As frustrating as it is for me as a huge MJ fan of many years to sit and watch him squander his talent the way he has for the past decade it is entirely up to him and he doesn't owe his fans or the public any kind of explanation.

You keep calling him lazy but I think you're forgetting he has at least 15-20+ years on the likes of Madonna in terms of how long he's been in show-business. He did start when he was just a kid. Maybe if he weren't a childhood Motown star at eight he might still have the hunger and the drive that Madonna obviously still has. But he's obviously reached a point where none of it excites him anymore.

Should he announce a retirement? Well, he certainly doesn't owe that to anyone. He may still want to make an album... in his own time, whenever he cares to.

As far as I can see, he hasn't really seeked any kind of publicity since the end of the trial. People talk about how bizarre moving to Bahrain was. Why? It's a country just like any other. Is it bizarre for someone from a Western country to want to spend some time in the Middle East? I don't think so. I think that's just your own narrow-mindedness.

He's obviously not interested in living in the US anymore and has been globe-trotting for the most part of this year looking for potential places to set up home.

If this is how he wants to live out his days then good on him. At least he's putting his kids first, spending time with them as opposed to Madonna who leaves her kids with nannies while she embarks on yet another four-month world tour.

I would love to see him comeback. I don't care whether it's a commercial hit or not. I would just love to hear some new music from him. But if you think he or any other artist owes you anything YOUR the ones who need to be commited.
[Edited 9/28/06 2:15am]

actually,Madonna takes her kids with her on tour.That's why she only tours in the summertime,when they are out of school.She is totally devoted to her children,even more so than her career.She puts her family first.

No,Michael does not "owe" his fans anything.You are correct.Still,it must be hard on his fans who keep on waiting and hoping for new material.