Pelosi: Resolution on Michael Jackson unnecessary

Source: Google News

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shut the door Thursday to a resolution honoring Michael Jackson because debate on the symbolic measure could raise "contrary views" about the pop star's life.

Lawmakers are free to use House speeches "to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish," said Pelosi, D-Calif. "I don't think it's necessary for us to have a resolution."

A resolution sponsored by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, cites some of the singer's charitable acts and proclaims him an American legend, musical icon and world humanitarian.

Even before Pelosi's comments, some Democrats said privately they did not support the resolution and a divisive debate would hurt House efforts to muster the votes for priorities such as health care and climate change.

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Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gZcIF...

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Good for Pelosi. There are more important things than this nonsense.

Pelosi.

They could probably balance the federal budget on license fees from memorabilia.

If they had the resolution ... "The economy is in turmoil, we're fighting in Afghanistan, and the Democrats want to pass laws praising a child molester."

But now ...

"Gee, do you think that Democrats really care about you? Michael Jackson snubbed by THE DEMOCRATS ... killing a ceremonial bill honoring him ..."

They have everything ready to attack Democrats for either side of a scandal or issue ...

Iraq. Afghanistan. North Korea. Economy. Health Care. Unemployment. Climate Change.

And you have the time to sponsor a bill honoring a pop singer?

they should attach it to the next pro-Reagan commemoration...

California. They honor people when they die this way. My dad was honored this way by the Alaska Legislature when a local pol put it forward for him. I didn't know about it until it came. I was razzledazzled that my papa was mentioned as a force for good in our state because he was. They could have prevented all this mess by doing that. The legislature would have passed one.

A HARVEY MILK day, ...do we have it? NO!... meh!

Really. Popularity needs to stop being confused with greatness anyway.

all the time. The prob is making a declaration that everyone is supposed to vote on.

Well intentioned, as he did tonssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss of humanitarian work, but he is honored just by her mentioning it and her just making a speech on the floor for him.

no biggie, move on representative (hopefully)

Iraq. Afghanistan. North Korea. Economy. Health Care. Unemployment. Climate Change.

So finish your fricken point - if there is one.

If a firefighter left a burning building with people trapped inside to go get a manicure, he'd lose his job.

Why do we put up with this behavior from our elected representatives?

I am not really an MJ hater or fan but I was cringing when she was going on and on about "heads of state" bowing to MJ or whatever, yikes.

He's gotten plenty of accolades let it rest.

Enough with this craziness. There are still many people who lost their jobs, their access to health care, their homes. Soldiers still get killed in Afghanistan, the polar caps are melting, and we have to worry about a multi billionaire who lived strangely and died the same?

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Honoring a pedophile NOT!

I agree, let's save the divisive debates with Republicans for the things that matter.

Wise move, IMO.

was President of the United States. Like him or not, he was elected - legally - twice.

...maybe

here in the US, the person has to be dead and buried a number of years before a stamp bearing that person's likeness is made.

I agree with Pelosi here: this shit should be tabled as there are more important things to do in Congress - like getting single payer health care (or at least the option).

to see a fistfight between Sheila Jackson Lee and Peter King.

That's the real reason.

concerned with what color Britney's hair is this week than it is with corruption in government. I don't want Congress going down that dumbed down road as well, especially at my expense.. At least my tax dollars don't support Current Affair.

That's why, even with a super majority, our Democratic Party can't pass single payer health care. If we can't pass a simple thing for Michael Jackson, how the hell can we get anything else done? Of all of the entertainers in this country, MJ gave the most to charity (and he also helped to raised money for the Democrats). Our congress couldn't even recognize that because they are so afraid of Rush Limbaugh, Faux News and congressional republicans. Pathetic.

posting on LJ, maybe they need to find real jobs. Is there nothing else for Congress to work on right now?

There are many more important issues for them to tackle. "ZOMG!!!! WE MISS MJ!!!!" is the last thing I want them debating.

It's not about about fear of the GOP; it's about common sense.

Oh yes it is. Just watch our pansies in Congress cave into the big bad rightwingers.

And btw, do you really believe that Republicans don't like MJ?

fan....*insert random noun*

n/t

As others have said, the Senate has much more important matters to deal with.

Congress should stay out of this.

They honored Paul Newman when he died. They recently honored basketball coach Pat Summitt. A few years ago they honored pro wrestler Ric Flair. Hell they even passed a resolution honoring Toby Keith last year.

It was unfortunate the Jackson death was thrown into politics, very bad idea, just gives the crazy people something else to denigrate him further.

..As much as I would've loved to have seen this go through, I would've also hated to have seen it become yet another political football/thing for the right to use. While it was a lovely idea on Rep. Jackson-Lee's part, I can just see this becoming a huge back and forth in the press. His family have already been through enough.

Perhaps it's too soon. It's clear the controversy that's been (unfaily, IMHO) attached to his image played a very big part in this. If not, why the hesitation? It probably wouldn't have even gotten any press if not for the controversial nature of it and of course everything surrounding his death, hence nothing for the right to use. (Though it sucks that they get to dictate to us in that way, though I also understand wanting to avoid distractions, especially right now. Guess I understand both sides). Hopefully one day, though he doesn't need even Congress to show he was great; his legacy (and I say this with all due respect) will last longer than any of their terms in office anyway.

Congress has more important issues to address. I can't imagine what Jackson Lee was thinking. Good call by Pelosi.

Besides I think that many speeches would be more of a tribute than a single resolution.

I can't believe that this is a place for Democrats to post-
MJ was one of the greatest individual talents & contributors
to American culture during his too brief life.
Of course we should take a minute of time in congress to
recognize the man for his genius.

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and
science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt
in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed."

"The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted
to remain children all our lives."
Einstein

Phildog: "MJ was one of the greatest individual talents & contributors
to American culture during his too brief life."

What a load of crap. Contributor to culture? Is that his child molestation (admitted that he slept with underage children) or his obsession with plastic surgery?

He is best forgotten.

And no proof that he ever molested any kids. He never admitted to having sex with kids, they slept in his bed and it was nonsexual. It's a bit weird yeah, but how many kids sleep with adult relatives etc in their lives? Probably almost 100 percent, and he probably felt a familial closeness to them, that doesn't mean he molested anybody and has never been close to proven. And the guy had a messed up childhood and was obviously insecure with himself, so he had plastic surgeries. How many people obsess about things like weight and looks every day? Millions? They just don't have the money to have plastic surgeries, so they develop eating disorders or other problems instead. None of that takes away his career accomplishments, they are what they are. Hemingway was a drunk who treated women like shit, maybe nobody should ever remember anything he ever wrote. Let's just forget about it. That's always best.

Oh they both lived in LA! Right!

they are both missing one glove.

But innocent??? Nope.

Jackson admitted that he slept with underage kids. That is not the mark of someone who is a 'huge contributor to culture.' It's a sign of a seriously deranged person, whether the sleepovers were sexual or not.

He could have gone out and shot somebody and it wouldn't change what he did musically and culturally. He'd still be a big contributor to culture, if he wasn't then why the hell has his death been such a big deal? Michael Jackson defined the musical culture and ushered in the whole music video artist era. He could have went out and raped a bunch of chickens and it wouldn't change that, one doesn't have to do with the other.

In familial and communal cultures, kids sleep with adults all the time. Relatives, family friends etc. I'm from a reservation and I did when I was a kid, almost everybody I know from there has. Does that make everybody "seriously deranged"? No, it doesn't. I don't know if the guy did anything to those kids, but it was never proven, not even close. Anything else is just a person's own projections and speculation.

in any way. Kids are not put on earth as therapy for him or any other adult.

Child molestaation has never been proven . Now, there's a great ringing reason for Congress to pass a resolution honoring him.

nt

Really? Thats news to me. where did you get your info, Glen Beck?

sometimes I think it's a bot.

did where he talked like he was stoned out of his mind and said: "sharing your bed is the most loving thing you can do."

Nor does his "obsession with plastic surgery" (though clearly indicative of his far less than ideal childhood and some of the emotional abuse he suffered during it). And even if you're not a fan of his music, you still can't deny his accomplishments. He defined a generation. And he'll never be "forgotten", any more than Elvis, The Beatles, etc, etc. will ever be. Sorry.

say that MJ was not a phenomenal artist.

I too recognize his place in art and American culture. But, this is not the time and Congress not the place right now. I applaud Nancy Pelosi for her stance.

They are pure fluff, but usually they aren't controversial and don't take much time. You always have somebody trying to honor something relatively frivolous with a resolution, sure they have more important things to do, but it's typically not a big deal. I wouldn't mind it if it was something that could be easily done, but this would be too controversial and create a divisive atmosphere. The last thing anybody who cares about MJ would want would be to allow the debate to turn into a bunch of Peter King clones going off on insulting tirades. Not a good idea. While I agree with the basic sentiment of the resolution, Pelosi is right on this one.

bunch of frickin elitists! lots of white folks here I suppose... flame away

It's not for honoring folks in entertainment no matter how talented and accomplished. "Elitists" is a word used to describe Democrats by Republicans by-the-way. Usually when they try to appeal to the rubes.

The economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, health care, unemployment...that's what they should and are sticking to.

"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government." T. jefferson

You go right ahead and lick the feet of (R)-King and fill your mind with hate.
. I'll continue to support patriotic activity- the immense creativity of MJ-

I just think that the US Government has better things to do than honor entertainment figures.

Who the fuck is (R) King? Rodney King??? Hope he's all right these days. Not gonna lick his feet though.

came forth to honor Paul Newman?

I don't think that the congress is really the place for these but let's not pretend that this sudden outcry on DU has anything to do with consistency.

n.t.

and the number of similar posts made when the resolution was passed for Mr. Newman I'd say there's something going on to provoke this outrage and it has nothing to do with congressional time wasting. My opinion there has not changed.

I don't think so. If they want to use their idiotic spin, i.e. Volvo driving liberal elitists, blah blah,... that is their prerogative. But they don't own the word. And it gets REALLY tiresome every time someone disagrees with majority opinion for there to be the suggestion that this must be a freeper troll or whatever...

We have enough problem. They have enough work to do. If that's elitist...then pass the caviar.

MJ will be honored at every entertainment venue imaginable this year. Sometimes sincerly...sometimes by other enterainment figures just trying to hog the limelight who wouldn't be seen near the man while he lived. That is where you will see him honored.

or the numerous other they have honored? The arts may seem frivolous or beneath you, but I honestly think our congress can handle this and the obvious pressing issues they are dealing with.

I hope they give more money for Fine Arts grants if anything. That would be in benefiting to the Arts that don't necesarily stand such a high chance of making profit to sustain itself but none-the-less is Art. It would keep Artists employed and creating works of beutification and contributing culture. That would be a governmental way of honoring the Arts.

You see...I like the arts...and I actually know what the Government is supposed to be doing. So can you can the personal attacks???

Have you seen the unemployment rate recently?

$250 million to charity through Newman's Own food products, founded numerous "Hole in the wall camps" around the country for kids with cancer, and set up a foundation to combat drug abuse.

He was far more than an entertainer.

on resolutions for entertainers.

And believing Congress should not waste time honoring entertainers is racism, huh?

Need dictionary.

, in case it's needed.

because I don't live on DU and post constantly...

Name any entertainer who has been so honored by Congress.

Still a waste of Governmental time.

rather than simply as an entertainer.

I still want to see them concentrate on more important things.

MJ's death and the constant fawning of people who wouldn't be seen near the guy while he was living was just too much for me. He will continue to be honored in every single available entertainment venue until just after this time next year.

If they cared so much he wouldn't have been a pariah while living.

Besides that, Newman set up a string of "Hole in the Wall" camps across the country for kids with cancer, and he set up a foundation to combat drug abuse in memory of his son.

I agree with you about the MJ fawning. I don't get it.

(And just for the record, I wasn't with the crazed fans for Elvis or any other entertainer, either.)

I still think that without his high profile in entertainment...nothing would have been said in the Government...and frankly I want them working on more important issues. If MJ and Newman were the kind of people we hoped they were (and unless we really knew them there is no way.) they'd agree.

Folks like MJ and Newman will always have a place in our culture and get the proper credit from their peers as well as fans.

It looks like the few low posters came and went after their accusations of hate and elitism anyways.

Michael Jackson wins, by a few million. I think this is a passionate issue because Michael Jackson was 'different' and we people have a difficult time coming to terms with those things we don't understand (cognitively or emotionally). I stated a few posts up that I applaud Nancy Pelosi for her stance, but not because Michael Jackson doesn't deserve it as much as others.
You are correct in saying "I don't get it" That's okay, there are things that all of us don't get. The important thing is that we all come to terms with those things we don't get and either take the time to understand or save our criticism...

A short list of only some of the organizations that Michael Jackson supported:
Heal the World Foundation
AIDS Project Los Angeles
American Cancer Society
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America
Childhelp USA
Children's Defense Fund
Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
End Hunger Network
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Jane Goodall Institute
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Prince's Trust
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Starlight Children's Foundation
Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation
TJ Martell Foundation
United Negro College Fund

The "Guinness Book Of Records" names Michael Jackson as the celebrity who supports the most charity organizations.

Do you know what that means? It means a celebrity allows his or her name to be used in fundraising and publicity efforts.

Jackson's actual $$$ donations to charities were almost nothing. Do your homework and get back to me. You'll be surprised.

