At Michael Jackson's massive, emotional memorial service at the Staples Center, Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee presented a resolution to honor the icon for humanitarian works and for his status as an American icon. The announcement of the resolution drew rapturous applause.
Today, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi effectively killed the resolution. Her reason for doing so was that discussions on the resolution would bring up "contrary views" that were "not necessary at this time" (she did acknowledge him as a "great, great performer"). Essentially, she is saying that the resolution has the danger of splitting up the House into two groups: those who love Jackson and those who despise him. That split would potentially be disastrous as the House tries to pass more important legislation, such as those involving healthcare.
The split was confirmed when Peter King, the classless New York congressman who called Michael Jackson a "pervert" and "pedophile" and appeared to relish in the attention those insults caused, promised he would block the resolution. Also, only one other congresswoman announced their support, while other members, including those from the black caucus, remained silent.
Right now, Congress needs to focus on bringing this country back from the gates of hell, not fighting over Michael Jackson's legacy. That would only drudge up the most unsavory of the pop star's history, which does nothing but tarnish an already spotty reputation.
While Michael Jackson's cultural influence, despite King's and Bill O'Reilly's opinions, is grand and undisputed, I have to agree that congressional recognition isn't something that should be prioritized. Maybe in the future, after all of the dust surrounding his death has settled and the issues most important are resolved, the resolution, whatever it would mean, can be reintroduced.
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