Undeterred by Rep. Peter King's YouTube declaration that "people in public life have made fools of themselves by talking about Michael Jackson as if he is some kind of hero," King's House colleague, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), headed to Los Angeles to participate in the Staples Center memorial service for the singer.
Speaking after Brooke Shields and before Usher, the congresswoman quoted "Beat It," "Man in the Mirror," and other Jackson favorites, declaring, "As a member of the United States Congress, we understand the Constitution, we understand laws, and we know that people are innocent until proven otherwise. That is what the Constitution stands for." (King, a New York Republican, had called Jackson a "molester' and a "pervert.")
Lee also told the crowd she has introduced Resolution 600 for debate, a resolution "honoring an American legend and musical icon." What the Capitolist wouldn't give to be in the front row if that bill ever came to the floor for a King-Lee face-off.
Until then, enjoy this bit of political theater from earlier Tuesday . . .
Patricia Murphy writes "The Capitolist" column for PoliticsDaily.com. She is the founder of Citizen Jane Politics, a non-partisan website for women... more
House Republican John Boehner is bringing back Barry Jackson , the top Republican staff member responsible for House Republicans' "Contract with America," to work for him as his chief of staff. In...
Like the rest of you UPpity women, I, too, was fascinated by our Budget Director Peter Orszag's story -- though not because I was mystified at how such a high king of nerdery gets so many ladies. (I'd...
Aren't these the same folks that are now trying to RAM non credit worthy folks from having an easier time in getting loans they can not pay back? Why should we listen to this "congress woman?" Geez most people learn after paying off someone for wrongs they have done, how many times did MJ pay folks off that we know about? Still may he finally RIP!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (2)
park457799
7:01PM Jul 7th 2009
Sheila is an idiot and so is anyone who voted for this lunatic!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (6)
hot one
10:15PM Jul 7th 2009
If you understood the MJ allegations then you would know he paid one person to keep from having his named smeared. Bad idea on his part because the only thing it did was opened the door for more money hungry grimlins to try and gain money saying there sons were molested. BS. I don't see MJ hurting a little child especially now after seeing how he raised his own on his own. So you believe what you want, but the truth is self evident.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-2)
DON
5:29PM Jul 7th 2009
right where congress men & women need to care about oh boy !!!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (2)
Mr Jim Torsen
5:55PM Jul 7th 2009
A case of everyone bowing down to the amighty dollar. Jacko had it, he had the power. Those who sucked him dry certainly were not in it cause they loved him, they loved his money. If you love the money, you dont care about the source. In this case the source got, and did as he pleased even to the point of "wacko" things. Im glad I was not a fan, but I do feel sorry he ended up like Elvis, or Anna Niclole because no one had the guts to tell them NO
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-2)
debdwood7219
5:57PM Jul 7th 2009
I have no idea what color your skin may be, of course I can make a educated guess. Regardless, you are all Jackasses who probably have your white robes and hat close by just in case a Klan meeting is called to discuss the "Negress'" comments. Peter King will probably be the guest speaker. Ingnorant poeple - all of you.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (2)
G. SAM-DAV RICH7
8:49PM Jul 7th 2009
Amen to that debdwood7219, I completely agree! And though I'm not known for using the term that depicts a(dumb animal) i.e. donkey, that's exactly how I see folks who have already taken priviledges from us as a people, and now they're trying to turn back the hands of time on the progress already made. Why, because they are no longer the center of attention, no one fears them, and they realize we couldn't give a care about what they think.
In fact those "robe wearing, pointed hat" folks are going to prison for atrocities perpetrated on our parents, grandparents, and greatgrand parents decades ago, and they now understand that liberty and justice for all, applies to all Americans, including those who are "innocent" until "proven" guilty. But, worse than that they would probably be estatic and highly honored if they could get their "chief mentor" by the initials D.C. to be special guest speaker at one of those meetings. Well...He does have special qualifying credentials, i.e. the unseen force behind an unjustified Iraq war, hunting lessons on how to leave an "impression" his best friend will never forget, and a spoiled bratty temper to match.
Stay strong, speak the truth, and hold your ground!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-4)
joedenver60
1:17AM Jul 8th 2009
The color of my skin is golden brown, a chicano (mexican american born), and I for one am tired of getting this black thinge shoved down my throat, as if we all owe you all something. you all feel as if you have been victums all your life. Be gratefull that your familes were brought here, and given the opportunity to bitch. There are many other ethnic groups in this country who have had it harder than you. I have a few black friends who see me without color, but as an american, I suggest you do the same, and forget about the past and judge white folks of today as just another american trying to make it in life, just as you are
RATE THIS COMMENT: (6)
Desiree
2:52AM Jul 8th 2009
The kkk is history like the dinosaurs. A new dawn of civilization is upon us...people of all color and religion living side by side together peacefully and in harmony...it is what God wants.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (3)
David S.
