Just as HBO presented the documentary Leaving Neverland in two parts, yesterday’s post was just half the story. Part one of the Michael Jackson saga was about the good times, the excitement by two young boys to be part of the entertainer’s world and inner circle, to be made to feel special and have access to privileges most people only dream about.

Part two was about redemption. Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck eventually admit the personal toll their secret had on their mental and physical health as well as their families. Both have married and have children. For Robson, the moment of illumination comes as his son approaches the age at which he first encounters Jackson. He cannot imagine that anyone would do to his son what he experienced or that he would allow it to happen.

Projection, a defense mechanism subconsciously employed to cope with difficult feelings and emotions, is usually something that must be avoided. It prevents one from confronting or dealing with unwanted truths. But in this case, seeing his young son cast in his personal nightmare gave him the strength to finally break the emotional bond which previously prevented Robson from sharing his story.

The road to redemption is not without potholes and speed bumps. Robson, Safechuck and their families, on several occasions, countered accusations by others of Jackson’s abuse. Although unpaid except for the perks of being Jackson’s “friend,” job one was protecting Michael.

Which brings me to the central player in part two of Leaving Mar-a-Lago, Michael Cohen. No surprise. In his opening statement before the House Oversight Committee, he echos Robson’s and Safechuck’s narrative of seduction and complicity.

It is painful to admit that I was motivated by ambition at times. It is even more painful to admit that many times I ignored my conscience and acted loyal to a man when I should not have. Sitting here today, it seems unbelievable that I was so mesmerized by Donald Trump that I was willing to do things for him that I knew were absolutely wrong.

Opening Statement, Michael D. Cohen, February 29, 2019

There is one major difference between Robson, Safechuck and Michael Cohen. While all three talked about the lasting effect of their association with Jackson and Trump, respectively, Michael Jackson is dead. He will not abuse another young child. Trump is still very much with us. Which is why Cohen concluded with the following statement. “My loyalty to Mr. Trump has cost me everything. I will not sit back, say nothing and allow him to do the same to the country.”

But perhaps Cohen’s most ominous warning was to those who do not understand what is personally at stake. “…people that follow Mr. Trump as I did blindly are going to suffer the same consequences that I’m suffering.” In other words, we are much more likely to become the next Wade Robson, Jimmy Safechuck or Michael Cohen than we will ever become the next Michael Jackson or Donald Trump.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP