Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Jacko Proves Stumbling Block for House Dems

Resolution saluting 'global humanitarian' sets off controversy

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 8, 2009 12:00 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – The King of Pop is causing a headache for some House Democrats after one lawmaker very publicly called for a resolution honoring Michael Jackson as a “global humanitarian," Politico reports. Sheila Jackson-Lee displayed the resolution at yesterday's memorial; Dems now have to weigh supporting it in light of Jackson’s controversial past, while keeping in mind the implications for race relations.

“There’s no appetite for this,” said one House Democrat. “We have too many other things to deal with.” But given Jackson-Lee's public gesture, and in an effort not to be seen “caving” to Republican Peter King, who called Jackson a “pervert,” Congressional Black Caucus members may feel they must support the measure. That could prompt Nancy Pelosi’s backing—but King says, “The Democrats won’t get the two-thirds they’ll need to pass it.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee speaks at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee speaks at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, pool)
Fans of the late Michael Jackson sing before a candlelight vigil for the late pop star at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Tuesday, July 7, 2009.
Fans of the late Michael Jackson sing before a candlelight vigil for the late pop star at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Tuesday, July 7, 2009.   (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee speaks during the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Tuesday, July 7, 2009.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee speaks during the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Tuesday, July 7, 2009.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, Pool)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
jaguarj
Jul 9, 2009 4:03 AM CDT
JACKO!!!!!!
Shannonals
Jul 8, 2009 9:51 AM CDT
Aren't we all tired of all these so-called, "global humanitarians"? Seriously, are you really considered a humanitarian if your global trips are actually helping your career?
jaguarj
Jul 8, 2009 7:48 AM CDT
There are MANY global humanitarians..you do it for one......you do it for all!!!!

 
Nancy Pelosi • Michael Jackson • congressional Democrats • House Democrats • Peter King • memorial service • Congressional Black Caucus • Sheila Jackson-Lee

More Newser Stories

Gabrielle Giffords Resigns

Black Caucus Chair Calls Debt Deal a 'Satan Sandwich'

Dem Wu Won't Seek Reelection

Dems Wait for Weiner's Wife to Nudge Him Out

House Dems Urge Weiner To Quit
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne