TimesDaily Demonstrates Just How Skewed Our Values Are

No one could logically deny either the talent or iconic status of the late Michael Jackson. To say that the singer's demise is newsworthy would be a tremendous understatement; however, when self-proclaimed local news purveyor the TimesDaily affords more space to Jackson's passing than the London Daily Mail, the avatar of tabloid reporting, we should carefully consider the reasons.

Jackson's character should, at best, be described as flawed. His fans have long predicted the news media would cause the one-time child star to "self-destruct," and now that has apparently happened. Undoubtedly, his abusive father and less than ideal childhood are factors in the production of the pop star's unusual lifestyle. I hope that Jackson will be remembered for his musical accomplishments, rather than his overtly prurient interest in young boys.

Our only local daily newspaper has long stated its dedication to bringing the Shoals area local news, not cut and paste national items that are better suited to USA Today or the tabloids. So what does the front page of the TD say about the its new publishers? Are they just giving the public what it wants?

If the most important thing on the mind of Shoals' citizens today is the death of Michael Jackson, then we have truly become huddled masses of mindless mediocrity. Visions of Marshall McLuhan tut-tutting in the great beyond dance in my head.


What's up with this: Defense attorneys for accused child murderer Christie Bray Scott have introduced evidence that she was physically abused by a state fire marshal and local Russellville police. No matter her innocence or guilt, if this is true, every citizen in Franklin County and the State of Alabama should be outraged. This is not the first such allegation to be brought against Russellville police chief Chris Hargett.