who's going to the Michael Jackson Memorial?

[kydsid]

Originally Posted by ade06

Thought about it. See my earlier post "Didn't I hear that CA was so cash strapped that they are issuing state tax refunds via IOUs???"

But isn't a large part of L.A.'s economy driven by the entertainment business. I'm sure that over the years M.J. (and M.J. related taxes, sales taxes, ticket sales, movie video revenue, etc.) has provided L.A. with more than enough loot to pay for the police to maintain order for his memorial service. I actually think that the concert promoter and Staples Center owner who is hosting the public memorial should pay for it. But, I'm sure the owner will tell the city of L.A. to "just beat it."

So the most productive members of our society deserve free services from the government and the rest of us get what? I would have had to pay for police at any funeral I organize, well unless it's an in the line of duty death (god forbid), and so should everyone else. MJ was a private citizen and should die and be buried as one. Unless you die for your country/community the commnity isn't responsible for paying to organize your funeral.

[ade06]

Originally Posted by kydsid

So the most productive members of our society deserve free services from the government and the rest of us get what? I would have had to pay for police at any funeral I organize, well unless it's an in the line of duty death (god forbid), and so should everyone else. MJ was a private citizen and should die and be buried as one. Unless you die for your country/community the commnity isn't responsible for paying to organize your funeral.

Agreed, but our country is not founded on what we deserve. A large part of our country (like or not) is based upon the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. Unfortunately for the majority of the L.A. community, they will be on the short end of this broom. Lastly, the city of L.A. has seen and will see a huge increase in tax revenue from out of towners who will fly into LAX, stay in the local hotels, eat at the local restaurants and buy souvenirs from the local merchants. Will the increase revenues outweigh the city resources spent? I don't know, but probably.

[doctorcue]

Let's not forget that there were thousands of people that showed up who DIDN'T have tickets to the Staples center event. Some form of crowd control is needed for the public. Want to get mad? Get mad at those who showed up without tickets. From all news reports; there were no incidents reported.

I agree with ade06. LA can't complain when an international star passes and causes a commotion. If they don't want that; then don't promote celebrities or have huge venues by which to hold these. Perhaps the planning commision should have voted down Staples center, the Nokia theater, & the like. Can't have it both ways.

[hotreds]

Sorry, couldn't make the trip out west!

[rizzle]

Originally Posted by ade06

Agreed, but our country is not founded on what we deserve. A large part of our country (like or not) is based upon the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. Unfortunately for the majority of the L.A. community, they will be on the short end of this broom. Lastly, the city of L.A. has seen and will see a huge increase in tax revenue from out of towners who will fly into LAX, stay in the local hotels, eat at the local restaurants and buy souvenirs from the local merchants. Will the increase revenues outweigh the city resources spent? I don't know, but probably.

This thread is headed way off into the wrong direction, but nonetheless, statements such as that one are what's wrong, in large part, with this country. That's just crazy talk bro.