBA stars, Elvis, and specific liqueurs. Still, I’d never heard about any connection between Michael Jackson and Kim Jong Il.
Michael said he had seen some pictures on the internet of the Dear Leader. “You’know, he wears jackets like mine.”
I couldn’t help but laugh a little. It’s true. Michael always had a fascination with military-like jackets, the types with markers and badges on the collars and shoulders. If you search it online, you will indeed find a lot of images of Michael and Kim Jong Il, similarly bedecked in analogous outfits.
“I don’t really know,” I answered Michael. “But I can try and find out.”
“Please,” Michael responded without hesitantly, “because maybe if he was a fan, I could help get those girls home.”
I explained to Michael that there were larger geo-politics involved, nuclear programs, a new administration trying to assert its foreign policy strategy (Obama), and another one in NK possibly going through some sort of transference of power.
“Yeah,” Michael said wistfully, “but if someone wants to do something good, they just can. They don’t really need to worry about all that other stuff.”
And that was really the end of that conversation. I kept my promise and tried to see if I might find a connection between MJ and KJI, but sadly I wasn’t able to. Before I was able to get back to Michael, the news regarding his tragic passing broke. The tributes and commemoratives began in earnest and have not stopped.
Then the irony occurred to me, the far out bizarre seemingly impossible possibility: there is really only one person in the world today that could make a truly meaningful tribute to Michael Jackson. If indeed Kim Jong Il ever was a fan of Michael Jackson, ever gasped at Michael’s moonwalk, smiled at Thriller, hummed along to the Jackson Five or any of Michael’s countess hits, his pardoning of Laura Ling and Euna Lee and sending them home to their families would be a profound act of compassion, a true tribute to a man whose death has left the entire world in mourning. What a better way to re-invent himself and his own conflicted image than for Kim Jong Il to send a message of hope, forgiveness, and empathy as a commemoration of possibly the greatest icon of our times. It’s an act that would be historic, covered by every news organizations in the world, and be immortalized in the annals of time.
Alas, maybe I’m naïve to have such dramatic hopes for my friend and her colleague, to think that leaders of nations may be influenced by the dying wishes of great artists. Or…maybe not. To me, Michael’s memory will always be as a great friend and mentor. To many around the world, it will be as an iconic and brilliant musical artist. Wouldn’t it be staggering if one Kim Jong Il were to honor him – post-death – as a truly great humanitarian?
- Gotham Chopra
Please Sign the Petition for Amnesty for Laura Ling and Euna Lee
For more information about Laura and Euna and how you can help please go to – http://www.lauraandeuna.com
Related Articles:
- What Have You Done in the Last 114 Days?
- Laura Ling & Euna Lee – A Foreign Policy Crisis
- Obama and North Korea – Not Too Much to Ask
- Intend the Return of Laura Ling and Euna Lee
- Sign the Petition to Free Laura Ling and Euna Lee
This story made me tear again
he was a gentle soul and thank you for sharing this memory. The world would be such a better place if we all united because of all the things we love and have in common instead of fighting over our differences!
Michael seemed to be so caring and innocent. I, too would like to thank you for sharing this memory, and who knows? Stranger things have happened. I pray for your friends and others over there who wish to be back home.
Matthew 12:36-37: "I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
", , , if someone wants to do something good, they just can. They don
Dear Loving and Kind, Deepak and friend to all who shares an enlightening guidance to all who seek the way and path to a brighter future and life and to find their correct road and way,
Here is a clip from a recent article that I have found below:( Also I am in complete agreeance with you in regard to a strong need to reprimand Doctors who are abusing their professions. I am 100 percent behind you. I know that you are full of wisdom and knowledge from so many different perspectives, and you are completely right ,the best choice of medical intervention on Micheal would have been to have administered Narcan. I agree with you completely. I am 100% behind you too!.
Jordan Chandler admits he lied about Michael Jackson
Juni 28, 2009
Jordan Chandler admits he lied about Michael Jackson
June 27, 2009
Admits he lied
After the sudden death of Michael Jackson Evan Chandler tells the truth.
http://michaeljacksonebmeier.wordpress.com/2009/0…
Dear Deepak,
I have just found this article and printed a clip of it from the website to send to you.I have seen that it is now being also presented on several websites now.
God Bless You Mr. Deepak and also God Bless Our Micheal that we love soo much ,oh I am so very sad even my words can't express this enough. God Bless Micheals Family too!
