Pelosi: House won't take up Michael Jackson resolution
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/06/18/art.pelosihand0618.gi.jpg caption="Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that the House will not take up a resolution honoring Michael Jackson."]WASHINGTON (CNN) –The House of Representatives will not take up a resolution honoring the late entertainer Michael Jackson, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Thursday.
Pelosi called Jackson "a great, great performer" and acknowledged there is "lots of sadness." But the speaker said at a press conference that while members could express their sympathy on the House floor, she added "I don't think it's necessary" to pass a resolution.
"A resolution, I think, would open up (debate) to contrary views that are not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with a resolution whose purpose is quite different," Pelosi explained.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, who spoke at the memorial service for Jackson on Tuesday in Los Angeles, has introduced HR 600, "Honoring an American legend and musical icon."
The resolution states, "Whereas Michael Jackson was not only an accomplished recording and performing artist, he was a noted humanitarian."
Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., criticized the media's extensive coverage of Michael Jackson's death earlier this week, calling Jackson a "pervert," a "pedophile," and "child molester."
Mr. King....when was MJ ever CONVICTED of any crime? I believe we are still living in the USA and we are innocent until proven guilty....he was never proved guilty. Then again..you are a politician and being DISHONEST is part of your nature.
I do not believe we need a day of recognition for MJ but please stop lying!!!
Pelosi....what a joke this women is.....is she related to Palin?
How about sticking to honoring those who have sacrificed for this country receiving little recompense for their noble deeds. What sacrifice did Michael Jackson make while he lived high on the hog and had multiple questionable escapades? O.J. was acquitted also but ya know? Are we really that hard up to find Americans worthy of honor? How about are military personnel – each one of them?
Never thought I would see the day when I agree with Pelosi!
You probably won't print this one... Pelosi is against ANYTHING that will not further her own "agenda."
I disagree with Nancy Pelosi. She herself is very controversial, yet thinks this bill will bring about controversy. She has a lot of nerve.
Sounds about right to me.
This is the one that broke the camel's back. Who is behind this resolution? The mighty Reverands Jesse and Al. This was an entertainer who did not want to be black! Notice I did not say man!
Holy cow this woman finally did something I agree with , Thank you Nancy
Please remember Sheila Jackson Lee, when elections roll around again. Remember this representitive of a very poor district who would rather have a photo op than do someting to help her constituents. Remember her taking the time to put for legislation to honor a eccentric celebrity, while you were wondering if you would still have a job tomorrow or food tonight. Honestly I do not understand how people in her district continue to elect her and continue to believe she is fighting for them in congress. She is an embarassment to her district and to the great state of Texas.
This 'resolution' to honor MJ is neither necessary nor appropriate for consideration by Congress. MJ was indeed an incredibly talented musician, but his complete freakiness more than balanced his positive aspects. If he hadn't bought his acquittal in the child molestation trial, he would be alive today-in prison, but alive...
Now he's dead, and the memorial service circus is over, let him RIP. Get on with life.
If you do you can certainly count yourself out of politicals. That is probably the most sick, uneducated thing a representative came up with to propose for a pedifier, carny freak and a man who contributed nothing to the welfare of America. Nat King Cole is the King of Pop.
Michael Jackson was in the lives of Americans for 45 years. He is the greatest enterainer of all time. He was also a humanitarian. He is a hero. The House should take the resolution.
MJ has never been a child molester or whatever stated by Peter King. It was a shame for a law maker to make this stupid and racist comment. MJ has done a lot of good things to the world and to this country than Peter King or the other republicans in congress.
I agree very strongly with Nancy Pelosi. Jackson was truly a great entertainer but that's what he was – an entertainer. The media coverage by the media has been excessive to put it mildly. Michael Jackson was no more important that the six American soldiers killed this weekend in Afghanistan.
So where are the comments that Pelosi is a racist for not supporting this resolution? Or are Democrats immune from such allegations?
I live in Houston Texas and what an embarrassment Shelia Jackson Lee is.
This woman is rude, walks around and expects the sea to part for her and will do anything to get in front of the camera. I don't live in her district, but many that do say she's a racist and spends more time running around the country then working for her district. Shelia Jackson Lee needs to be voted out and hopefully she will.
And, never thought the day would come that I would agree with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, but today is that day. Thank you Speaker Pelosi for doing what is right.
You have got to be kidding me. Is this April 1st?
The economy is in shambles. We are at war in Afghanistan and on the verge of civil war in Iran with a war in North Korea on the horizon. We have serious health care and education issues. We have global environmental problems.
And now the US Congress is spending time discussing whether or not they should continue to discuss an official proclamation honoring a (non-convicted but clearly guilty) child molestor?
I understand black is the new black in America. CNN does their pieces. It's the new cool thing. But seriously? Is today July Fool's Day?
Too bad the "change we can believe in" is stopped by weak democrats who won't stand up to GOP haters. Honoring Michael Jackson takes nothing away from anyone. And .. to allow the false slander of Pete King to have a voice in the matter
Finally she has done something right. People want him put on a stamp. Maybe we should put every fallen American soldier on a stamp instead!
Even still MJ is the entertainer around, or about he still will live on
Really, don't they have better things to worry about, like the other 300 million Americans who are still alive?
Speaker Pelosi:
Thank you for your imput on the resolution. I think you are correct in not giving the MJ resolution a foothold. Many other American heros should be honored ahead of Jackson, who had so much given him and distroyed it all with foolish ideas about children and his involvement with them. Our soldiers, parents who adopt by traditional means and actually raise the children, volunteers who spend time wtih the homeless, teachers, police officers etc. MJ pales in comparison to these superstars. Jackson was well paid for his talants. I think that's enough.
First time I have ever agreed with Pelosi. Shelia Jackson Lee needs to find something else to do.......
People that are not African American just don't get why Michael Jackson means so much to the African American community. They say well he was a great singer and dancer but what real reference does that has to do with anything. Well first of all he was more than just a great entertainer he was a noted humanitarian and was a ground breaker. He knocked down barriers for African Americans in the music industry and tried to unit people through his music. Now I'm not a Michael Jackson fan in reference to his music but I am a supporter of this referendum because of his humanitarianism and because he gave back so much the the Black community. He serves as an inspiration as to the amount of greatness that can be acheived through hard work and conviction. I hope his fans ban together and send a strong message to Washington that you don't have to be a politician to be important to society and make a difference in the world.
Congress has more important issues to worry about than a resolution for some dead pop singer. Soldiers are dying overseas, we have homeless here in America, unemployment is at an all time high, lets focus on real problems people!! We've had enough MJ talk!!
I'm not sure whether we're deriding the Speaker here or lauding her decision making ability? Michael Jackson doesn't warrant a resolution except in the appropriate Music Hall of Fame. He was great at what he did–unlike the Speaker of the House. I think she got this one right! I never thought I'd say that. Amongst a sea of inequity that has become our Federal Government, her decision is a beacon of all that is right and true–for once.
I had better call the doctor, this is the first time Pelosi has said anything that made sense. Enough time and money has been wasted on this death.