The White House sends condolences to Michael Jackson's Family

[Jello Biafra]

So as most of you know by now, the White House send the family of Michael Jackson condolences...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5675766/Barack-Obama-writes-to-Michael-Jacksons-family.html

Personally, I think that it is very thoughtful that Obama send condolences to Jackson's family. But, as in the words of Lewis Black, "I have thoughts...."

Why didn't the White House send condolences to Farah Fawcett's family? Ed McMahon's family? David Carradine's Family? Will Walter Cronkite's family get one next month? Why doesn't every celebrity get condolences from the White House? So if you are a celeb, what is the threshold point for getting condolences? Harry Karas, the beloved sportscaster of the Phillies and NFL Films was known nationally, did he get one? Do you have to be American born? If Alex Trebek dies, does he get condolences? Wait, he's Canadian.....disquallified? Billy Mays just died, he's nationally known...but is he beloved? But he's generated lots of income for corporate types...qualified? Hey, that's one for a congressional debate.....we need a bill passed for this...more important than health care, you betcha....

Yes, Michael Jackson is a cultural icon, but one could think...."...hmmmmm, we're sending condolences to a pedophile? Why...that's an outrage!"

The point of the matter is that the White House shouldn't be sending condolences PUBLICLY to anyone except world leaders and others in that ilk. It gives the appearance that others are being slighted. Some might go one further to ask that if Jacko was white, would he have received condolences? I'm not seeing it that way, but some could in the Faux Noise audience might come to that conclusion. What if Rushbo kicks the bucket as the majority here hopes? Does he get one?

On that subject, if McCain had been president, would he had sent condolences? Dubya? Cheney? Not likely huh....How about Hillary?....Good one to debate over a case of beer.....

So if we send condolences to every celeb, who foots the bill? If it's a card, well that costs money. Do you want your taxpayer money to go towards condolence cards? Are we sending the right message of using taxpayer money toward dead people? Maybe the solution is a virtual condolence card....how about whitehousecondolences.com complete w/organ music and a casket and a virtual funeral director? Now there's a site that will be hacked in no time fast.......quick call cybersecurity!

Just pointing out some hypocrisy here....that's all....

[lindisfarne]

1. Anyone can get WH condolences sent - or wedding congratulations, or certain birthdays, and so on

Instructions here:

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/yourmoney/49277467.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsZ

[Bicoastal]

2. I'll tell you why...

...because I believe Obama was probably a huge MJ fan in college--like most people of his generation--so unlike Fawcett or McMahon, Jackson's death actually means something to him personally, that's why. Besides, no matter what your personal feelings are on the matter, this celebrity's death was a) hugely unexpected and b)a big deal the world over.

You're getting steamed over a card or a phone call? Either one would cost you, the individual American taxpayer, about $0.0000000000001. What's the big honking deal?

Smells like phony poutrage to me.

[hlthe2b]

5. I agree... and for heavens sakes, MJ was huge for African Americans

not that he wasn't likewise for every other race and ethnic group of at least a certain wide age group.... He was a tremendous cross over artist.... The OP is being ridiculous.

[Captain Hilts]

10. By changing his looks to look white?!?!

[hlthe2b]

11. His career spanned decades... He was clearly

racially black no matter what he did to himself cosmetically or as a result of vitiligo as has been reported. I'll let members of the DU African American community speak for themselves, but living in the South during the years Jackson 5 and later MJ as a single artist were exceedingly popular. He is also listed as a role model for many R&B artists (and rap artists) today.


MJ was a very strange and pathetic person in his later adult years, but he had a very long and celebrated career before all the weirdness seemed to take over and define him

[Captain Hilts]

16. I agree. nt

[psychopomp]

18. Oh, how I wish we could upmod or downmod posts on DU

as can be done over at Reddit. Lame posts like yours should be ruthlessly buried.

I live overseas and have heard from a lot of people who were shocked and saddened by Michael Jackson's death. One woman saw him on the 'Bad' tour! Well, it's just that MJ was able to reach people who may not have understood exactly what he was saying but they loved the rhythm, his voice and his vibe.