Dear Gotham,
You have our support in this.
We all love Michael and pray for him, and hope his prayers get answered too…
Seerat.
Dear Gotham,
there's nothing more touching than people who care. You clearly do, and Michael obviously did too. It hits me that caring is actually about "daring to care". Caring reveals that soft spot in us where others are so dear to us, where we feel na
dear gotham,
thanks for bringing out these beautiful sides of your friend michael and one of my favourite celebrities. he was so innocent and childish .. it was written all over his persona.
you are a friend anyone will cherish and be proud of. God bless you.
may his soul rest in peace.
Wish you love, peace and happiness.
Trisha
This is a very touching story. Thank you for posting it. It is so refreshing to read a piece that is
real and filled with human feeling
I do pray that your friends are released. I am afraid that all we can do is pray considering the reality
of the situation.
It is very sad that our world has not yet evolved beyond the point of employing such tactics.
All my best to you,
Elaine
HI Gotham.
What an incredible final conversation to share with Michael. I saw you on CNN last night- the coverage of Michael's death is truly staggering, and shows how the entire world is truly grieving for him.
I believe you are correct- if one of Michael's final wishes, on top of training for his amazing new concert were known, it would become a powerful message for the world.
Just as he moved mountains in creating "We Are the World"- if the world knew one of his final acts was determining if he could help free two young women held as prisoners – wow. It could start a powerful ball rolling.
Thanks for sharing it, and I hope this story makes the "big news."
Kari
Beautiful tribute to Michael, positive hope for Laura. Euna
How can a pure artist know what the politicians are (without any heart)!
Love
Rajesh
http://rajeshmsharma.blogspot.com
Hello Gothan,
Thank you very much to share this beautiful stories about Michael. I'm crying for him since a week ago, I can't believe he's gone. Even when I've never knew him in person like you and your family, I always felt he was a wonderful guy, a sweet soul… I can't say I'm a fan, not in the traditional sense… but of course I enjoyed his music as millions people did around the world, I also can say that I grew up with his music…. The first memories about him I have, were on my early teen years, around 1984 when we saw for the first time Thriller's video in my country…
For some reason, I've never could see him as an icon (that he was of course) or a celebrity (that obviously he was too)… I always saw him as a beautiful guy, so sensitive, with a big heart and wishes to make big changes in this world… we only need to review each and every one of his lyrics to know about this. I imagine him as a wonderful father, a wonderful son and brother, and a wonderful friend… (the words from loyal friends like you or your family, confirm me this…) I feel he left this world too soon… I'm completely sure he had too much things to give to this world he was so worried about…
I've been reading a lot about him in the last few days, I'm so far away, so this is a way to feel that I know more about him and I am "close" to the people who loved him really. This is how I came to this site and found the articles you and your family posted.
Again, thank you to share all of this about Michael… for the people who love the icon and for the people like me, who love the guy behind the "pop star"…, our hearts will be touched by his message forever… And in some point, I feel that part of my teen years, are gone with him…
My condolences are with you and your family and of course with Michael's family and especially his children. I've lost my dad when I was 15 years, and still now, with 38 years old, I missed him so much…
My prayers are with your friend and her colleague there in NK… for their soon and safely come back home… I hope Michael's last wishes and the power of his brightness could make a change. I agree it would be the best tribute to him, celebrating his most wonderful legacy.
My best wishes,
Flavia
Thank you for yet another personal glimpse into the heart of an iconic figure who really was just another human being who strongly desired to do good in this world. Both MJ's death and the Ling-Lee situation are truly heartbreaking.
Dear Gotham,
My heart goes out to you in this difficult time.
My deepest condolences for all those that cared about Michael Jackson.
I am praying for Laura Ling and Euna Lee.
Love
Paul
Anyone that has not already written a letter via Amnesty International, please consider it.
http://www.amnestyusa.org
Recent e mail from them:
North Korean gulag – stop cruel imprisonment of U.S. journalists?
North Korea's government sentenced two U.S. journalists on Monday to more than a decade of hard labor in one of the world's most closed and oppressive prison systems.
Given all we know about the appalling prison conditions in North Korea, we need your help to ensure that the two journalists aren't forced to serve their sentences. Decades of monitoring and research by Amnesty have revealed that North Korean prisoners are worked beyond exhaustion, often into illness and death.
