A New York congressman, Rep. Peter King, said in a YouTube video that Michael Jackson is "glorifying" a "low-life" while ignoring the efforts of teachers, police officers, firefighters, veterans and volunteers.

King is right in some part, but does not go as far as he should. He is correct about teachers, police officers and the like, but that's a societal issue that extends far past Michael Jackson. One should really ask why people in these jobs get paid almost nothing compared to entertainers and sports figures. It's not just Michael Jackson.

Here's some of what King said:

"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. [...]

There's nothing good to say about this guy," King continued. "But the bottom line is, would you let your child or grandchild be in the same room as Michael Jackson?"

While many, including myself, may believe that Jackson was guilty of the above offenses, he was found innocent in a court of law. Stacy Brown, co-author of "Michael Jackson: The Man Behind the Mask," said:

"I'm not surprised that someone would feel that way. I'm surprised that you would get a public official to say that. Let's face it, I'm not one to believe that Michael was innocent of molesting children, but he was never convicted. If he was convicted of those crimes, then hey, I'd have to agree with him."

Watch the video:

Originally on SNAFU-ed