The tone adopted by the sages on cable news for addressing the Michael Jackson trial and nonsensical world Jackson inhabits is hypocrisy at its best. First, there is the omniscience. The sages talk as though they know just everything about this case and this creep. Second is a tone of moral and intellectual superiority -- about precisely what, it is difficult to say; but the sages are markedly superior. So why are they gabbling on about it? Well, they are slumming. From their perches of superiority, they are dipping down to give their viewers an amusing glimpse of the creep and his case.
As for the creep himself, he has finally settled on his defense. He is the victim of prejudice and of a "conspiracy." In other words, he will use the same tactics to defend himself as the Clintons used. Do not be surprised if he begins talking about a "Vast White-Thing Conspiracy." Interviewed the other day by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, theologian and humanitarian, the creep claimed he is being persecuted as other "black luminaries" have. He mentioned Nelson Mandela and two former heavyweight champions. He already has alluded to a conspiracy besetting him. To the reverend he said, " ? a lot of conspiracy is going on as we speak." Hillary and Bill know just what he is talking about.
Michael Jackson is one of the pop culture phenomena of the era of celebrity. Modestly talented in one area, he managed to amass a vast amount of money through clever marketing. With it legitimatizing him, he went on to claim an array of talents that he manifestly lacks. He can dance. That is about it. He is also repulsive and spectacularly stupid. In his interview with the reverend, this lifelong musician made this memorable statement: "I loved the album that Tchaikovsky did -- the 'Nutcracker Suite.' It's an album where every song is a great song." I did not actually hear this interview, but I wonder. Did the reverend and the King of Pop then commence to sing a few ditties from the "Nutcracker"? Did they mention any other albums by this guy Tchaikovsky?
The level of intellect now maintained on cable news is, if possible, even lower than the level of intellect maintained throughout the rest of televisionland, with the sane exception of C-SPAN. After the Michael Jackson trial ends, one wonders, what will come next? Perhaps this guy Tchaikovsky will be indicted for some weird transgression. They say out there on his ranch he does some strange things with those nutcrackers.