Michael Jackson's memorial -- what would LA taxpayers get for their money?
No. Nonononononononononono. Ab. So. Lute. Ly. No.
The city of Los Angeles is a half-billion dollars in the hole. Layoffs. Furloughs. Potholes unfilled, trees untrimmed. Animal services, the ethics commission, whack whack whack.
So why, why, in any rational universe, should the city of L.A. pick up the policing tab for Michael Jackson's obsequies at Staples Center?
For the Lakers' victory parade -- certainly a more civically significant event than the excesses that follow Jackson in death as they did in life -- the city found private donors because of the pushback of public opinion over subsidizing the athletic triumph of, as they say, millionaires working for billionaires.
.
So why is there now any thought at all of dipping into a city fund for ''extraordinary events'' to subsidize this one -- which, if a ''public viewing'' becomes part of the memorial, will turn the whole thing into a Michael Jackson corpse carnival?
An earthquake is an extraordinary event. But Michael Jackson's family deciding, gee, let's invite the world (or at least something above 17,000 members of the world) to mourn our relative -- extraordinary to them, and to Jackson fans, certainly, but hardly enough to stick it to the taxpayers of LA.
Council member Jan Perry said the city would ''deeply appreciate'' any private citizen coming forward to pick up the tab. ``Any company, entity, individual who would have such great love, the city would welcome the support,” she told the New York Times.
I nominate the Jackson family to pay the bill, perhaps going halfsies with AEG, which owns Staples (and was the promoter on Jackson's planned comeback concerts). The Jackson estate stands to benefit enormously from this. The undoubted live, free, worldwide news coverage of the memorial, the frenzy of 10, 20, 30 times more fans clamoring outside than can possibly cram into Staples, will generate mind-boggling sales of MJ music. The Staples name will figure into every video clip.
So why should the Jacksons' private arrangement with Staples to commemorate the passing of a man who was almost pathologically averse in life to the public's gaze become, in the end, a public burden?
Hint: that's a rhetorical question.
Photo: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images
With all of the people coming to LA, they will make plenty of money from tourists.
Posted by: J Weed | July 04, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Why should the city pick up the tab for the police? Because of all the money the city as a whole will receive as a result of the memorial service. I find it hard to believe that every single person going to the memorial are citizens of L.A. Well, these tourists visiting MJ's corpse will undoubtedly be spending their money at all the local vendors, restaurants, shops, hotels, etc. Not only is that tax money, but it's also money the city wouldn't have already seen.
Somehow I have a feeling that whatever the cops are going to cost, the city L.A. and its people are going to make back tenfold from the MJ looneys visiting the Staples Center.
Posted by: James | July 04, 2009 at 08:59 AM
The staggering amount of tax revenue generated by the event from sales tax, hotel tax, car rental tax, plus the boon to small and large business from restaurants, taxi's, and NEWSPAPERS for WEEKS, far eclipses any cost for the clean up. You obviously do not know how the city fills those "coffers" that you are say are empty. It is by travel and tourism, the number 1 industry in the world.
Posted by: Brad | July 04, 2009 at 09:02 AM
After 40 years of constant sexist misandrist feminist hate propaganda, men are seen as evil and people are suspicious when men are near young children. Poor Michael was the VICTIM of massive hysteria and Misandrist FEAR that is promoted by the sexist feminists on a daily basis in the media. Poor Michael did not get to raise the VICTIM card because it is exclusive to girls and only girls who exploit it frequently. The gender-biased sexist laws do not recognize that men can be victims. Poor Michael.
Posted by: sarah | July 04, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Well, said. And yes - let's revisit the "celebration" after the Lakers WON. What's going to happen to all the people who don't get in to the memorial that think they have, Hey! That's unfair! Let's turn over cars and set things on fire - "in his honor". Forget paying for the police for the event itself. I predict lots and lots of cleanup. Riot style behavior seems to have become the standard in cases like this. I seriously don't know what they are thinking. This event should definitely take place outside - maybe in a stadium. Some place that can handle a ton more people and LOTS and LOTS of overflow, because the "overflow" can get ugly quick.
