Michael Jackson Resolution Squashed By Pelosi

WASHINGTON — 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.

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., who posted a video on YouTube calling Michael Jackson a "pervert" and a "pedophile," has pledged to do all he could to block the resolution.

Michael Jackson was acquitted in 2005 of charges that he molested a 13-year-old boy. Those allegations, and his admission that children slept in his bed at his home but nothing sexual occurred, have led some members of Congress to put distance between themselves and any formal honor for the entertainer.

"A resolution, I think, would open up to contrary views to _ that are not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with a resolution whose purpose is quite different," Pelosi said at a Capitol Hill news conference where she discussed various legislative matters.

Unbowed, Jackson Lee said she will seek support from colleagues who thanked her when she introduced the measure June 26, one day after Michael Jackson died. She said honorary resolutions don't often "pass the next day."

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"On this floor we elevate people and doing that we have to work to tell your story," she said after a House vote. But she would need support from Democratic leadership for the resolution to advance to the full House from the committee where it is now.

When members of the Congressional Black Caucus held a moment of silence in the House after Jackson died June 25, some lawmakers walked out of the chamber.

Jackson Lee has pledged that the resolution, now before the House Foreign Affairs Committee where she is a member, would come to the full House for debate. Such honorary measures normally move quickly from committee to the full House and pass on a voice vote.

But Jackson Lee's resolution was in trouble early. It drew only one co-sponsor, Rep. Diane Watson, D-Calif., and was not endorsed by other black caucus members.

From the stage at Jackson's memorial Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jackson Lee hoisted a framed copy of the resolution.

___

Associated Press writer Jim Abrams contributed to this report.

Comments

[atomic]

God I hate our government ... it's basically turned on us and is acting as if the people have nothing to do with it.

[atomic]

Why can't you just do one thing right Pelosi ... Michael Jackson's contribution to the world in uncontested ... why can't we get rid of Pelosi ... I am so sick and tired of her incompetence.

[livesimply]

The charges against Jackson were false. Even the person who testified in court against him admits it now. I get it. Too bad he didn't admit it before, but this does not really belong in Congress. PLEASE! We're already a celebrity obsessed society. Let's not bring it into the business of running the country. (Ah, yes...I can predict the response of trolls here.)

[stevendedalus3]

Speaker Pelosi is right in denying a congressional resolution for Michael Jackson--enough already! The media has for all these days been more than fair in covering his undeniable talent. We don't need Congress to lionize him, which will only lead to speculation on the sordid aspect of his personal life.

[wietog]

Whoever supports Rep. Lee - please tell her that WE HAVE WAY TOO MANY OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES TO DEAL WITH! Why is even a minute of our publicly funded government focusing on this???

MJ and his family, fans, hangers-on had/have plenty already: the music, the memories, the awards, the money, the memorabilia. And his charitable ventures will live on without a freaking plaque and resolution!!!

Even though he was not charged, there are too many questions about his lifestyle that make many uncomfortable. It shouldn't matter, but it doesn't help.

Let's not exploit him further. He was a talented entertainer and an eccentric multi-millionaire. There will be plenty of tributes without having to use the US government.

Let's focus on - oh I don't know - THE WAR???!!! or the ECONOMY???!!!

[clsmithj]

The government can walk and chew bubble gum at the same time. What about the WAR and the ECONOMY that's been any different from this week to last?

[lubas]

See... that is where the issue is. The government NEEDS to begin making things different from this week to last... that's where they need to be focused on.
And no, apparently, they CANNOT walk and chew gum at the same time.... and that's sad!

[Joyana]

There will always be wars and the economy. A resolution for MJ will change absolutely nothing in the sordid business of Washington and World politics. At least MJ's giving was to fully benefit others. Washington politics is, if I must cynically say, for the greedy benefit of big business execs, lobbyists and the politicians themselves, all at the gross expense of the taxpayer.

[BigBagel]

If it was Elvis think she'd do that.

[IndieBlue]

Did Elvis sleep with other peoples' kids?

[macbabe]

what's your point, it's bad for parents to let their kids sleep with them... since when? ...what kid hasn't at one time or another...­.

[lilguy]

There is some thought as to whether he really waited for Pricilla Pressley to grow up, or did he so the deed when she was 15.

[Joyana]

It's not about who MJ slept w/ it's about his charity work.

[moniqueg]

Yes, Elvis did "sleep with other peoples' kids." Priscilla was fourteen years old. Get your facts straight, you prejudiced jerk.

[napasonoma]

Did Elvis rebuild his body in plastic and paint it brown.

[moniqueg]

No, he just stole black music.

