Should California Buy Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch? Yes, Please

By Taylor Friedman Wed., Jul. 14 2010 at 4:30 PM

Categories: Michael Jackson

photo via Flickr/WKHarmon

The news that California Assemblyman Mike Davis wants the state to buy Michael Jackson's former estate and open it to the public has prompted many a raised eyebrow. How can California possibly afford to do this at a time when it's more strapped for cash than MJ was when he sold the place?

But is it actually a preposterous idea? No. It's a great idea. Add a petting zoo -- if only for the double entendre -- and I'm sold. But even if they kept it as is, what parents would rather see their child's eyes widen in wonder at the sight of Disneyland's Mickey Mouse for 70 bucks a pop, when they could get the same reaction by going to the infamous spot where police discovered syringes, IV stands, a metric shitload of drugs, and pictures of strange toddlers -- all during a raid prompted by child molestation charges?

The gift shop has moneymaking potential, too -- plush Bubbles dolls, shoes modeled after Jackson's patented anti-gravity boots, and postcards of Michael Jackson at a Last-Supper-esque table with Albert Einstein, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy and other 20th century luminaries. (A portrait Jackson actually owned.) Sure, the upkeep might be pricey, but a "King of Pop" soda would sell itself -- just as long as it's not Pepsi.

So should the state of California buy Neverland and turn it into a state park?

Chamon!

Follow us @SFAllShookDown and @TaylorFriedman