Secondly, excellent point about MJ's extreme need for privacy and solace. Even in death his family and the music business exploit him for their own gain. It's sad.
Posted by: SV | July 04, 2009 at 09:03 AM
It is disgusting and even sickening that the family would sell tickets to something so private. It is equally sickening that people would buy them. He was just an entertainer with severe mental health issues (child fetish, monkey fetish, and spending beyond his means fetish) and a severe drug addiction. Why are people treating him like God, and why would anyone want to be like him?
Posted by: Tom Gordon | July 04, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Perhaps June Chandler could contribute something. Remember her? She's the mom of Jody Chandler, who received an $18 million payout so as not to press child molestation charges against Michael Jackson back in 1993. I bet she still has a little of the money left.
Posted by: rmarkus | July 04, 2009 at 09:06 AM
The city of Los Angeles sould not even consider this for Jacksons concerdering their burdon on the taxpayers of LA. that in itself would be a worse tragedy more so than Michaels death
Posted by: TONY COLLINS` | July 04, 2009 at 09:08 AM
In our neighborhood we don't celebrate the life of alleged pedophiles
Posted by: Dixieskid | July 04, 2009 at 09:09 AM
What could be more normal or fitting than the city of Los Angeles PAYING homage to a pedofile? Isn't this the way things are done in California?
Posted by: Jimbo | July 04, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Now, why would you expect a reasonable, prudent decision out of any government agency or entity? Everything they do is just crazy and shows no forethought.Madea
Posted by: madea | July 04, 2009 at 09:13 AM
I screamed when I heard about this yesterday. It's absolutely unconscionable that the City would pay for this when they wouldn't pony up for the Lakers Victory Parade. Are these people stupid?
The Jackson family and AEG should be ashamed of themselves, too. They should have gotten the permits and paid for the privilege of blocking the streets just as I would have if I wanted to hold a "For Profit" program in Los Angeles.
Posted by: amsron | July 04, 2009 at 09:14 AM
Do the LA people have brains? The place is such a big city and they can't figure out how to make money from tourists. They way you make money is people from outside of LA to bring in money. If you only have LA people spending money in LA then the money is just circulating in LA. You need money from tourists, the outsiders. I am sure parking at the venue is NOT free. That's some income there. Install toilets outside the venue where people have to insert a dime or quarter to get in. Place donation tables all around the center for people to donate to the police, etc. That is the day to have an MJ tribute specials for all the businesses in LA.
Just advertise - MJ tribute special - today only - 10% off. Come on the LA people are not stupid. This free memorial is a blessing not a CURSE to the LA city. That is the time to sell a couple hundred memorabilia of MJ that these tourists will bring home to their countries and state. The city can set this up and sell some cheap memorabilia. For one day in you life in the city, take advantage of this even and have some brains to make money.
Posted by: tij | July 04, 2009 at 09:14 AM
Tom Gordon, the tickets are not being sold, they are free, and are being distributed through a lottery.....get ur facts right, and he was the biggest superstar in the HISTORY of the world, u name someone half as famous as he across numerous generations, countries and differences.
Posted by: Tyree | July 04, 2009 at 09:17 AM
The city should pay because enough of its citizens (masses actually) care enough to more than pack the Staples center to pay respect to the largest icon in the history of music.. If it were you on the other hand, then that would be a completely different story. You are such a loser.
Posted by: rlanier | July 04, 2009 at 09:20 AM
I am really amazed at the ignorance of pinny pinchers who apparently have forgotten about all the millions that Michael paid into the various treasuries in the state of California while living and performing here. Very short memories on the part of haters. Only in America. How about giving those funds back to the estate and then allow them to pay for the services that taxpayers of his statute give for all the politicians welfare programs in this state?