Guards beat prisoners suspected of lying, not working fast enough or for forgetting the words to patriotic songs. Forms of punishment included forced exercise, sitting without moving for prolonged periods of time and public humiliation.1
The global community must send a clear message to Pyongyang that it
won't tolerate the callous decision to turn two innocent U.S. journalists into pawns in a geopolitical chess match.
North Korean authorities have held Laura Ling and Euna Lee in solitary confinement for nearly three months. The two have had limited contact with consular authorities and their families
This is beautifully written and shared. Thank you Gotham. I have been around a number of people lately who didn't quite "get" Michael Jackson. That was the beauty of Michael. He was such an unpredictable and beautiful soul. I really appreciate you sharing with us your last conversation with Michael. I too believe that if someone wants to do something good, they don't need to worry about all the seeming logistics in the way. I don't mind being called naive.
I have my prayers going for Laura and Euna.
Thank you again for your sharing.
Tabby
Tabby Biddle
Founder and CEO
Lotus Blossom Style – A Yoga Lifestyle Company
http://www.lotusblossomstyle.com
Thank you for sharing that beautiful story. I deeply hope it can make a difference for those girls.
I was quite touched by the sweetness of this beautiful tribute again to Michael Jackson – what a beautiful thing to be able to tell such true stories! It is truely uplifting for everyone! Thank you, Gotham!
I hope President Kim Jong II will smile when reading it and will just honor the universality of music, well-wishing and love and let Laura and Euna return home in tribute to MJ.
I remember we had a nice story between singer-songwriter Udo Lindenberg and former East Germany's Secretary General, Erich Honecker. After becoming a rock icon in Germany in the 1970s, Udo Lindenberg began to get more involved in East-West politics in the 1980s. In 1983 the East German government had apparently listened to his musical plea to East German authorities to allow the rock star to cross the Berlin Wall to perform in the GDR (DDR, East Germany). The lyrics of the song (plea) says that Udo wants to take the "special train to Pankow," a district in Berlin's north that was then in East Berlin. He was then permitted to give a brief concert in East Berlin (along with Harry Belafonte) in October. In fact he was invited to the governmental building "Palast der Republik" in East Berlin on October 25, 1983.
Udo Lindenberg then followed up on the contact that had been made – also to break the ice even more and achieve reconciliation with East Germany's general secretary and government.
A memorable anecdote: In 1987 Lidnenberg sent "Honey" a leather jacket (at that time a fashion object for rock stars and rock fans) as a gift. In his thank-you note Honecker wrote: "Dear Udo Lindenberg, by sending me the leather jacket to have given me a surprise, for which I thank you. Of course outward appearance is a matter of taste, but concerning the jacket itself – it fits." He was also gracious enough to send the rocker a Schalmei (a two-reed flute) in return.
I hope Kind Jong II will surpass Honecker in graciousness and will erect himself an unforgettable memorial of love and admiration in the hearts of thousands and thousands of people by setting Laura and Euna free and allowing them to return home to their families.
Thanks again for reminding us of the beautiful soul that Michael Jackson was!
HOW BEAUTIFULLY EXPRESSED BY TWO GREAT BRIGHT RADIANT BEAMS OF LIGHT AND GOD SENT BLESSINGS WHO HAVE EACH IN THEIR OWN WAY TRIED TO RESOLVE SUCH IMPORTANT AND WORLD PRESSING ISSUES.( IN REFERENCE TO MR, DEEPAK AND MICHEAL)
DEAR MR. DEEPAK, YOU AND MICHEAL ARE BOTH FULL OF LOVE AND THE BOTH OF YOU EXPRESS EACH IN HIS OWN WAY AND EACH SO VERY BEAUTIFULLY. I PRAY SOME HOW THAT LAURA WILL BE HAPPY AND FREE TO LIVE THE LIFE THAT SHE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO LIVE AND TO BE THE PERSON THAT SHE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE AND TO BE THE MOTHER THAT SHE SHOULD BE FREE AND HAPPY TO BE .
