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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Jacko Doc Writes 'Dear Barack' Letter

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(Newser) – A British doctor friend of Michael Jackson fired off a letter to President Obama—or "Barack," as she calls him—pleading for tougher laws for "unethical doctors" who ply patients with drugs. Dr. Susan Etok, who says she turned down more than $800,000 from the King of Pop for controlled substances, tells the president that the Jackson family supports stronger protections. According to her, no one doctor killed him; rather, it was multiple doctors supported by "organizations that had an interest in Michael's finances."

In this March 5, 2009 file photo, Michael Jackson announces several concerts at the London O2 Arena in July, at a press conference at the London O2 Arena.
In this March 5, 2009 file photo, Michael Jackson announces several concerts at the London O2 Arena in July, at a press conference at the London O2 Arena.   (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, file)
In this March 5, 2009 file photo, Michael Jackson announces that he is set to play ten live concerts at the London O2 Arena in July, which he announced at a press conference at the London O2 Arena.
In this March 5, 2009 file photo, Michael Jackson announces that he is set to play ten live concerts at the London O2 Arena in July, which he announced at a press conference at the London O2 Arena.   (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, file)
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Geraldo with Dr Susan Etok and panel discuss her recent interview with investigators and the latest in the Michael Jackson Death Investigation   (shlatz08)

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I tried very hard, as did his family, to get rehabilitative treatment for Michael. But there was a catalog of medical practitioners in the USA and abroad prepared to provide him with the ‘controlled’ medication he requested, for financial gain.
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Bambi
Aug 25, 09 7:57 AM CDT
Seems to me that Jackson knew these substances were illegal (outside of a hospital), must've realized they were illegal for a reason, and was surely advised, at least by the doctors that refused to supply him, as to the dangers of playing around with drugs that are legally restricted for hospital use. Bottom line, Jackson fooled around with contraband and got burned. The enabling doctor(s) who violated their oaths for money are, at worst, in violation of restrictions outlined by the medical profession and warranted by its licensing program. So, it seems reasonable that licenses be revoked in such cases, but 'murder'? That's ridiculous and, frankly, insulting to Jackson. Jackson died from foreseeable complications arising from his own mischief. People must be responsible for their own informed choices. Infantilizing, overprotective legislation does not become a 'free' country. Reply
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cognitivefilter
Aug 25, 09 2:28 PM CDT
this is not the president's job, but she has a point. doctors shouldn't be working for the money big pharma gives them--this leads to overprescribing and overmedication. Reply
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