Posted by: bill jenkins | July 04, 2009 at 09:26 AM
All they have to do is collect money from the advertising if they show the coverage on TV. They can even rebroadcast it for people who can't see it live.
Posted by: Gabe | July 04, 2009 at 09:26 AM
Should the tax payers be responsable for the cost of MJ service? No, I am convinced Michael Jackson's marketing and investor teams are behind the media blitz and have already had many meetings with the family, in the long run, their cofferes will be overfilled so let them figure out the financing
Posted by: Mickie Sitter | July 04, 2009 at 09:27 AM
TYREE..........for your info MJ is not the biggest superstar in the HISTORY of the world JC was is and still is GET a LIFE!!!!
Posted by: mojosurfer | July 04, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Also, I doubt that the outsiders will trash LA. Only LA people trash their own city. So if anything, if there is a lottery, the winners of the TICKET lottery should all come from outside of LA so the police and the city would not have to do a LOT of cleanup.
And the LA people should just focus on selling stuff to all those people from outside of LA. Make this an opportunity to make money. It is a mourning of MJs death and celebration of Michael Jackson's music talent on earth.
Posted by: tij | July 04, 2009 at 09:30 AM
>So why, why, in any rational universe, should the >city of L.A. pick up the policing tab for Michael >Jackson's obsequies at Staples Center? \\
Maybe b/c over his life, MJ has paid god knows how many millions in property taxes on neverland, employed scores of people, and donated millions to charities...
I guess it really burns government worshipers like Patt over here when one of the cities biggest cash cows gets a little "honor gratis".
PS, LA is broke b/c of thieves channeling taxpayer dollars on their friends and cronies... 1/2 of the students in LA government school don't graduate, and 1/2 of the ones who do are functionally illiterate.
Posted by: Reality Check | July 04, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Let Joe Jackson pay for the police support. He is already hyping "his" record company. Great father figure there!
Posted by: jjackson | July 04, 2009 at 09:34 AM
" u name someone half as famous as he."
How about four people at least as famous as he ... John, George, Paul & Ringo
Posted by: Lettuce GetReal | July 04, 2009 at 09:35 AM
You must be crazy! Let Michael rest in peace isn't that what he was searching for with all the drugs he was taking. If you really care about him as you all claim, then pray for him and stop trying to turn his unfortunate death into a circus act. He was a superstar but one with lots of problems. We should stop acting as if all of his mental issues are OK because he was a great performer. Would you want your child to have lived such a tormented life. No! Let him rest in peace and pray for him!
Posted by: Janet | July 04, 2009 at 09:41 AM
has this country collectively lost it's mind?a man as guilty as OJ of child molestation is being held up as saint michael instead of chester the molester.He was only found not guilty because the main accusers were paid off.No wonder this country is in so much trouble,we deserve what we get.
Posted by: johnp | July 04, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Michael Jackson was a suicidal drug addict, an indiscreet sexual deviant and a deeply troubled and twisted man.
Why any family would want him to expose his corpse to public idolotry, especially when the details of his sordid life are about to come out, is beyond me. For a municipality to expend huge levels of resources in some kind of mad attempt to deify MJ is, well, it's insanity.
But that's U.S. culture, c. 2009.
Posted by: Eri39d | July 04, 2009 at 09:50 AM
i can see the city footing the bill for this. mj has brought millions into government coffers over the years . how about property and income taxes. he is a major figure and this is a hollywood/entertainment business based area.
what they should not have paid for is the lakers parade. not everyone is into basketball or sports at all. it was during the day. it was during the week. a parade for people who are unemployed.
and its' not like the lakers have never won before. at this rate there could be a lakers parade very year!
