Senate Chooses Not to Honor King of Pop

The state Senate declined to honor the late Michael Jackson today. The honorary resolution got only seven votes, and a majority of senators simply refused to vote either yes or no.

The resolution previously passed in Tennessee’s lower house by one vote.
These sorts of honors are generally granted with little fanfare or discussion, but not always. Two years ago, the state senate refused to pass a similar resolution honoring Memphis native Justin Timberlake. The reason given was that the pop’s singer’s lyrics are too suggestive.

Memphis Democrat Beverly Marrero sponsored the resolution honoring Michael Jackson. Marrero said she had hoped the legislature would recognize the so-called “King of Pop.”

“He was loved and respected all over the world. And I just think it’s a very unfortunate thing, and it sends the same kind of consistently bad message that we have a lot of very prejudiced people in this state of Tennessee, and I think that’s a bad thing for Tennessee.”

But political observers noted that rather than racial prejudice, the vote showed a rush for political safety.

While Jackson was known for his music and charitable efforts, his public image never fully recovered from allegations of child molestation, even after being acquitted of all charges.

Of the senators running for higher office, only Memphis Democrat Jim Kyle voted for the measure. He’s seeking the Democratic nomination for governor,

Senators who either voted “present” or simply didn’t touch their buttons include a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor and three senators seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Senators who refused to cast a vote for or against included:
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor.

Sen. Diane Black, who is seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. 6th district in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sen. Jim Tracy, who is also seeking the Republican nomination for the 6th district seat.

Sen. Roy Herron, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 8th district seat in the U.S. House.

Nashville Senators Thelma Harper and Joe Haynes voted for the measure. Senator Douglas Henry pressed the button for “present not voting.” All are Democrats.