John Roberts Critiqued Michael Jackson As Reagan Lawyer

WASHINGTON — Presidents named Reagan, Bush and Clinton applauded Michael Jackson in his lifetime. John Roberts, now the nation's chief justice, said there were limits to adulation of a pop star.

As a young lawyer in the Reagan administration, Roberts was dismissive of White House aides who suggested the president send a letter congratulating Jackson on giving underprivileged children free tickets to Washington-area concerts in the 1980s.

"I hate sounding like one of Mr. Jackson's records, constantly repeating the same refrain, but I recommend we not approve this letter," Roberts wrote. "Frankly I find the obsequious attitude of some members of the White House staff toward Mr. Jackson's attendants, and the fawning posture they would have the president of the United States adopt, more than a little embarrassing."

Then, the lawyer's word of caution.

Roberts noted that another star, "a newcomer who goes by the name of Prince," was planning a concert in Washington. "Will he receive a presidential letter? How will we decide which performers do and which do not?"

The writings were released in 2005 when President George W. Bush nominated Roberts to the Supreme Court.

Comments

[JoDeeVa]

Frankly I find the obsequious attitude of some members of the Supreme Court and the fawning posture they had/ have for the "great communicator" Reagan more than embarrassing. Wonder if Roberts would been on board with it had MJ been a goodwill ambassador or whatever the heck they called the War on Drugs' "Just Say No!" squad..ins­tead of simply giving to the under-privileged? Isn't that how they decided "which performers do and which do not" receive a presidential letter?

[RogerHWerner]

I'm a little unclear why Roberts' writings on Jackson are relevant or important? Roberts was right...wh­o do presidents acknowledge and who doesn't get the nod and how is a decision made? I could see a president sending a personal note to Jackson. He's a citizens and a human being with an opinion and being president doesn't negate either. I hardly think a president thank you was appropriate for what Jackson did in the 1980s. Lot's of entertainers do socially responsible things but not everyone gets a presidential thank you letter.

[disgusted48]

roberts just needs to figure out how to get his part of the presidential swearing in ceremony right next time. just try to memorize those few words mr. chief justice, you only have 3 and a half years left. if all else fails, RIGHT IT DOWN!

[Layman23]

If that fails then he can try writing it down.

[bustitbaby]

Chief Justic Roberts is ignorant aobut popular culture; Prince was no newcomer; he has been in the business since the mid 1970's, not the mid 1980's.

[Gidster]

So was Jackson.

[bustitbaby]

Which Jackson are you referring to?

[RogerHWerner]

If I am not mistaken Michale Jackson was making hit records in the early 1970s with his brothers. In the 1980s neither Jackson nor Prince were newcomers.

[LeeCalif]

Wish it would have been Roberts.

[LinkSync]

Yep yep.
Remember when they denounced the Beach Boys and paid hell for it?
Political BOMB!
It is wise to stay away from areas of taste when giving gifts.

[robert234]

Even if Michael Jackson were a loser, which he is not, he has never done any harm to society. While you have done harm every time you open your mouth or put pen to paper. You and sidekicks,Scalia, Alito, and Thomas are a cancer that can not be removed unless you quit or die.

[roch20]

That's right!!!!

[CliveS]

I can't stand Roberts, but hell he was right this time.

[ufopp]

That's why judges are for following laws and citizens for justice. We can't afford to leave justice purely in the hands of judges.

[MsLiz]

So many comments by people who want to criticize John Roberts, no matter what he does.

[BBC9nch]

and he was acquited of 14 charges, is that not a vindication?

[dessertsfirst]

So, Liz... ? u got a thing for Justice Roberts?? jest wonderin..­..

[apolloguide]

This guy Roberts is a complete jerk. It is sure lucky that he does not have an important position of responsibility.

[FunkyP]

Yet more proof that the chief Justice is an A hole.

[Okieborn]

Judge Roberts !!
I agree with you 100% !!
The minute of silence in the congress should have been for the citizenry of Iran and the heroes who gave their lives for freedon !!
NOT Michael Jackson !!!!

[Madhyamika]

Agree - except for the bit about Iranian citizens.

One man's hero is another man's villain.
Let the Iranians cherish their own heroes.

[Layman23]

When a medal of freedom was given to a ex-CIA director for being silent or passive about iraq, causing untold miseries and trillions lost in a lost cause. I think a minute silence for an entertainer who bonded people from different countries purely because of his talent and artistic skills, deserves atleast a minutes silence.

[oceanofconsciousness]

Yes, how DARE MIchael think of helping underprivileged children by giving them free tickets. In this way, MIchael was preventing those seats from being sold and thus benefitting the corporations who were sponsoring the event. And as all good Republicans like Roberts know, corporations come first. C'mon gang, let's get our priorities right.

[MsLiz]

Michael Jackson was grooming potential victims.

[dessertsfirst]

...and you KNOW this.... how?

[igmond50]

What a stupid story and waste of time.