[Captain Hilts]

21. Didn't say he wasn't talented or popular. He was both. But he had racial issues.

Let's be honest about that.

[LanternWaste]

30. Do you apply that judgment to any and all surgical procedures which may change a color tone?

"But he had racial issues..."

Do you apply that judgment to any and all elective surgical procedures which may change a color tone?

[psychopomp]

51. Or, how about light people who want to get a tan

so they don't look so pale? :shrug:

[NatBurner]

26. wOw

smh

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

42. If you had vitaligo ..

what would you do? Tell me what exactly what would you do?

[ecstatic]

50. He had vitiligo

but what do looks have to do with anything? :shrug:

[kestrel91316]

3. Thank you for your concern. Enjoy your stay.

[Uzybone]

4. idiotic post

[Oregone]

6. He should issue a post-mortem presidential pardon

For all the sick crimes he may or may not of committed, while we are at it, eh?

[Colobo]

7. MJ is an American icon. A huge one.

[CakeGrrl]

8. I knew SOMEONE would complain about this

How do you know "The White House" sent the condolences?

The article states that President Obama sent them. Why do you assume he did it on the taxpayer's dime?

I figured there'd be some concern over the alleged pedophilia angle as well. "One could think?" Sounds like YOU are thinking that.

Why don't you protest every personality who has expressed sorrow that Jackson has passed and who has lauded his talent and impact on the entertainment world?

:eyes:

[Baltoman991]

9. Slow day?

Couldn't find something really news worthy to bash Obama about on this fine Sunday? And oh my, a card cost what, 3, 4 bucks? I'm sure if it were sent in the form of a card Obama paid for it himself so your .0000000000000000000000000001% of one penny is safe in the bank for another day.

[Catherine Vincent]

35. LOL!

[Puzzler]

12. Obama did not send condolences publicly...

... he sent them PRIVATELY.

The only reason we even know about this is because the question came up in a recent press conference.

[Raine1967]

13. You are aware that Reagan made a statement

after John Lennon was assassinated, right?

Jimmy carter did the same for Elvis.

Clinton For Sinatra...

And Dubya for James Brown.

ALL DONE Publicly.

Your concern is noted. I tossed it over there. With the other crap I might be concerned with one day.

[fujiyama]

17. I remember Bush also making a statement about Marlon Brando

Some artists are just BIG. Those mentioned above are and Michael Jackson certainly fits.

Some people are complaining for the point of complaining. Obama's statement was classy and private.

[beachmom]

20. Thanks for that history. The BIG STARS get a nod from the President.

That is just how it is and how it will always be.

[sunfluer]

33. Not Good Enough...

Well, that needs to change in this society. It's phony.

[Captain Hilts]

28. GWBush's statement on Katharine Hepburn and Peter Jennings' deaths were PITIFUL. nt

[HopeOverFear]

14. Dubya made a public statement after the death of James Brown

and believe me, folks. The Godfather of Soul was NO SAINT. He most definitely had his demons.

[Hutzpa]

15. I hate these protracted anologues n/t

[beachmom]

19. If you have the best selling record of all time, then that bumps you to Presidential letter.

How about that?

You know I was in Europe this summer and heard Michael Jackson songs numerous times on the radio (BEFORE he died; only NOW is radio in America playing him again). He's one of the greats in music and certainly one of the biggest stars this planet has ever had. I think he meets the threshold where the others you mention, simply don't.

[Jello Biafra]

22. Two repliers got it......

The others didn't see the sarcasm in it.......wow people do go out of their ways to be offended nowadays.....

[AtomicKitten]

24. uh huh - best use the sarcasm thingie from the get-go

instead of waiting to see how thoroughly thrashed your theory gets before doing a 180

[ellacott]

25. Now it's sarcasm?

This board is too funny.

[AtomicKitten]

23. key word - privately - as in not on taxpayer's dime ... next n/t

[Teaser]

27. the stupid is strong in this one

.

[butterfly77]

29. Some would also say that...

If this were Elvis Presley would you even question it. Some would also say Michael wasn't a pedophile.

