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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.
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