Los Angeles, who is in the middle of dire economic budget deficits, has decided to ask the American public and Micheal Jackson fans to help offset the cost incurred by the city to secure the memorial at the Staples Center in downtown LA, as well as the private funeral held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. It is expected that the costs are to be somewhere between 2 and 4 million dollars. Micheal Jackson passing away has been one of the biggest news stories in the Entertainment field in years, and his popularity has created a logistical nightmare for Los Angeles.
What is odd about the request is that Los Angeles surely never shared the income Michael Jackson generated in their town over the years. The singer surely made a ton of money for Los Angeles through concerts, charity work, and various other appearances over the years. His career has made many cities and towns richer. What was particularly odd about the request was that even Michael Jackson’s family has been solicited on some levels. Again, they sure were not interested in “fairness” when the money was going into the city coffer.
Though the city surely has some serious financial woes, the blame for that should not be placed on fans that are already saddened by the superstar’s death. To think that the family would be burdened with such matters is reprehensible considering that Micheal has not been gone all that long. Los Angeles has to understand that costs and expenses are supposed to be accounted for when the coffers are full. When things are going well and the city makes insane amounts of money off of their entertainers, they have to put back for just such an occurrence. The current economy is in the state that it is because of poor money management on the part of our leaders at every level.
Now one of the city’s money makers over the years passes away and they come begging to the public? That really seems unethical at best, and downright sickening at the worst. Is taxes not enough? Do we not already have enough on our plates? Now we are supposed to pay extra for things that they should have accounted for in the budget? Los Angeles is truly showing zero class both to the American public, as well as Michael Jackson’s family. Let the Jackson family grieve in peace. You can grub for more money later please.
Very well put and I agree with your comments totally.
Michael was exploited and used by others for his wealth throughout most of his life, some were quick to condemn him, still theyre holding the begging bowl even after hes gone.
R.I.P Michael Jackson.”Too good for this world”.
Admittedly I do feel his family could help towards the costs, afterall families usually pay something towards a loved ones send off.(well in UK they do)
Comment by Phoeniciana — July 12, 2009 @ 8:23 am