Pelosi Shoots Down Michael Jackson Resolution, Citing Her Concern About "Contrary Views" (VIDEO)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday shot down the idea of a congressional resolution to recognize Michael Jackson for his "humanitarian" work.

One of the reasons that Pelosi cited for her dismissal was that the resolution might arouse opinions of Jackson critics.

The resolution, which listed Jackon's musical accomplishments and cited his "humanitarian" work, was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee the day after the entertainer's death on June 25.

Pelosi said: "I don't think it's neceesary for us to have a resolution. Because, in this case, if the idea is to praise the life and work, as I assume this resolution does, then why not do that? 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."

Watch:

Comments

[xtherocksx]

Contrary views are temporary; the gesture of passing a resolution would be historical. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F166o1QO6Y8

[Bude]

Did you mean, hysterical?

[Solja]

Then again, Congress has honored other figures sporting their share of major flaws, and nobody is saying much about those anymore...

Take Elvis Presley, whose sexy moves were once seen as so perverted that the FBI had a file declaring him a "definite danger to the security of the United States." A Florida judge once called Presley a "savage" and threatened to arrest him if he performed in Jacksonville—and of course, like Jackson, Presley battled with prescription drugs.

Also like Jackson, Presley faced accusations of inappropriate sexual contact with minors—in Presley's case, future wife Priscilla. One biographer contends the two slept together on their second date, when Priscilla was 14, though Priscilla herself has disputed that account.

Nonetheless, Presley was later honored by the Congress, albeit indirectly, via postage stamp and a Senate-based resolution congratulating Graceland on its elevation to historical status.

Other stars have also gotten the resolution treatment. The Senate created Louis Armstrong Day in August 2001.

Johnny Cash, who also had infamous trouble with drugs, and served time in jail for rape, was honored by the Senate with a resolution in his honor.

Frank Sinatra got a posthumous Frank Sinatra Day in 2008. The FBI spied on Sinatra throughout much of his life thanks to the singer's well-known ties with the Mob; he also got a Congressional Gold Medal, along with Bob Hope.

[octopi]

If Isaac Hayes was deserving of a resolution, surely Michael Jackson is, too.

[Solja]

Then again, Congress has honored other figures sporting their share of major flaws, and nobody is saying much about those anymore...

Take Elvis Presley, whose sexy moves were once seen as so perverted that the FBI had a file declaring him a "definite danger to the security of the United States." A Florida judge once called Presley a "savage" and threatened to arrest him if he performed in Jacksonville"and of course, like Jackson, Presley battled with prescription drugs.

Also like Jackson, Presley faced accusations of inappropriate sexual contact with minors"in Presley's case, future wife Priscilla. One biographer contends the two slept together on their second date, when Priscilla was 14, though Priscilla herself has disputed that account.

Nonetheless, Presley was later honored by the Congress, albeit indirectly, via postage stamp and a Senate-based resolution congratulating Graceland on its elevation to historical status.

Other stars have also gotten the resolution treatment. The Senate created Louis Armstrong Day in August 2001.

Johnny Cash, who also had infamous trouble with drugs, and served time in jail for rape, was honored by the Senate with a resolution in his honor.

Frank Sinatra got a posthumous Frank Sinatra Day in 2008. The FBI spied on Sinatra throughout much of his life thanks to the singer's well-known ties with the Mob; he also got a Congressional Gold Medal, along with Bob Hope.

[octopi]

A little googling about Elvis also brought up that he was a walking scandal following his death as a symbol of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll.

[nikky]

racism again

[Cherubim]

The U.S. Congress have no Heavenly offerings, thus, they have
nothing to give Michael Jackson.
While on Earth Michael Jackson surrounded himself with what
was Beautiful and good. He was a true BLESSING TO THE WORLD,
and most of all he was a blessing to his children.
Michael Jackson's TREASURES on Earth were his children, and
now he watches over them from Heaven.
Yes, Angels are among us.
Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBuDh13TZJY&feature=related

[bradwieser]

HuffPo=lame

[bradwieser]

"Jackson Resolution Faces GOP Opposition" front page headline

"Pelosi Shoots Down Michael Jackson Resolution, Citing Her Concern About 'Contrary Views'"
buried deep on website

[jme-SD]

She's right. However he's remembered needs to stay out of politics for the moment. Too many other issues are critical and all votes are needed for other matters and this would be dragged into the other issues.

[Okieborn]

Now Your right on Speaker Pelosi !!!

[joemondo]

It's been a foolish waste of time to do similar resolutions in the past, it's a foolish waste to do it now.

[blaharumph]

we're quite used to this in houston:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/6521774.html

[CitizenFarmer]

This is actually a very astute play of politics. Nancy claims that something won't be proposed because the discussion may not be something she wants to hear or she believes the nation wants to hear; therefore, she is censoring the discussion while getting some mileage off of slamming people for what they might say.

[bibimimi]

Pre-emptively putting an end to 'open season' on Jackson's memory? Could very well be. Judging from NY rep. Peter King's unwelcome yapping, they are already in the BS pen, warming up.

[dasimms]

Well he will have something better than a resolution from this mostly corrupt body of elected officials. How many people in how many nations are mourning the passing of this gentle genius who was misunderstood and used and abused by so many around him. I am so sorry that the pain was too much for him to endure any longer.

[pearlx2]

I think Pelosi's remarks are stupid and don't make any sense, except to convey that she didn't want to do it.

But aside from that, I agree with you that Congress is a corrupt body, and Michael Jackson does not need a resolution from them -- he already has a resolution from the world and from God for all the good he did and tried to do. Nothing that anybody in or out of Congress can say or do can ever take anything away from the life that Michael lived. People can think whatever they want, and the media can misinform all they want, but truth always rises. Truth is truth, and the truth is that Michael Jackson was a wonderful human being. The world knows that -- that's all that matters.

[sueno]

Pelosi will lose my support-

[dasimms]

Pick you battles and look at the big picture. This is not a really big deal. There are more important issues to consider than this. The economy for one thing! We mourn his passing but those of us that remain behind have serious economic challenges to overcome. Peace and Blessing Sueno.

[Okieborn]

Pelosi will gain mine !!!

[Okieborn]

Pelosi will gain my support !!!

[beerguy]

Does this make Pelosi a racist?

[akababs]

No it makes her a fool.

[pearlx2]

I agree.

[montecarlo408]

No, but it makes her a pacifist for sure.

[blaharumph]

no... this could actually help jackson save face.
you know some would hash out some horrible MJ truths and fictions to fight the bill.

[bradwieser]

no, she is a democrat

[needlefingers]

Even though I am a big Michael Jackson fan, the congresswoman should not have made the statement at his funeral without having her facts straight.

Michael has more than enough attention. If there was ever to be a resolution, and I'm not sure there needs to be one, I think one honoring the Jackson family as a musical family would be better.

And yes, many American artists have recieved recogniton and Medals of Honor. But, maybe the Kennedy Awards would be a better place for this.

[blaharumph]

i agree when she did that... i thought she may be setting them up for disappointment in that area. ms. lee has a history in houston of being a "professional eulogizer":

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/6521774.html