6:04PM Jul 7th 2009
Peter King and Sheila Jackson-Lee are politicians. They are both playing to their constituents. That is what politicians do. I would think they both have more important business than Michael Jackson. Leave the grandstanding to the celebrities.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (2)
debdwood7219
6:08PM Jul 7th 2009
Agree Fully!!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (2)
MAJOR
6:08PM Jul 7th 2009
ALL I SAW WAS A PRECIOUS LITTLE GIRL WHO LOVED HER FATHER, A MOTHER WHO IS HURTING FOR THE LOSS OF HER SON. BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO WISH THEY COULD HAVE DONE MORE. DO NOT ENABLE ADDICTS. IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS AND ADDICT FORM AN INTERVENTION WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I'D RATHER LOSE A FRIENDSHIP OR JOB THAN WATCH THEM SLOWLY LOSE THEIR LIFE. HE WAS A LEGEND.. HE WILL BE MISSED.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-2)
kawmata
1:01PM Jul 8th 2009
That was exactly what was wrong with the people that surrounded MJ. They never had the guts to say NO. Because if they do, they are FIRED! Michael was and became a music icon. But he was not a model for good character traits. Making the "abuse" he said he got from his father is never going to be a good excuse. When a person becomes an adult, he becomes responsible for his actions and future.You are on your own to create your destiny. Drugs are not the answer. I like and enjoy MJ's music because they give meaning for someone who wants peace in his heart. And his lyrics were not meant to foment violence, unlike what you generally hear from today's rap music (if ever they should be called music at all). People should try to emulate more of the good traits, rather than rationalizing the "BAD" part of MJ's life. MJ's music are very good. But the way he lived his life was not.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (2)
wolverb
6:10PM Jul 7th 2009
Sheila Jackson Lee once again proves her ignorance about the Constitution and the Law. Rep. King wasn't convicting Michael in a Court of Law, so innocent until proven guilty doesn't apply. Rep. King was simply stating a personal opinion about Michael Jackson based on numerous news reports. What Rep. King did falls under The First Amendment, free speech. I would bet a million dollars Sheila Lee has never read the Constitution, if she has she wouldn't support so many unconstitutional laws like Hate Crimes and affirmative action. Rep. Lee we have 11% unemployment in America, why are you wasting my time and money at a tribute to Michael Jackson?
RATE THIS COMMENT: (2)
debdwood7219
6:21PM Jul 7th 2009
Oh my, where does one start...so it would be ok if I were an elected official making a polically laden comment calling you a pervert, just because it is my opinion, I heard reports of such and I have the right of free speech - of course as long as I am not in a court of law? The justice system is only right if I agree with the outcome?
Both of these reps are obviously speaking to their audience. One was an invited speaker - trying to make headlines, the other just needed to make headlines.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-1)
Desiree
2:29AM Jul 8th 2009
because she can...do you have prove that she's using tax payers money for her trip...or is it blind ignorance leading the way?
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-3)
sl
6:15PM Jul 7th 2009
If they want to play to their constituents they should go to services of the 13 troops that died in Afganistan since Jun 25.The Media should talk about it too.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (4)
Richard Koch
6:17PM Jul 7th 2009
If they want to play to their constituents they should go to services of the 13 troops that died in Afganistan since Jun 25.The Media should talk about it too.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (4)
gjb5528
6:24PM Jul 7th 2009
If Michael Jackson was innocent why did he pay twenty million dollars to the accuser, if I were innocent of what he was accused of I would never pay somebody that large sum of money unless I was paying for their silence. The Congresswoman had ample time as did the other black hypocrites Jesse and AL, to defend Michael against the allegations when they happened, so why come forward now. It's because Lee, Jesse and Al are opportunists of the highest order, if they admit he was guilty they could not continue their favorite sport which is race bating activities, thus they would be through with their goal of using race to further their ambitions for power and wealth. Heaven help these people if the black population finally catches on to their scheme. Bury the man and leave him to the highest judge of all.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (2)
rkjofficeandy
6:26PM Jul 7th 2009
Was that the same girl MJ hung by the ankles in Germany.