The Michael Jackson Memorial thread-

[innerSpaceman]

Originally Posted by Snowflake

AEG and the LA Lakers pledged a million toward the cost according to the article.

The Lakers? Why would the Lakers contribute toward Jackson's Funeral Theatrical Special?

The answer is, they wouldn't. The article was pointing out that, under similar circumstances, the Lakers and AEG (which owns the Staples Center) pledged a million to cover roughly HALF of the Lakers' festivities, while 1700 teachers lost their jobs because of the budget shortfall.

This time, for the MJ Hoopla, estimated by the article to cost far more, the very same AEG has pledged to contribute zero ... while 3622 more teachers lose their jobs as a result.



Is he dead yet? Because at this rate, our state can't take any more Michael Jackson.





I'm being facetious about the teachers. It's the City of L.A. that pays for both the Lakers and MJ debacles. The city is facing a shortfall of over half a billion dollars. Thousands of city workers are being laid off. It just doesn't sound as heart-rending as teachers. Although I suppose I could have blamed the Staples Center for taking life-saving medicine from AIDS victims.

[bewitched]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

This time, for the MJ Hoopla, estimated by the article to cost far more, the very same AEG has pledged to contribute zero ... while 3622 more teachers lose their jobs as a result.


I'm being facetious about the teachers. It's the City of L.A. that pays for both the Lakers and MJ debacles. The city is facing a shortfall of over half a billion dollars. Thousands of city workers are being laid off. It just doesn't sound as heart-rending as teachers. Although I suppose I could have blamed the Staples Center for taking life-saving medicine from AIDS victims.

The cost of providing police for the Jackson funeral/memorial comes out of $90 million already budgeted (well prior to Jackson's death) for police over-time for the fiscal year. While these 2 things may be the biggest, they are a small part of the over-time budget(s). Further, you can hardly blame the Lakers for city workers being laid off and lack of AIDS drugs; all of the Lakers money came out of last year's $80.7 million budget as the new fiscal year began July 1. (The rise to $90 million was largely due to COL increases in over-time pay.)

I hardly think it fair to charge the Jacksons for the same services (albeit mucho more manpower) provided for free to thousands of other Los Angelens (?) every year.

Does any of this mean that I don't think it would be lovely if AEG and the Jacksons offered to pay for part of it? No. I think it would be a nice gesture. On the other hand, if they choose not to, I don't think the impact on the budget is worth everyone getting in a tizzy.

[bewitched]

btw, I thought the memorial was surprisingly touching and dignified.

Michael's daughter brought me to tears...we should all be so lucky to be remembered thusly.

[bewitched]

As an update, it appears as though donations from fans and friends have probably covered the costs (and perhaps then some). As "icing" it is estimated that the city probably made $4 million+ in revenue generated by all of tourism associated with the memorial.

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by bewitched

As an update, it appears as though donations from fans and friends have probably covered the costs (and perhaps then some). As "icing" it is estimated that the city probably made $4 million+ in revenue generated by all of tourism associated with the memorial.

I figured that would happen. Now people can't whine about how much it cost. The only thing left to complain about now is the news that will still be lingering for at least a good six months and then taper off into an eternal occasional story (ala Elvis). But, there's a simple and quick solution for that too - people can just finally learn how to use a remote control or click on a different link.

I just really hope the media leaves his children alone. I'm really glad I no longer work in news, because some of the stories would get me fired by refusing to shoot or edit 'em.