Posted by: ladyofargonne | July 04, 2009 at 09:54 AM
PT Barnum had the right idea. So long as they are talking about Los Angles, make sure the name is spelled correctly, and offer the rubes a discount to visit. Run the city, state like a business. Nothing for free. "No tickee, no washee" applies to all that visit. Illegals have no rights to any more services than they would receive in their home countries. No less, but no more. (When has anyone gone to Guatemala for medical attention?) Require all city/county/state employees to produce, and pay them according to industry standards and scale; results are the only measurable criteria (Teachers, this means you).
Posted by: Jubal Harshaw | July 04, 2009 at 09:55 AM
This is very touch to stomach in light of our city budget issues, but I agree. The monies we will bring in from foreign journalists, tourists, restaurant taxes, transportation taxes (etc., etc., etc.) and our recent sales tax increase, will bring the city more than it will lay out. I think not paying for the Laker's celebration was a mistake. I guess a personal tragedy made us think differently.
John
Posted by: John Trosko | July 04, 2009 at 09:58 AM
I think this is a fantastic idea...he meant so much to all of us. For the Michael Jackson fans...we believe Michael was innocent of all charges! I dont belive Michael ever hurt a child in any way!!! I wish I could be there at the Staples..I will watch with my kids on tv....just like we did with Princess Diana....I am thankful the family is doing something for the fans....Michael entertained to bring us..his fans...his music and we thank him...for all of it!! Michael will be at his funeral in spirit...and will see the people who always did believe in him...we never gave up on him and we never will! Thank you LA for doing this for Michaels fans....the city will profit..in more ways than one! Forever a fan...tish
Posted by: tish | July 04, 2009 at 10:04 AM
why didnt they just open up never land rach? huh, thats big enough. and all other so called super stars opened up their private estates during their deaths, why does a child molester get such special treatment huh.
Posted by: victor | July 04, 2009 at 10:05 AM
LA bears the burden while simultaneously reaps the $ windfall of being a celebrity domain. Irrespective of these righteous moral indignations, the man went thru our judicial system and was found innocent. That should be it. Move On. His fans are entitled to celebrate his legacy. Thank goodness we normal folk do not have to live out our personal lives in front of a camera to pass someone else's scrutiny. Lay off and show some respect. This will soon pass until one of your idols dies, then you will sing a different tune.
Posted by: KicksandGiggles61 | July 04, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Whoever wrote this is a heartless half human. It sadness me that something would say such cruel things about a wonder person ie Michael Jackson.
YOU KNOW everything said on the news about him is lies. Enough already.
Posted by: JMSmith | July 04, 2009 at 10:09 AM
LA Times would be wise to screen such content before allowing it to be published on their site.
Now, the person asking this question is display bias. come back and ask the same question when one of YOUR idol dies.
He is not a pedophile, don't you believe in your justice system, citizen?
Posted by: C Moran | July 04, 2009 at 10:11 AM
First of all, the passes to the memorial is FREE. The media still can't get things right even after Michael Jackson's passing.
Secondly, he deserves this memorial.
Thirdly, police will be there to provide order and security for the fellow countrymen. Didn't they pledged for that? Are you implying that if there is a massive riot around the block, the police shouldn't be employed because it's none of your business? One word: SELFISH.
This was the entertainer who had walked the world and connected people of colours through his music, and had left us with many hits in a life-time career. This man was a philanthropist and his charitable projects and programmes helped children of the least advantage.
His efforts to make the world a better place in his own way, of course, went unnoticed. Thanks to those who are milking him at his expense. This I believe, is called extortion.
Pedophilia is a term used to describe an adult who is CHARGED for his indecent acts towards children. In the eyes of law, he is not a pedophile because he was pronounced not guilty on all charges. Why is the media and the clueless public still speculating?
For you who may be siting in front of your computer saying 'MJ is a bloody pedophile!' - do you have the proof to that?
Blind leading the blind.
LA, you guys got to be more than this!