[PCL07]

I suppose nobody really paid attention when it was mentioned that MJ went to Capitol Hill to meet with heads of states in regards to providing money for AIDS and social services. As well as visiting Walter Reed.

Why isn't that publicized? Pelosi should follow up on meetings like this before she decides...

[genia]

This does not belong in our Congress..­..period.
I agree with Pelosi
On with the show...let­'s get some real work done.

[StillAmused]

Ironically, one of the kindest things Pelosi could have done for the Jackson family. She knows the GOP hyenas well -- having been a victim, herself -- and is depriving them a platform from which to hurl their toxic venom for 24-7 consumption by amoral network cameras.

Better the news cycle concentrates on the GOP's own ever-growing list of disgraced hypocrites. It is a wise person who knows when NOT to pick a fight. Just step aside and let them destroy themselves.

Thankfully, a well-intended but meaningless proclamation from a body of clueless politicians is the last thing necessary to establish Michael Jackson's special place in the American story.

[middleofeverywhere]

Nice job! If the fans took a moment to think, they might see this as a favor. Isn't the video of the congressman calling him a pervert enough? If you love the guy, you're not going to love him more after a resolution. It would just make fans more angry to listen to people get up and slam him.

[AKJM]

These comments say that Pelosi is right.

I have great respect and admiration for Rep. Lee, I'm surprised that she stepped into this mess.

[Gmoney1]

Geez Nancy - if you ever need some votes for anything - you just lost a whole lot - sorry -

[robinshood]

With all of the issues facing this country do you really think that people are so petty that this would be a reason to not give votes? "Gee, Nancy, universal healthcare sounds nice, but you dissed Michael so I'm going to take my vote and go home"

Hey, maybe it's not a lot of people and votes, just you.

[lilguy]

Nope! here another! And everybody I know. This maybe not seem important to you, but I'm going to push it, just because Mrs Pelosi was so shortsighted and ready to diss another democratic senator. Congresswoman Jackson Lee stood up for what she and many others saw as injustice and the speaker smacked her down without a thought or care to her constituents.

[napasonoma]

Im not sure the same people who obsess 24-hours a day for 2 weeks now are the same people who vote. I doubt they know when election day is.

[Joyana]

I certainly do vote, campaigned and served as a precinct captain in the recent presidential election AND I am a MJ fan. And many MJ fans are just as politically active as I know plenty of them!! Looks like you have stinky-foo­t-in-mouth disease.

[Dennis60]

The fact that even one second of government time, let alone congressional time was spent on this folly demostrates why we are in such serious trouble.

[pomegrante]

SueInCa,are you here?please post the link again for these people accusing mj of ped-o-phi/­ia?barkrud­edog69 and several others posting here might be on the list!

[StillAmused]

Looking for these?

http://sjsandteam.wordpress.com/2009/06/28/jordan-chandler-admits-he-lied-about-michael-jackson/

http://www.usnewslink.com/framedjackson.htm

[bensisco]

How many American citizens will the entire world virtually stop to pay tribute to? Every major network and cable station broadcast Jackson's memorial service for three hours uninterrupted. People simultaneously viewed the service in movie theaters across the nation as well. Yet, Pelosi doesn't think Congress should recognize Michael Jackson with this resolution. I guarantee you plenty of people with far less stature and far more controversial pasts will be recognized with a Congressional resolution by Pelosi and company in the coming days and months.

[Adartist777]

Elvis didn't get a resolution, he did get a series of postage stamps. What about resolutions for Marvin Gaye, Tami Terrell, Florence Ballard, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Cass Elliot, Janis Joplin and so on? Let's be fair.

The point is - resolutions really don't matter unless you're the Liver Mush Queen of NC or maybe somebody that found a cure for cancer.

More than likely, MJ will be on a postage stamp eventually. This is usually how celebrities are honored and it makes a lot of money for the Postal Service.

[Tanyars5]

The music artists you mention ...did they give as much to charities as MJ?

[Adartist777]

I'm not sure but I do know this, many artists that make huge amounts of money give to charity because of the needed tax deduction. Either that or they have to pay that money in taxes to the government.

However, the contributions of those artists on society were immense. Their music and talent will never be forgotten.

All artists are human beings that make tragic errors in their careers. Hendrix was no saint and neither was John Lennon, but neither slept with young boys. Charity and morality are not necessarily the same.

[derekc06]

Is Bono going to get a resolution when he dies? Is Bill Gates? Is... Oprah??

Give me a break!

[bison1]

It took a long time before Paul Robeson was put on a stamp! He was accused of being a communist. He was not. He had a large international and interracial audience.

[Adartist777]

He was a wonderful talent too. I still listen to his music from time to time. Pity that he was accused of such a thing.

[Holypat777]

Good call and great taste in music. Cheers!