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House speaker Nancy Pelosi halts resolution honoring Michael Jackson to avoid controversy
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IHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi (inset) nixed Sheila Jackson-Lee's resolution to honor Michael Jackson. (AP Photos)
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi shot down Texas congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee's resolution to honor Michael Jackson as a humanitarian because it would "open up contrary views" that would defeat its purpose, according to a CBS News report.
Many Democrats were concerned about the resolution because there already has been controversy surrounding Michael Jackson in the House of Representatives. Republican Peter King of New York made headlines with his YouTube video calling MIchael Jackson a "low-life," "pervert" and "pedophile." Democrat John Yarmuth of Kentucky walked out of the House chamber when the Congressional Black Caucus called for a moment of silence. He said it left him "nauseated."
The Speaker, whose job to maintain decorum and avoid unnecessary controversy in the House of Representatives, said House members could praise Jackson's life and work without a resolution:
What I have said to my colleagues over the years, and certainly as leader and as speaker, is that there's an opportunity on the floor of the House to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish. ...
A resolution, I think, would open up contrary views that are not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with a resolution whose purpose is quite different."
In other words, it's great to honor Michael Jackson as a humanitarian, but we don't all have to agree on it. Save the debate for more pressing issues, like health care reform.
MORE STORIES ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON:
- DOCUMENT: Michael Jackson's death certificate
- VIDEO: Watch the entire Michael Jackson memorial here
- VIDEO & FULL TEXT: Queen Latifah reads 'We Had Him' by Maya Angelou at Michael Jackson memorial
- Paris Jackson: 'My daddy was the best father you could ever imagine'
- Rev. Al Sharpton to Michael Jackson's kids: 'There was nothing strange about your Daddy'
- Brooke Shields: 'Michael Jackson's laugh was the sweetest and purest of anyone I have ever known
- Magic Johnson: 'The best day of my life was sitting on the floor eating KFC with MIchael Jackson'
- Stevie Wonder sings 'Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer' at Michael Jackson's memorial
- Queen Latifah reads Maya Angelou's poem about Michael Jackson: 'He gave us all he had'
- PHOTO:Choir sings 'Hallelujah, we are going to see the King' as Michael Jackson's casket rolls in
- LINK: Here's the direct link to MSNBC live online video coverage of Michael Jackson's memorial
- LINK: Here's the live link to CNN's streaming video of Michael Jackson's memorial
- SWAT team to escort Michael Jackson's body to Staples Center for memorial
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