Posted by: Serene Yap | July 04, 2009 at 10:31 AM
this is the problem when everyone can get a job writing. do you live under a rock? how much do you think each person is spending to be in LA because of poor MJ's death. Even the hotels in Los Olivos were sold out. People are flying in from all over the world. Someone obviously has issues with the popularity of others. stop being a hater. too bad you can't teach logic.
Posted by: ana | July 04, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Michael was a person like everyone else. To say that he was better than the average person, diminishes us all. He is dead, that happens in life. Move on!
Posted by: Keith Carpenter | July 04, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Patt Morrison, you really come across to me as a big time low life jazz.
... Before you comment on someone at that level, just look at yourself and think about a single useful thing that you have ever done :: bet it`s a zilch. (apart from scandalizing things at most).
Probably, most of other people who agree spent 1/3rd of their lowly lives sleeping and the remaining watching television looking for gossips, sipping in media cocktails of crap and judging with their almost non-existent grey stuff... "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned." ...IN CASE YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN
Journalism it seems is touching new lows (it wasn`t better anyways)...high on yellow journalism and less on content but it`s not just the media`s fault... the patrons are always there isnt it?
RIP MJ.
Posted by: RK | July 04, 2009 at 10:39 AM
I've never heard of city in the world very unfriendly as Los Angeles. I cannot believe how your officials convey in the media that the world is not welcome at your city.
As many people have pointed out, the millions of fans flocking LA will be spending millions of dollars in hotels, restaurants, services, gas, etc.
The message the world is getting is LA is broke and they are scared of welcoming millions of people because they don't have money. Pathetic.
Posted by: Chris | July 04, 2009 at 10:45 AM
JohnP, the so called accuser Jordan Chandler said that he lied about the sex abuse case. After settling the case with Michael Jackson for about $20 million, the family lived a life of millionaires but yet they fought and abused each other. Imagine $20 million in your hands which is a form of extortion by the Chandler. Search the news on "Jordan Chandler lied". Find out if this is true or not. MJ is the crooked people's ATM machine. And this will continue even after his death.
Posted by: tij | July 04, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Well, well, well! the city can't afford it because they can't stop spending the tax payers money on green pork! That is the reason that people are leaving the state faster than it can be replace with illegal immigrants. Good luck LA and for that matter CA!!!!!!
Posted by: Mario | July 04, 2009 at 10:59 AM
In a generation he will be forgotten
Posted by: david | July 04, 2009 at 11:00 AM
"So why should the Jacksons' private arrangement with Staples to commemorate the passing of a man who was almost pathologically averse in life to the public's gaze become, in the end, a public burden?"
um....what are you talking about? He LOVED attention and being in public. He loved performing, making appearances and so forth. I'm not sure if we are thinking of the same Michael Jackson.
You make 1 or 2 good points but that one was a load of FAIL.
Posted by: Jenna | July 04, 2009 at 11:02 AM
No offense intended, but I would like to state that I find many of the postings here as well as the original opinion piece quite juvenile. The city of Los Angeles will ultimately benefit from this memorial given the amount of tourists that will be arriving for, I believe it is safe to presume, more than 2 or three days. Simple economics would show that this will not only benefit local vendors, hotel establishments, and other aspects of the Los Angeles economy, but the tax revenue generate from such revenue will ultimately help the city recoup any financial costs outside of the city fund in the near future.
Posted by: William | July 04, 2009 at 11:04 AM
If you think thats expensive wait till you see the cost of riot expense if more whites get a larger percent of the tickets than blacks.
On second thought riots are likely when the hordes of people decend on L.A. and find they can't get in the venue. Probably the same people who voted for Obama
Posted by: andy | July 04, 2009 at 11:08 AM
QUOTE from PREVIOUS POST: "Do the LA people have brains? The place is such a big city and they can't figure out how to make money from tourists. They way you make money is people from outside of LA to bring in money. If you only have LA people spending money in LA then the money is just circulating in LA. You need money from tourists, the outsiders. I am sure parking at the venue is NOT free. That's some income there. Install toilets outside the venue where people have to insert a dime or quarter to get in. Place donation tables all around the center for people to donate to the police, etc. That is the day to have an MJ tribute specials for all the businesses in LA.
