Congress Denies Michael His Resolution

At Michael’s Memorial on Tuesday representative Sheila Jackson-Lee from Texas said she would call for a Resolution in Congress that Michael should be honoured for his humanitarian work.

Today, the house speaker, Nancy Pelosi, said that such a resolution would “open up contrary views”. “I don’t think it’s necessary for us to have a resolution,” Pelosi told reporters during her weekly press conference. “In his case, if the idea is to praise the life and work, as I assume that resolution does, then why not do that?”

Sheila Jackson Lee ignited an intense exchange when she called on lawmakers to recognise Michael as a “global humanitarian and a noted leader in the fight against worldwide hunger and medical crises” and celebrate him as “an accomplished contributor to the worlds of arts and entertainment, scientific advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, and global food security.”

The resolution, which was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the day after Michael’s death, lists his accomplishments as a musical icon in detail, including his record-breaking album sales and two-time induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The resolution also cites Michael’s humanitarian work, including his 1984 visit to a burn unit at a Los Angeles hospital and his decision to grant a dying 14 year old’s request to visit his home.

Source: Associated Press & MJWN