Ronald Reagan's Letter to Michael Jackson

If you're not sick of all the Michael Jackson news yet, Whispers has found an interesting political relic among the more than 1,000 items that were supposed to be auctioned off from Jackson's estate last April. To be sold was a letter addressed to Jackson from President Ronald Reagan.

Julien's Auctions was going to sell the letter and other contents of Jackson's Neverland Ranch, but the sale was canceled right before it was to begin. The auction house instead put Jackson's belongings on display in Beverly Hills for a brief time in April and now sells copies of the collection catalog for $500. We looked through the Web version and found this letter sent to Jackson after he was hospitalized for burns he received shooting a Pepsi commercial.

Here's what it says:

The White House

Washington

February 1, 1984

Dear Michael:

I was pleased to learn that you were not seriously hurt in your recent accident. I know from experience that these things can happen on the set—no matter how much cautioned is exercised.

All over America, millions of people look up to you as an example. Your deep faith in God and adherence to traditional values are an inspiration to us all, especially young people searching for something real to believe in.

You've gained quite a number of fans along the road since "I Want You Back" and Nancy and I are among them.

Keep up the good work Michael. We're very happy for you.

Sincerely,

Ronald Reagan

You can read it for yourself here by turning to Page 19.

Also, if you turn the page, you'll notice a piece of artwork with Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln among other celebrities sporting Jackson's sunglasses and one-gloved look. It was created by a Paul Bedard, but our own Whispers' Paul Bedard assures us that he was not the artist.