YOU MISS MICHEAL , ITS IN YOUR EVERY WORD AS IS IN MY EVERY WORD. I, TOO, THINK ABOUT HIM AS WELL. I HAVE NEVER EVER DOUBTED HIS WONDERFUL PERSON THAT HE IS AND I HAVE NEVER EVER DOUBTED HIS PURITY OR HIS INNOCENCE IN EVERY WAY THAT HE IS . HE IS 1000% AS JERMAINE SAID SUCH A PURE AND INNOCENT AND LOVING PERSON . I ALWAYS HAVE KNOWN IN THE DEPTHS OF MY HEART THE WONDERFUL PERSON TOO THAT HE IS. I HAVE ALWAYS KNOW THE TRUE, LOVING, GENUINE PERSON THAT HE IS , I COULD ALWAYS SOMEHOW SEE THAT IN HIS EYES AND AURA. I HAVE SEEN A WONDERFUL PHOTO WHERE YOU AND MICHEAL WERE BOTH FEATURED TOGETHER AND BOTH OF YOU WITH SUCH STRONG MAGNIFICENT AURAS AND SMILES, RADIANT SMILES . OOOH, MR. DEEPAK, HOW DO WE TAKE EACH DAY WITH HEAVY HEARTS LIKE THIS FOR THE CARE THAT WE HAVE FOR OUR BELOVED ANGEL MICHEAL AND HE IS AND WAS AN ANGEL ,SO SWEET AND SO PURE.
I KEEP WANTING TO OPEN THE INTERNET OR TV AND TO HEAR OR READ THAT MICHEAL IS OKAY. I KEEP THINKING THAT PERHAPS WHEN I AWAKE AND ARISE IN THE NEW MORNING THAT MICHEAL WILL BE HERE AMONGST US AS BEFORE, BUT I DON'T KNOW.
WELL YOU ARE BLESSED MR DEEPAK YOUR HEART AND GENUINE SINCERITY ARE ALWAYS IN THE PURIST OF PLACES AND FOCUSED ON THE PURIST OF INTENTIONS. MICHEAL'S TOO , HE SO LOVED THE THINGS THAT WERE PURE, HE COULD LOOK AT THINGS AND FIND A SENSE OF BEAUTY IN SO MANY THINGS AND THEN HE WOULD FIND JOY FROM THAT AND A SPECIAL TYPE OF HEAVENLY HAPPINESS FROM THE BEAUTY OF THE SUN OR THE BIRDS OR THE SKIES AS LOOKED AT THEM OR LIFE ITSELF OR THE NATURE. I MUST SAY THE BOTH OF YOU ARE SORT OF LIKE LITTLE PROPHETS, MODERN DAY PROPHETS ,TRYING TO DO GOOD IN THIS WORLD BY GUIDING SO MANY ,OH SO MANY OF THE WORLDS LOST INSIDE PERSONS AND IN THIS VERBALLY BRUTAL SOCIETY FULL OF GREEDY LITTLE MONSTROUS PERSONALITIES THEIR ARE A GREAT NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO ARE SEARCHING AND WHO ARE IN NEED TO FIND THE WAY.
I WISH YOU ALWAYS GOD'S BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FRIEND MICHEAL AND MY DEAREST ANGEL MICHEAL AND TO HIS FAMILY
Dear Gotham this story is so womderful and shows the love Michael carries in his heart.
Thank you for sharing.
Renay
X
Michael Jackson got the greatest tribute from his daughter. She said that "From the day she was born he was the best father anyone could hope to have." Being a father itself was so important to him, and to get such validation, it means he achieved all his goals in this lifetime. I don't know if all the rumors about him were true, but I think he was connected to the Source, and his intentions came true. That was his destiny.
Michael Jackson got the greatest tribute from his daughter. She said that "From the day she was born he was the best father anyone could hope to have." Being a father itself was so important to him, and to get such validation, it means he achieved all his goals in this lifetime. I don't know if all the rumors about him were true, but I think he was connected to the Source, and his intentions came true. That was his destiny.
Lakshmi J
blog.oregonlive.com/community_writers/2009/06/wearing_blue_jeans_in_tehran.html
I've been visiting Intent over the past week for coverage on Michael Jackson's death. As I sit in my lounge room from Perth, Western Australia watching a re-run of his memorial concert, I feel a sense of loss but also renewal.
I had forgotten how as a teenager, I loved "Heal the World", but kept it to myself because I was growing up in a world of cynicism and irony. Earnestness and naivety had no place.
I have been teaching my 2 year old son the song over the past week, and as I sing this song to him, I realise how pure and honest in intent the song is, and how wonderful it is that I can teach him these concepts through Michael Jackson's songs.