And someone upthread said he'd contributed to Democratic efforts. That's a hoot. I doubt he ever even voted, but I'd love to see some documentation on that one, too.

He talked, and he showed up to get honors, but he spent only on himself.....................

anything from putting your name behind it to giving money towards it. I am not surprised by much but once in awhile learn something that truly amazes, delights, disappoints or discourages me. I must admit that I do not consider my argument of this topic important enough to do comprehensive research, although I have done some and I always take everything I read with a grain of salt. I am not surprised by what I find. I would never pretend to assume that I have absolute answers and all this bruhaha has become interesting. I only care that there are any number of things, people and events that really hit us in the gut (such as Michael Jackson and his supposed child molestation) and we need to respect that impact and what it may mean to different people in order for us to co-exist with civility


http://philanthropy.com/giveandtake/article/1099/michae...
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-7928-Charlotte-Inter...
http://www.blackstarnews.com/news/135/ARTICLE/5840/2009...
http://blog.charitynavigator.org/2009/07/michael-jackso...
http://uncivilsociety.org/2009/07/is-michael-jacksons-c...
http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/113-michael-jac...
http://www.sofeminine.co.uk/celebrity-features/michael-...

Someone could give a dollar to every organization they could find and surpass MJ's record, whatever it is.

my post was entirely different from yours, LOL

whether Congress should be in this business at all. The Queen gives entertainers fake honors, usually after they've paid lots of taxes into the British Treasury. But, her duties are mostly ceremonial to begin with.

I don't think Newman or Jackson proclamations are about charity. They are about celebrity, which sometimes overlaps with charity. Celebrities are among the most self-congratulatory people on the planet. In addition to sums of money most of us cannot even imagine, they get one award after another. The cult of celebrity in this country has dumbed down the media and our youth and aneeds no help from our tax dollars. JMO

And no, trolls, my opinion has less than nothing to do with the skin color of any specific celebriy. No happier honoring Newman or Spears than I am Jackson--and all of them give to charity. (Not as though any of them had to skip a meal to do so, as the rest of us are urged to do.)

For most given by a pop star. That's what was said at the memorial, anyway.

been accomplished by giving 50 cents to each charity. He gave more than that, of course, but, point is, giving to the greatest number of charities is not at all the same as giving the greatest amount of money to charity.

so many Christmases that he spent with the troops, rather than his family.

Still a certificate from the military or a proclamation from the CIC probably would have been more appropriate than a Congressional Resolution.

nm

n/t

Seriously, did you?

Bigots suck, too.

Of course, no one could possibly have a reason for agreeing with Pelosi on this other than white skin, right. How much of a bigot do you have to be to make that leap? Then again, bigots are not usually known for things like rational analysis.

No time for silly arguments about Michael Jackson. He was what he was - and whatever the level of his importance in the entertainment world, it wouldn't rise to the level of taking Congress from its important work.

Yes I agree, we have worse things to worry about than whether anyone acknowledges Michael Jackson's humanitarian efforts on behalf of children worldwide, but danged if she couldn't have denied it in a way that did not piss off every Jackson fan including me. Y'all may not think too much of him but I personally liked what Rep Shelia Jackson proposed. God Bless Rep Jackson and anyone else who tried to extend this kindness to the Jackson family.
My personal opinion of Nancy Pelosi is she's worthless as tits on a boar hog, where the heck was she when we needed her in the Bush years?

The House of Reps represents THE PEOPLE!
MJ was greatly amired by the PEOPLE of the World. Pelosi should
stand up for the people and quit kowtowing to
Republican racists like rep. Peter King.

he's a complete fucking asshole.

but i think crap like this really helped to sink mj's career:

"You said in that documentary that many children have slept in your bedroom. You said...and I'm going to quote here, 'Why can't you share your bed? The most loving thing to do is to share your bed with someone,'" Bradley remarked. "As we sit here today, do you still think that it's acceptable to share your bed with children?"

"Of course. Of course. Why not?" Jackson asked. "If you're going to be a pedophile, if you're going to be Jack the Ripper, if you're going to be a murderer, it's not a good idea. That I'm not. That's how we were raised. And I met, I didn't sleep in the bed with the child. Even if I did, it's OK. I slept on the floor. I gave the bed to the child."

"But given all that you've been through...given the allegations...given the innuendo, why would you put yourself in the position where something like this could happen again?" Bradley asked.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/25/entertainment...

none of them have noticed. Idiots. I'm glad she didn't allow it. Jeez.

The biggest problem our society has is its
disrespect towards others, especally the recently deceased.
Get a life, enjoy the arts- try living, its good...