It has now been nearly two weeks since Michael Jackson died. During that time, the media has had an inexplicable fixation on this aging and bizarre rock star who hasn't performed in more than a decade.

I live on Hayvenhurst Avenue, just a few blocks from the Jackson family compound. Since jackson's death, the LAPD has had the street blocked off 24 hours a day, so that other residents have to take serpentine detours to get to their homes. While law enforcement escorts Jackson family vehicles in and out of the area, LAPD squad cars and parking enforcement units are detailed to man the barriers on each end of the Jackson's street day and night. Railings have been set up along the street so that gawkers and tourists can meander past their home and stare at the large black gate that prevents them from seeing anything inside the estate. This morning, the day of the memorial at the Staples Center, we were awakened at 6AM by the sound of several helicopters hovering over the area in a fixed position.

With apologies to Michael Jackson's ardent fans, these activities are not worth the expense and inconvenience they have cost the tax payers of this city. Jackson was a world-famous entertainer and human curiosity, not a head-of-state or even a benefactor of our city. Until he announced his ill-fated "This Is It" comeback, he hadn't even been in the news for several years.

It is rather startling that during these difficult economic times the city of Los Angeles has decided to enable the sycophantic worship of this individual and, without voter consent, devote substantial resources to helping this very rich and reclusive family mourn their son. How many extra police and firefighters had to work overtime today to deal with the crowds attending this huge tribute, and how may downtown businesses simply closed their doors for the day rather than deal with the blocked streets and enormous crowds?

For once, I would like to see the city protecting and preserving the privacy and tranquility of the community that we ordinary mortals live in.

MJs estate and the performers should pay the tab.

It's ridiculous for City of L.A. to pay for the $2 - $4 millon cost in memorial service while in budget crisis. People lost their jobs, lost their homes, have family issues, and who's gonna help them?

My personal thoughts on Michael is that I first resented him because of his personal reasons like for example being a child molester. Then I gave him a chance because of his music and I’ve been hooked ever since then. Now I think he was a good man scratch that fantastic man through charities and the revolutionized of the music video and of course dancing. My prayer go out to the members of the Jackson family and Michael's best friends in the whole entire world. Paris Jackson has allot of mocksey and courage to go to the microphone and express to the whole world how a great parent Michael was. Michael you inspired millions and the billions on this great earth including me to. To do more in the community and change yourself. One last word for you Michael Jackson. You helped me looked the man in my mirror today, and thanks for helping me to do it and thanks for the music and the dancing.

Perhaps all the LA-area organizations, hospitals, and other places around the world should give back all that Michael has given away in money and gifts. The "cost of memorial" pales in comparison to his humanitarian work. Google "Michael Jackson Humanitarian" or check out:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/14283749/Michael-Jacksons-Humanitarian-Efforts-19792003
If this moving event televised the world over makes just one person open their heart and mind to the ills of our society..it was worth twice the cost in return.

Overkill? That's putting it mildly. Nobody could care less about him when he was alive yet now he's dead I'm sure he didn't have a state funeral but the way people are reacting. Let's not forget the child molestation charges/allegation against him. He doesn't deserve this much attention. People, get your priorities straight.

The media coverage has been ridiculous. One would think a beloved Head of State had died, instead of a bizzarre, twisted pedophile. Yet if we listen to the dimwitted ass-wipe, al sharpton, the memorial is not grand enough and is tainted with the racism sharpton finds wherever he goes. He doesn't seem to realize that he is a walking, babbling justification for racism.

To Anonymous who said that all the LA hospitals and charitable organizations should give back the money that Jackson has raised for them. I followed the link you provided, and yes, it is amazing how much he's done for charity, but I also can't help to notice that those charitable acts ceased circa 2003. Hmmm...I wonder was happening during that time?

To Cynthia - It is not that his charitable acts ended in 2003. This particular compilation clearly states that it was only covering the period between 1979-2003. No doubt somewhere there is a continuing list of charities he donated to after 2003, since it seems apparent, it was something he felt very strongly about. It is really wonderful how generous he was to so many varied, and important causes over so many years...large ones and small ones. It says a lot about him as a person.