Just advertise - MJ tribute special - today only - 10% off. Come on the LA people are not stupid. This free memorial is a blessing not a CURSE to the LA city. That is the time to sell a couple hundred memorabilia of MJ that these tourists will bring home to their countries and state. The city can set this up and sell some cheap memorabilia. For one day in you life in the city, take advantage of this even and have some brains to make money."
WELL SAID!!!!!
Posted by: Alex | July 04, 2009 at 11:08 AM
I think it's appalling that neither AEG nor any of Jackson's family have offered to defray the costs, especially when they stand to make millions more in the months and years to come. Even if LA weren't so strapped, they seem to me to have a sense of entitlement about this. How declasse.
Posted by: Marie | July 04, 2009 at 11:51 AM
I certainly understand both sides of this. The opportunity for LA to at least pay for the cost of this via tourist dollars on the one hand. On the other hand the potential for increased crime and street violence on the other hand. But I guess that's what the police are for and I'm sure they are very qualified to handle whatever comes up.
I weigh on the side of how much Michael would of wanted this for his fans. His fans meant a lot to him. He meant a lot to his fans. He truly was one of a kind. One of the greatest, if not THE greatest, performer/singer we have ever known. With the many years of his absense in the charts we all tended to forget just how really good he was. He will be sorely missed. I am praying for him.
Posted by: elaine | July 04, 2009 at 12:21 PM
This whole notion of the city of Los Angeles "picking up the tab" and "dipping into a city fund" to police a memorial service is absolute nonsense!!!
Where are the 'bean counters' when you need them? When the city of L.A. considered hosting the Olympics they didn't use that sort of language. They considered the - quote 'windfall' - that such an event would generate. And where are the bean counters now after the Laker Parade and celebration? Certainly they could tell us within a marginal percentage how much they made out on that deal over and above the amount that the billionaires and millionaires pitched in. They won't tell us because of the massive government waste that takes place.
Like it or not Michael Jackson was a public, not private figure and if his family wants to have a public memorial service that's their business. They should have to pay a 'nominal' fee as any entity would to have a public demonstration.
As for the writer of this article to suggest that this could be a "Michael Jackson corpse carnival" - I find that kind of language a little offensive. The man is dead please show some respect. Even though some people idolized him having a public viewing is a traditional aspect to mourning someone you loved whether you knew them personally or not. We don't say that when there is a viewing of a national or international figure such as a President or Pope do we?
Michael Jackson was a performer and a good one at that! I liked some of his music, not all of it but I didn't idolize the man. It was certainly apparent that he had deep emotional wounds and psychological problems as some of the most talented people on earth do.
As for the allegations to his molesting children we may never know what actually happened. Only God knows so we should leave the judgment of how Michael lived his life to Him. I do know that he was found innocent of the charges by a jury of his peers.
Hopefully the city will do the right thing and allow the 'entertainment capital of the world' to let this entertainer's family have a decent memorial service and that they would properly recognize the good things that Michael did in this life be remembered. May Michael Jackson rest in peace.
Posted by: Bob | July 04, 2009 at 12:39 PM
As a State of CA worker, who workes hard for the State and is glad to be a civil servant... I was at home (because I am now furloughed 3 days per month due to $$$ shortages) and turned on the news.
I am moritifed that the City of LA and the speaking sycophant was so free to say that this was an "event".. it's a circus is what it is. How dare they spend our money when it's own city and county workers are not being paid!!!
Free tickets my arse.. anyone check ebay lately? As family and "friends" should be the only ones who already have a ticket who put up the seats for sale?... ew.
Ew. Ew.
But we already said ew before, yes?
Tragic in his life. Horrific in death. Ew.
Posted by: StateWorker | July 04, 2009 at 12:49 PM