I have been tracking the world's media coverage of the three most media-hyped deaths, as well as the size of the crowds, the type of funeral or ceremony, and in fact, the number of funerals (3 for James Brown) and days of official mourning (8 for Ford). Saddam's death is the most controversial because of lack of world consensus on the Iraq war and because of our known contributions to him (weapons, etc.) prior to 1991. Ford was a US President, yes, but by default and not for long. James Brown was known world wide and yes, he did have some history of prison, domestic violence and drug use. He was still a phenomenal role model of black pride and pure energy. He is still at the top of the Google Sweepstakes for media posterity.
8 PM PST 30 Dec. 2006
GERALD FORD
Washington Honors A President
Ford's Casket Arrives at US Capitol ABC News
all 1,548 news articles »
JAMES BROWN
Fans bid joyous farewell to Godfather of Soul
all 2,401 news articles »
SADDAM HUSSEIN
Saddam Hussein executed
all 2,266 news articles »
JAMES BROWN IS STILL AHEAD IN THE SWEEPSTAKES OF POSTERITY
Leave your memoirs at the virtual James Brown shrine and wake, which will be going on until the media frenzy about Saddam dies down and the period of official viewing for Ford winds up.
http://www.silencedmajority.blogs.com
Where were you when you heard the music?