Indiana legislature "honors" Michael Jackson during special session

As a resident of Indiana, I was outraged to discover that the Indiana General Assembly, during a special session called to handle the State budget, found time to prepare, vote on, and record a joint resolution "honoring" Michael Jackson. This was done by both houses, and by unanimous vote.

I contacted Nancy Dembowski, the Democratic State Representative for my district (IN 17) by email as follows:
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Nancy,

I am having a real hard time understanding how we had the time during the special session to “celebrate” Michael Jackson? This pervert was a child molester – exactly how is this a valid use of taxpayer money? I would imagine that you were to ask every constituent in the district, you wouldn’t get a lot of support for spending any time on this, and quite probably not a lot of support for it if time were available.

Shame on all of you.

I would like to meet with you or speak by phone regarding issues which I feel need attention by the legislature before the next session begins. Please let me know when we might talk.

Thanks,

Mike

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Nancy replied the following day as follows:

Mike:

Michael Jackson had a tremendous impact on the city of Gary regardless of his personal issues. I am sure that leadership felt that since it was important to the legislators from that city, it could be done out of respect for them. It was done after the passge of the budget and the entire process did not take 5 minutes. I am sure the only taxpayer monies would have been the cost of the paper it was printed on.

I will be more than happy to speak with you in regard to your issues. I have a pretty full schedule (vacation and home repairs) for July. I will email you early in August to set up a time that is convenient for you. Nancy Dembowski

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This is exactly what is wrong with our legislative bodies (all levels), and our judicial system.

State lawmakers have no business dealing with ANY issue other than emergent business during a special session. Such action is MISUSE of taxpayer money. They certainly don't have any business, representing the entire population of the State, taking an action to honor a pervert like this.

You will also note the way my comment about taxpayer money was completely blown off. It seems Nancy doesn't take into account the salaries of all representatives, staff, and support staff in the time needed to prepare this garbage - or the money it cost to run the entire building during this - including utilities. To them, it's just the cost of the paper...I guess the money tree grows the rest of the funds?

You will also note she refuses to address my statement that her district wouldn't have supported this at all. She's there to represent a district - guess our opinion doesn't matter.

I'm also sick of elected officials justifying this type of action by calling it "personal issues", and then saying they are acting out of respect for another group. This is NOT justification when you claim to represent the entire State of Indiana.

How about calling it like it is - Michael Jackson was no damned role model, and no hero. How about standing up for INNOCENT CHILDREN and refusing to cave to the PC police and not say anything because he was black (before trying to become white).

Inexcusable and pathetic.