Quote:
Originally Posted by marilynk  Was Elvis' death murder?
No, I don't think so.
And I think the two deaths are very, very similar: The entourages and the MD knew, and chose to do nothing. Or tried to do something and were rebuffed or fired. Both "stars" preferred to surround themselves w/ "yes men" or by individuals who took advantage of them--but also did their "dirty" work (so to speak).
MJ and Elvis had to have known that the medications were potentially fatal. They weren't stupid.
To me, it's almost like they chose to play russian roullette every time they took the pills, or got an injection. It was a risk they were willing to take for whatever reason. |
Well, what about Anna Nicole Smith? Very similar to both Elvis and MJ, and according to FL law, if there is evidence that anyone illegally supplied Smith with the prescription drugs blamed for her death, Florida could press for charges as high as first-degree murder. Florida law says people can be charged with murder if they illegally provide a drug that ends up killing someone. Another possible charge could be manslaughter by culpable negligence.
While I agree that MJ, Elvis and Anna were all adults, weren't stupid (although Anna did a really good job acting that way), and most likely knew they were doing something illegal, shouldn't people supplying illegal material (or as an example, buy, load and educate a "russian roulletter" on how to use the gun and then stand buy and watch them use it, click after click after click) be held to a higher level of copabillity? We currently do the same thing with drunk drivers -- although most drivers don't drink, get in a car, and goes out looking for someone to kill -- we still treat them as murders. Why should these people be treated any differently?
I agree with marilynk on the whole personal responsibility, but I believe there is a social and professional responsibility at work also....as in, just because you are a doctor and can write a perscription, doesn't men your responsibility ends once it is filled.