Back in the day when people had manners even the most vile of humanity — quite possibly with notable exceptions such as Hitler and Mussolini — were due a modicum of respect in the event of their deaths.
But some people today such as GOP Rep. Peter King of New York who not only lack manners but apparently possess an inbred hatred of those who fail to believe as he does sees nothing wrong with lambasting the dead.
King, who was best described by Slate media critic Jack Shafer as “an exploding carbuncle masquerading as a member of Congress,” exhibited his lack of compassion most recently by saying Michael Jackson’s death should not be glorified by the media.
“Let’s knock out the psychobabble,” King said in a two-minute You Tube video, which was posted by his campaign. “He was a pervert, a child molester; he was a pedophile. And to be giving this much coverage to him, day in and day out, what does it say about us as a country? I just think we’re too politically correct.”
Jackson was never convicted of child molestation.
No matter what one thinks about Jackson personally — and in my mind he was certainly an odd bird to phrase it while maintaining good manners — he was a cultural icon beyond the everyday celebrity.
The oozing of hatred which flows from Congressman Carbuncle is just one more example that this nation is in short supply of real statesmen while overflowing with misguided and demigogic politicians.
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