Monday, June 13, 2005

1 Million with HIV vs. Michael Jackson

Today truly terrible news was announced, but like the tree that falls in the forest with no one to hear, it didn't make a sound. There are more than 1 million people in this country living with HIV, a disease that is preventable. These sobering statistics were not likely to get attention in any case, but sadly the news came on the same day as news of Michael Jackson's acquittal. Guess which story will make the morning headlines?

We might also want to talk about the terrible injustices faced by the average black man in the so-called justice system. The Supreme Court ordered a new trial for Thomas Miller-El. Texas prosecutors deliberately kept blacks off of the jury that convicted him of murder. Miller Schmiller. Let's talk about a millionaire who can pay for the best legal defense money can buy. I don't deny Jackson's right to stay out of jail, but I don't think that he or Brad and Angelina or Tom and Katie are worth the amount of news print they get.

I am glad Jackson was acquitted. He will disappear from the media until the next strange interview or allegation against him. A conviction would have meant Michael 24/7 for weeks on end. Viva Michael.