Private funerals with public money

A memorial for a great creative artist is certainly a worthy and noble endeavor for a society. To honor great artists in any field makes a society a better place.

Using public funds to stage such a memorial is certainly the necessary first step. Reimbursement of the public funds spent by money earned in the commercial market that is the result of that death is a necessary second step.

There is speculation of a commercial market arm of this memorial that includes the selling of t-shirts that were designed for Mr. Jackson's upcoming concert tour, the sale of a videotape of the memorial and the sale of a concert video featuring Mr. Jackson's rehearsals at the Staples Center.

It would be foolish to estimate that less than tens, if not hundreds of dollars will be earned from these products. If the speculation is true and these products are brought to market, it would be a tribute to Mr. Jackson, his family and his fans if a small portion of those profits were donated to the city of Los Angeles in recognition of their unselfish efforts to put together this memorial on such short notice.

We don't doubt that Mr. Jackson's mother will do this in honor of her son.