Finally, Michael Jackson was buried yesterday evening, 70 days after his death. Perhaps now a troubled soul can finally get some rest from such a troubled, dysfunctional family.

It was reported that the whole funeral was to be staged – Taylor, Bonds to attend Jackson’s funeral – for a farewell documentary concert. The family had nearly twice as many media seats as they did those for mourners. I wondered aloud whether the family members would opt themselves out so as to free up (sell) seats for more media or other celebrities…I really didn’t think so. I struggle with my sympathy for a family that obviously grieves a tremendous loss, along with millions worldwide, but then would never pass on yet another golden opportunity to wear matching sunglasses, mug-it-up for the gossip show cameras, and try to profit once more on a success other than their own. Many in this family will moonwalk across his grave for as long as they can.

But alas and in the end, it sounded like a fitting farewell, except for the cameras, media, and rudely making invited guest wait an excessive amount of time – Family, celebrities say final goodbye to Jackson. I hope the cameras captured Gladys Knight’s rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer”…that, I can only imagine, was incredible.

Let’s put this ridiculousness of Michael’s burial delay in perspective:

Not that I frequent this site or anything, but there is this 26-person list from Celebrity Death Beeper of “famous” people that have died since MJ’s death on 6/25/2009…and they all have long since said their goodbyes and started their eternal rest. Hmmm Jackson family…imagine that would you? Someone dies in your family; they bury them a few days later (much less than 70 days):

• 06/25/09 ‘Charlie’s Angel’ Farrah Fawcett dies at 62
• 06/28/09 Gale Storm, star of ’50s hit TV series, dies at 87
• 06/28/09 TV pitchman Billy Mays found dead at home
• 06/29/09 impressionist, vegas headliner Fred Travalena dies
• 07/01/09 [Mrs. Slocombe] ‘Are You Being Served?’ star Mollie Sugden dies at 86
• 07/01/09 Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden dead at 97
• 07/01/09 actor Harve Presnell dies of cancer at 75
• 07/01/09 boxing hall of famer Alexis Arguello found dead
• 07/04/09 ex-NFL quarterback Steve Mcnair shot dead
• 07/06/09 former defense secretary Robert McNamara dies
• 07/17/09 legendary CBS anchor Walter Cronkite dies at 92
• 07/19/09 ‘Angela’s Ashes’ author Frank McCourtdies in nyc at 78
• 07/22/09 Taco Bell ad star Gidget the Chihuahua dies at 15
• 07/26/09 ex-boxing champion Forrest killed at 38
• 07/26/09 ex-‘idol’ contestant Cohen struck, killed by car in NJ
• 07/31/09 Corazon Aquino, Philippines President, dead at 76
• 08/06/09 ’80s teen flick director John Hughes dies in NYC
• 08/10/09 folk music revivalist Mike Seeger dies at 75
• 08/11/09 JFK’s sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver dies at 88
• 08/13/09 guitar legend Les Paul dies at age 94
• 08/13/09 character actor John Quade dies at 71
• 08/18/09 political columnist Robert Novak dies at 78
• 08/19/09 CBS news pioneer Don Hewitt dies at 86
• 08/25/09 Senator Edward Kennedy dies at age 77
• 08/26/09 Crime Story author Dominick Dunne, 83, dies in NYC
• 08/28/09 disc jockey DJ AM found dead in NYC

And please with this topic of sadness, death, and burials, let’s take a moment to remember those in our military that receive little fanfare for service, celebration of life, outpouring of public grief for a loss, or appreciation parades in honor of. 153 coalition soldiers have lost their lives in the war in Afghanistan, plus 21 soldiers have died in Iraq during the same period between MJ’s death and burial (6/25/09 through 9/3/09). That’s more than a 2-death-per-day average and know I had to do a 30-minute search to find those numbers. MJ’s burial is wrongfully front page news. Instead, put his Thriller on the front page of the entertainment section where it belongs. Give me a “burrr-rake” media people and you obsessive fans. One singer, dancer, songwriter dies and one could get the impression The Second Coming has been and gone.

Think about this next time you “beat it” to buy a Michael album today. What would the chances be of your purchase “helping” Michael’s children and not lining the pockets of some other one in the family – Mom, Dad, a sibling? We Are The World? Not!…We Are The Jacksons? You bet ‘cha!

Michael’s celebrity (and Madonna’s) is of particular interest to me since I’m only a few months older than the both of them (call it a mortality lesson or a simple fascination if you want). But know an MJ album or download song I’m not gonna do. I will gladly wait for a song of his to come on the radio and then I will tap my foot along with the tune. Your music will be missed Poppy. Goodbye Michael (finally…and in more ways than one). Rest in Peace if you can.