I live in California and my state is broke. As you've surely heard by now, California isn't even paying its debts. Instead it's issuing IOU's.
(Note to readers: When the bill collectors call, if you just say you've got an IOU for 'em, please let us know how that turns out for ya.) My city of Los Angeles is broke, too. With more than $500 million dollars in debt, summer school classes have been canceled, bus routes cut back, and services for the elderly and the sickest of the sick have been slashed.
So why in the hell is the City of Los Angeles set to pay an estimated $2,000,000 dollars for police and other services in support of tomorrow's Michael Jackson Memorial at the Staples Center? ...
BHM MEDIA NEW
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
bauergriffinonline.com
Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer's look?
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL
Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is Mischa's look a hit or miss?
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Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
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Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
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Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim's look.
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Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
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Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
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Being thousands of miles away didn't stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.
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I cringed as I watched City Council member and acting Mayor (while Antonio Villaraigosa is on vacation) Jan Perry practically plead for private donors to come forward to make contributions to defray costs. Los Angeles Times editors weighed in on this nonsense, too:
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? Source: Michael Jackson's memorial -- what would LA taxpayers get for their money? Los Angeles Times
Even though he found himself in debt at the end of life, Michael Jackson's net worth is still estimated at more than $200 million dollars. All costs paid by the city should be reimbursed by money from Jackson's estate. Or even more appropriately, AEG should pay. After all, AEG is promoting the memorial and will probably make a gazillion dollars from selling rights to the unreleased footage of Jackson's final rehearsals.
Oh I know some people counter my pay-as-you-play proposition with the fact that tourist dollars will be spent at venues in and around downtown LA. Yes, that's true. But I am not convinced that the tax revenue from this surge will balance out city expenditures. I'd rather see that $2 million dollars go to hire more teachers, fund summer school classes and home health care for those who depend on it.
What do YOU think?
Comments: (50)
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By: Dr. S. Maxwell Hines on 7/06/2009 12:41PM
The reason is business. That many visitors will spend money.
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By: Angelika Cutino on 7/08/2009 12:21AM
I do understand what you are saying in many ways because I just lost a brother the Thursday before MJ died and our family had to pull together since my brother did not have insurance and it was not cheap. Also I am a 42 year old christian adult and I live in CA, and at this moment am unable to get my CAL Grant until the State passes a budget. With this said, I do need to also say that unfortunately several reasons why I am not upset about this is because of, first of all, we must remember, it was held in Los Angeles, and yes they do have a budget set aside for special events, and since I am in college now for Criminal Justice, I have learned that Law Enforcement has a huge budget that goes to "Overtime". I never knew this until I had several classes taught by current police officers, and retired police officers.
Also, we don't know yet if AEG or the Jackson Family is paying for it. There has never been anything addressed about this, so we do not know.
My thought is let's just see what happens. Don't think I am condoning the city payoing for it, since I do live in CA myself and am going through having to deal with the problems and repercussions of no budget, but I also just say we never know, AEG and The Jackson Family may just be paying for it. Also I do know that both Craigslist and Ebay has pulled down all the tickets that went up for sell. I applaud them for that. I just wish that the people who did try to sell them, especially the one for $15,000, that was ridiculous.
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By: Lila on 7/06/2009 11:43PM
For no less than 25 years, Michael Jackson and his family were great contributors to California's economy. The state took even more of his money during that hoax of a trial. They owe him so much more than this funeral will cost.
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By: tra7767 on 7/06/2009 6:28PM
seems sad that schools are cancelled for the summer, folks getting iou's for tax refunds, but they can pay for a funeral for Mike Jackson, are they gonna pay for any of those folks with no money that can't pay for a funeral for their family. state might give them 250 or a potter's field to be buried in. i understand there might be a security issue (will be one of course) but seems like the family could contribute something. where all the millionaires at in show business , ask them to "plant a seed" into the life/past of their friend. just sad folks still think the "king " is dead, but the KING got up on the 3rd day and still lives. Folks need to stop getting who the KING is twisted. I pray his family is okay but, time to move on and stop idolizing this man. more folks crying for MJ than they ever did for Jesus Christ, wondering how many folks gonna sigh up for free tickets when Jesus returns.
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By: Dean Antonio Nichols on 7/07/2009 12:41PM
You are so right in all that was said. It's sad when folk die,but enough is enough! I feel for the family in all,but all this reaction and shutting down the world needs to come down a bit. Funny how people celebrate "sin" and idolize unrighteous and un-holy things. I would love too see how many folk would go through all of turns in whistles in all to get tickets and be a part of celebrating "Jesus" who will never die and will certainly do more for you than a "Man"!
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By: Rico on 7/07/2009 2:21PM
I Totally agree with your view and it seems people's priortities are mis lead . lets stop this nonsense and get on with more important things in issues, this countery needs prayer and when Jesus returns we will see if e-bay even exsists. God bless you all
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By: cap on 7/07/2009 4:44PM
Hate hate and more hate, it is so sad that those of you who pretend to be Christians, are always so full of hate. The statement about more people crying for Michael, than for Jesus, is a bit overdone don't you think. Princess Diana's death got far more attention and tears than this one .... But you all acted as though it was the second coming. The man was loved in life so it is only natural that he would be loved in death. Stick to the issue, there you have a point. The citizens should not have to foot the bill. The other theatrics however, don't have a place on this day in this forum
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By: Tammy on 7/07/2009 7:19PM
Hello to ya
I am also a Christian and when I hear the anger in other Christians it makes me wonder why are you so angry. The King of Pop is Dead. The Resurrected King still lives but how much is he really living in you. The family and the world has lost a icon some one that has touched them in some form or other. Michael Jackson did not cause your city to lose money. He did not cut summer school out but why is their summer school if children do what they are supposed to do during the school year they would not need summer school. Faith is what is going to keep us going. Being passionate about others is what gives us strength. During this time in the Jackson families life why are or should they worry about the state of your city. We are hurting from this financial burden all around the world not just in LA. With all the people going into your city surely some one some business has made some kind of profit. So don't join in with the complainers it is not Godly. Join up with the Believers and heal your city like every one else has too.
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By: lilpretty29440 on 7/07/2009 11:05PM
I totally agree with you. I was wondering if anyone else saw how the whole world,just about,is idolizing Michael Jackson. Don't get me wrong I'm a big fan and everything but he was another person just like me and the rest of the world.I can't think of anyone who has or will get the attention the world is giving Michael Jackson at his demise.
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By: Sparkle on 7/06/2009 9:00PM
I am quite sure that Michael's estate and/or other organizations will be REIMBURSING the State of California for the expenses with all of those wealthy contacts Michael had around the world. No need for the State of California to act as if they are handing out a welfare check to the Jackson family.
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