I thank you for Intent.
I wish his family all the best.
And I hope that Laura and Euna will find their way home.
We are the world.
I’ve been visiting Intent over the past week for coverage on Michael Jackson’s death. As I sit in my lounge room from Perth, Western Australia watching a re-run of his memorial concert, I feel a sense of loss but also renewal.
I had forgotten how as a teenager, I loved “Heal the World”, but kept it to myself because I was growing up in a world of cynicism and irony. Earnestness and naivety had no place.
I have been teaching my 2 year old son the song over the past week, and as I sing this song to him, I realise how pure and honest in intent the song is, and how wonderful it is that I can teach him these concepts through Michael Jackson’s songs.
I thank you for Intent.
I wish his family all the best.
And I hope that Laura and Euna will find their way home.
We are the world.
Thank you Gotham for helping others to get a positive outlook at MJ. He will be greatly missed. My prayers to Laura and Euna. I have been wondering about their latest update. Thanks for such loving and positive messages you are putting out there. Keep it up. I am such a big fan of your father's and I know you will be successful in your own terms. When I saw you at CNN, I rushed to "google" your name and was amazed at what I found.
Good luck and God bless.
Love,
Aggie
Oh, this is why I love Michael Jackson. Such a gentle, loving soul. The pure kindness of a child.
", , , if someone wants to do something good, they just can. They don
Dear Gotham,
This is so so incredibly touching. Thanks for sharing with us how human MJ really was. Which makes me think that even the North Korean leader has a heart and soul.
Have you tried maybe somehow sending these thoughts to North Korea. It would be worth a try! Let's hope Euna and Laura come home soon.
Mom of 2
Dear Mr. Chopra,
I must say that you certainly have injected yourself in to the Michael Jackson saga. That goes for your Father, Deepak as well.
Okay, you got your 15 minutes of fame, and now it is time for you to fade away from that spotlight that you and your Father love so much.
Rather pathetic on your part.
You and your dad say you were MJ's friend for years … if so, you knew about the drugs. Your dad admits he knew about the drugs on national TV. He's now in hiding it seems. Your dad probably enabled. Even so, you did nothing. You were no friend. Just another person whoring off of MJ's fame. Shame on you and your moralizing father.
I feel closer to Michael already, wish I could have known him personally as a friend.
His heart was pure and true.
Sending you Light from the depths of my heart Michael, wherever you are….
~Light
Thank you so much for sharing this touching personal story Mr Chopra. I am so sorry about your friend Laura, and Michael. I do not know Laura very well, but Michael has been admired in 4 generations of my family and will continue to be loved in the next generations.
It would be the greatest gesture from Kim Jong Il — only if he would— release Laura and Euna. And the icing on the cake, would be if he did it, it was because of Michael. What a huge impression that would make on the world if Kim Jong Il did that!
And speaking of Humanitarians… I hope others out there will vote YES on Time's poll found here asking:
Should Congress pass a resolution honoring Michael Jackson as a "global humanitarian"?
http://www.time.com/time/
best wishes
Cindy
To Gotham & Deepak,
I thought this quote was very appropriate at this time to honor Michael Jackson. I think you may recognize the author….. I have been a part of the work since 1973 and have followed your father's teachings as well. I wanted to take this oportunity to thank the both of you for standing by Michael's side, I'm sure it was a great comfort to him to be with both of you! It is not often that we encounter a being such as Michael, he was very powerful, in a very high realm.. His contribution was very valuable at this time on earth.. I have been privileged to have lived in his presence!!
"We can choose to make our love for each other what our lives are really about."
Quoted by Werner Erhard
Thank you for sharing your experience of Michael – what an honor for both of you to have known him so intimately!
Why are you so concerned about your carrier? Tell the truth you know about Michaels death. Hiding it will not save your carrier it will cost you so much tell the truth quite hiding. Will you hide forever? Do you want to be successful but hiding like a thief? Stop hiding stop holding what you have bring it out. You better or real psychics and seers will start calling you out in public sir. Michael Jackson was murdered and you know who and you have proof. Stop being afraid just tell the truth. Im not saying this is you but who it is will read this on this website you know who you are.
Logo de Michael jackson precioso!!!
http://logomichaeljackson.blogspot.com
If only people came forward and wrote more good things about Michael when he was alive
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