I didn’t watch Michael Jackson’s funeral on TV, or even try to get tickets to watch it live. I’ve always loved his music, but I didn’t need another spectacle. Mostly, I just feel sad about it.
One thing, though, has made me more angry than sad.
Here in Los Angeles, every politician under the sun has taken the opportunity to complain about the cost of ensuring the safety of folks attending the funeral. By some estimates, it cost a couple million dollars. I’m vexed that these politicians are taking this moment of sadness and trying to twist it into a moment of hostile, hateful political opportunism.
Every year, the Lakers play 40 basketball games that fill the Staples Center. The Kings play another 40 games that do the same. Fans pay to attend these events, and that money does not go to pay for the infrastructure they use, it goes to the private businesspeople who own and operate the teams and the venue.
Every year, there are countless block parties, parades, concerts and protests that draw members of the public. Every one of those events has infrastructure costs: police, emergency services, roads, public transportation.
Cities support public events. Our police department has a budget to pay for ensuring the public safety, whether people are walking to the grocery store, celebrating Pride, going to a sporting event or mourning at a funeral. That is as it should be. This is the most basic function of local government.
Like many localities, Los Angeles is in the midst of a financial crunch, but providing basic services is not a choice, it is what government does.
I heard the police chief, Bill Bratton, on the radio today. He’s an eloquent man and a surprisingly straight shooter. He said that if Los Angeles thinks it’s a world-class city, it needs to be prepared to support once in a generation events. I couldn’t agree more.