July 07, 2009 Sheila Jackson Lee eulogizes Michael Jackson at L.A. servi The dramatic finale: "Michael Jackson, I salute you."
"I cannot write music or dance or sing," Houston Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee told the memorial service for Michael Jackson at Staples Center today. "But I do know an American story."
The Texas congresswoman's ten-minute eulogy for the transformational pop singer was one of the most dramatic moments of a star-studded event in Los Angeles. Her remarks ranged from public mourning to uplifting Bible stories to calls to service.
"I call Michael Jackson 'the Good Samaritan,'" she said. "Michael fought the good fight."
Jackson Lee described Jackson as "this wonderful legend" and "our icon."
"He called us into public service," she said. "It didn't matter if we were black or white ... I come to you today to say thank you."
Jackson Lee recalled how the entertainer met in her office with 15 African ambassadors to discuss the HIV/AIDS epidemic and visited wounded warriors from the Iraq War at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
"Michael never stopped giving," she said. "The King -- yes, the King -- the King stopped and said he cared about you."
The Houston Democrat got political just once, taking an indirect shot at New York Republican Rep. Peter King, who this week dismissed Jackson as a "pervert."
"We know people are innocent until proven otherwise," Jackson Lee told the audience to loud applause. "That is what the Constitution says."
To honor Jackson, Jackson Lee and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus are sponsoring House Resolution 600 which, she said, "claims Michael Jackson as an American legend and musical icon and an international humanitarian -- someone who will be honored forever and ever and ever and ever."
In conclusion, the Houston congresswoman raised her hand to her forehead.
"Michael Jackson," she said, "I salute you."
No could have said it any better than she did, to those here that called him names and sware by the constitution . He will always be the greatest talent Ihave ever seen I will misshim.
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