[Fire1]

31. Not 'some. Many. As for the first sentence, right again! n/t

[sunfluer]

32. MJ

It's amazing how a mob mentality quickly forms when a person expresses their opinion. I think Obama's private condolence to the Jackson family while ignoring Farrah Fawcett's family is in bad taste, IMO. Yes. MJ was very talented, however, I don't put anyone on a pedestal. And, it was Elizabeth Taylor who labeled MJ the "king of pop".

I think MJ was a very sad and disturbed soul. And, I do think MJ was a pedophile - how quickly everyone forgets the very disturbing allegations. MJ's off stage life was a freak show. And he was a "has been". Let's be real...what causes people to rally around is the fact of the sudden, and yet to be explained death of MJ. So, FF's death holds less importance b/c she was battling cancer and therefore, expected!? It's the very reason that both MJ and FF died on the same day that the Presidential death acknowledgement for MJ and not FF "stinks".

Now. Did Obama send a condolence b/c he was profoundly and deeply touched by the loss? Or, was it PR? This President, especially needs to work extra hard to rise above presumpton of self serving plaitudes.

Look. I like Obama. I voted for him. However, he should take the time to acknowledge FF's family too! Why do you folks seem to have a problem with that? I think you're missing the point.

[pot luck]

36. How do you know he didn't offer Fawcett's Family

private condolences? The only reason we know about MJ's is because Gibbs was asked about it. No one asked him if he offered condolences to the families of FF and Ed McMahon. You're just assuming he didn't.

[sunfluer]

37. Inquiring Minds Need to Know...

Well, given the situation, if Obama sent acknowledgement to FF's family, it would be in the news. And, it's still not too late. FF's funeral is tomorrow.

[pot luck]

38. Why would it have been in the news?

Since MJ died, FF's death has been pushed out of the headlines. The press didn't ask Gibbs for Obama's comment on FF, they asked about MJ, and that's when the public was informed that he sent his condolences to the Jackson family. If it concerns you so much and you're just dying to find out if he also sent condolences to FF's family, why don't you write CNN, MSNBC, or Faux and tell them to ask him at the next press conference? It's the press who have been ignoring Fawcett and devoting 24/7 coverage to Michael Jackson and his death, and that extended to the White House coverage.

[sunfluer]

39. Actually...

I took it one step further... I wrote directly to the White House. You're so right - I have no qualms about expressing my opinions to the news channels. The media reports the news they think we want to know.

And, why do you defend Obama so much? It's important, IMO, to be an informed constituent. In this way, I can attempt to weed out the most shallow. I can't help to enjoy all the phoniness from politicians. They're all self serving.

Maybe now you'll finally begin to understand what the original poster was saying here...

[pot luck]

40. Why do I defend Obama so much?

Why are you attacking him over something so silly? W(ho)TF cares if he sends condolences to celebrities families? This isn’t an important topic where constituents must stay vigilant and informed. Will children starve if he doesn’t send a card to Fawcett’s family? Will someone lose their health insurance because he wrote a letter to the Jacksons? This just seems like some ginned up excuse to attack the man over something stupid that doesn’t matter in the long run.

[sunfluer]

45. Fail to see...

only the elite get special considerations. Wake up and smell the reality. As for health care, etc., that's a whole other topic.

[Binka]

43. In An Attempt To Weed Out The Most Shallow

Can you start with yourself?

[sunfluer]

44. That is so not necessary...n/t

[Lord Helmet]

41. What about Ed McMahon? And Billy Mays? Did they get a letter?

My parakeet died the other day, and I didn't get a letter.

Obama not sending letters to the families of every celebrity that dies MAKES ME SO ANGRY!!!!!!!

[sunfluer]

46. Thanks for noticing the point... n/t

[Catherine Vincent]

34. You just don't understand. nt

[Paladin]

47. You're Expressing A Preference For The Way Cheney Might Have Handled It.

I think that's all we need to know about you.....

[sunfluer]

48. Nah! You don't know what you're talking about. n/t

[ecstatic]

49. Thanks for posting RW bullshit...really appreciate it

:eyes: I especially loved the insinuation that Obama is racist. :eyes: