Michael Jackson’s doctor is a symptom of a sick system

Michael Jackson‘s doctor is on trial for the fight of his life. This fight begins with the preliminary trial that will determine whether or not the case goes to court.

Covering the details, we cannot imagine it not going to trial but as of last week the debate seemed to be whether a plea bargain would be sought. What a difference a few days make.

Now, with the latest direction by the defense, it seems to appear that the defense is not interested in a plea bargain but rather a full fledged trial where they can blame the victim and release the accused of any guilt and/or responsibility in the care he provided to his patient.

Our opinion and observations noted here are in no way trying to suggest guilt or innocence or a right to a fair trial with all the evidence. That is why there is a court system even if testimony is painful to report.

For us, however, it is again a reminder of how sick the system is that allows the professional oath of a doctor to be or appear to be so abused.

The first week started with damning evidence day after day painting the picture of how reckless a licensed doctor could be when caring for a patient. Now, it seems the defense’s strategy is to show Michael Jackson self-medicated himself causing his own overdose.

Now, lets be clear this is the job of the defense. They need to provide reasonable doubt. Whether fans want to agree or not, the defense are trying to lay out evidence to show that Michael used drugs, was addicted to drugs and was worn down by drug use over the years. Michael himself admitted to drug use and addiction. Fans did not realize or do not want to believe this abuse was so recent but clearly by the state of his body, medical testimony to the scene stating he looked like a hospice patient and his own friends and staff, no one cannot deny something was seriously wrong with the entire picture regarding his health and the promotion of the This is It concert run.

His own friends and staff have confirmed online and in interviews that AEG and others were either notified or were aware of his condition and nothing was done. AEG and others of course have denied these allegations. Some have accused others of not taking care of his condition and driving him into more drug addiction. The recent lawsuit by his mother Katherine names AEG, Kenny Ortega and others although Ortega is trying to have his name removed from the lawsuit.

So why does the doctor taking ‘care of him’ (believe me we use these words loosely) email insurance reps stating his health was fine the very morning he died. He was obviously not OK. He looked like a hospice patient so lets be real here.

Why? Well because a lot of money was at stake for everyone involved. Michael needed the cash desperately. He had spent years denying his dire finances but his own staff have confirmed bills were not paid, hotels refused his entourage, and millions had been spent launching his comeback.

Is it unreasonable for those investing to want a functioning singer? It was not probably an unreasonable request…we would probably want the same if it was our money on the line. It does not, however, excuse those that saw him falling apart to turn a blind eye, not get him help, lie to authorities, etc. We don’t think so.

Now regarding the medical care (or lack thereof) it goes beyond words to describe the lying, covering up, incompetence and unethical medical treatment that went on in this case and these are statements true even before Michael died.

Listening to the expert testimony last weeks a few things are clear:

1. Dr. Murray seemed reckless in administering a drug that should never be administered in a non-surgical/hospital setting.

2. Proper monitoring by Dr. Murray did not occur. He seemed rather busy texting, emailing, phoning and going to the bathroom to have any idea what his drug induced patient was either up to or condition he was in.

3. Inadequate equipment, expertise and rescue procedures were used or administered by the doctor.

4. Dr. Murray knowingly shipped drugs to a home address thus covering up the intended purpose or to who the drugs were being administered to.

5. An obscene amount of time seemed go by before Dr. Murray called authorities.

So what now can be said about a system that allows a licensed doctor to order and administer drugs in a method no better than a back alley drug dealer. Because a doctor can order drugs does that excuse him to order drugs covering up the intended purpose, administering them to a patient with a history of drug issues, or not having the proper training in administering the medication, rescue procedures, etc.

It seems to us that the public is far more concerned with not having a proper health care system that controls the administration of drugs, makes people accountable for their actions, etc. than really finally doing something to make licensed medical practitioners legally accountable for their actions, ensuring computerized record systems keeps track of abuse and standardizing/making available a medical system that is really in the best interest of the people not just big business.

Let us know what you think.