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Who Will Pay For the Michael Jackson Memorial at Staples Center?
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by Jon Azpiri | July 2, 2009 at 03:24 pm
1968 views | 2 Recommendations | 17 comments
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Plans for a Michael Jackson Public Memorial were released today. A lot of the details have yet to be ironed out, but it is believed that the event will take place Tuesday, July 7, at the Staples Center at 10 a.m.
While such a memorial will help fans deal with the passing of a music legend, others are asking a more practical question: Who will pay for the Michael Jackson memorial? After all, the city of Los Angeles is in the midst of a financial crisis and the state of California has resorted to handing out IOUs to help pay their debts. A large memorial ceremony would likely use up some public resources, such as police and security. Many wonder if such an event is the most prudent use of taxpayer dollars.
A similar sentiment was expressed prior to the Los Angeles Lakers victory parade last month. Many city officials wondered if spending money on a victory celebration was appropriate considering that many city workers are facing layoffs and mandatory furloughs. Ultimately, private donors stepped up and paid for the Lakers victory parade. While details have yet to be revealed, don't be surprised if private or corporate donors step forward to help pay for the Michael Jackson memorial.
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (17)
at 06:46 on July 3rd, 2009
If private donors do not step forward in enough to cover the costs, why not ask the fans (was it 11,000 or 17,000) that are going to be allowed to attend to contribute for their right to attend? They would have paid for a concert ticket right? Why not pay for this? I would if I were close enough! I definitely would have for Elvis or the such, so why wouldn't they for him? Just a thought?!
at 07:06 on July 3rd, 2009
I think people who want to be at the Memorial no matter where it is should pay for tickets (since they will be collectors items anyway!) and all of the expenses for the city (security, transportation issues, crowd & traffic control +) should be paid first out of the proceeds, with anything left going to Jackson's estate to pay creditors.
at 09:17 on July 3rd, 2009
The ones who should be paying for all this is the family of Michael Jackson or private donations. California is always in the news about how bad their state is in such financial problems. I use to live in that State, but it was so expensive I left.
at 12:23 on July 3rd, 2009
I think that the police offices, security guards, transportation workers as well as those working at the Staples Center should ALL VOLUNTEER their services for this event. I think that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be in attendance at the memorial services for Michael Jackson the "KING of POP" and who would not want this to be a subject of discussion for many years to come with their children, grandchildren and for some even their great grandchildren. I know that if I lived in Los Angelese and worked for one of these types of service agencies, I would work that entire day with lots of honor and pride and ask for nothing in return because he has already given so much to the world so let's return the favor!
at 17:53 on July 4th, 2009
I'm sorry Kristy, but I totally disagree with you. Yes, Michael Jackson was the "King of Pop" but we the public should not have to cover the expense in any way, and I don't think people should be EXPECTED to volunteer their time, just because he was Michael Jackson. Yes, Michael Jackson had a talent unlike no other, and people will listen to him for many years to come....but what is it that he has given to the world, except music? His death has brought more debt. He was not a "normal" human being, by no fault of his own...but why should the public pay for his memorial. The problem with society today is our priorites are all wrong. We should not be wasting money on any memorial service for a "pop star", his estate should be paying for it...and if he couldn't even take care of his finances and ended up in debt beyond his means....then I'm sorry.....not my problem. Too many people are losing their jobs, their homes, and don't even know how they will feed their family do to the terrible economical times and we should pay for a memorial service for a "star", I DON'T THINK SO! I feel terrible for the Jackson family, as it is a terrible to lose a loved one, but he is their loved one and they should cover the cost of whatever memorial they choose to have. If you lose a loved one the state or city you live in will not pay any part of it, nor should they.
at 21:39 on July 4th, 2009
I agree that people shouldn't have to volunteer for this event; they too have their own expenses. Remember that the family was willing to have all fans come to the ranch for a body viewing, but it was the city that denied this. I'm also sure that lots of tourists are coming to LA just because of Michael and speding money there, which is income for the state.
By the way, you ask, "what is it that he has given to the world, except music?" Jackson was listed in the 2000 book of Guinness World Records for supporting more charities than any other entertainer or personality. Proceeds from some of his bests tours, singles, and personal belonging makes him one of the most giving celebrities. The number 1 selling single of all times was produced by Jacskon and Lionel Richie... all proceeds went to children in Africa.
at 10:45 on July 8th, 2009
Very true.
at 09:34 on July 6th, 2009
Sorry Kristy, I can't agree with you. I agree with Clements comments on this. Just because MJ was a Pop Start it does not mean that the public should pay for his memorial expence. you said "... because he has given so much to the world..." What do you mean by that? I find it very hard to understand that MJ has done "so much" for the world. Yes, he did contribute to the music industry and yes he did the "we are the world" tour to feed the hunger. There were so many other artist who contributed, not just MJ. Just like Clements pointed out, he lived beyond his means and owed a lot of money. He had a line of creditors sueing him for the money he owed. Just think about those companies and people who are loosing all the money that's being owed by MJ? And you expect the public to fund his memorial and and expect people to volunteer for this? You have got to be kidding me.
at 02:33 on July 6th, 2009
If you want the public to pay that you pay it. I don't want my tax dollars to go to is!
at 08:09 on July 7th, 2009
Has anyone figure who will pay for all this yet. I hope not tax payers.
at 08:13 on July 7th, 2009
i think we should all donate by iou's like california pays there bills now thanks to the moronic liberals who run this pathetic state but theyll try to tax you on them. asking for money from people they put out of work?
at 14:06 on July 7th, 2009
LOOK AT ALL THE GOOD THAT HE HAS MADE. HE HELP TO MAKE AMERICA WHAT IT IS IN TERMS OF MUSIC. THE COUNTRY HAS EARNED A LOT FROM......FROM HIS DONATIONS TO HOSPITALS AND CHARITIES. TRUST ME, THE GUY DID ALOT. APPRECIATE HIM AND HIS GENEROUS DEEDS.
at 17:30 on July 7th, 2009
Where is the Mayor? Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, he no where to be seen...he should go on TV and have tell the police and others helpers to donate there time.......There is no reason why, the tax payers should foot the bill, there are people being laid off, home less people in the street and war veteran families in need of finances. That money should be used to help the families in need.
Anyway..does'nt anyone remember how michael jackson said he like sleeping with kids? and how many kids acused him...and he just paid them off..he was child-molester.....It is sad in this world can cover up something like that, just becuase he had money.
at 10:54 on July 11th, 2009
L.A. and the whole state of Calaiforna is almost bankrupt why should they pay for this
at 11:23 on August 29th, 2009
I feel as though the family should pay for this.It was ultimately there decision alone to have a public viewing and give out tickets. For family cars the family had 4 phantoms and the rest were range rovers. I understand he was the king of pop and all but they could of had a regular memorial as to where the fans could walk through and keep it moving and view the casket or jus have it on tv but they had a concert almost. Its bad enough it was on every station.The security and ppl that wanted to take part should have been volunteers. If private donations come out that is fine but it's people out here starving and homeless, michael was so hard on about coming together as one. Wont everybody go outsuide and give a homeless person food or some clean clothes if u wanna remember michael.
at 11:29 on August 29th, 2009
mike wouldgo to stores and pick out 1 million dollars worth of antiques just becuase hedidn't have a home to put them in....sell them or pawn them and the money should go to the memorial service.....not to be rude or ignorant and may he rest in peace but ppl die all the time and can't afford to pay for a simple funeral but i dont ever recall anybody stepping up saying michael jackson or his family helped foot the bill...he helped ppl outside the country
at 11:31 on August 29th, 2009
he had to put them in storage