Clash of the Titans

Entertainment Tonight ET, which in the wake of Michael Jackson's death has refashioned itself into in an organ of investigative journalism, reports that funeral preparations entail the momentous clash of two outsized egos - Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton - over who will be anointed to deliver the eulogy for the King of Pop.

The Jesse and Al Show

An unfortunate byproduct of Michael Jackson's death is the reemergence of two of the greatest hustlers and ambulance chasers without law degrees of all-time, the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton. The former rushed to L.A. reportedly at the behest of the Jackson family to express their concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death. As is usual with Jesse, many of the points he raises are valid but what is problematic is the messenger - his ego and his motives. The latter, not to be outdone, arrived later in L.A. to pitch his grand idea of a worldwide celebration of the life of the King of Pop. Jackson and Sharpton are not solely to blame for inserting themselves in the middle of matters deemed racial or having racial overtones. For their enablers are the news media who reflexively contact this willing duo who never shy away from microphones and cameras.

Nuttin' Out

Okay, a whole day has passed since we learned of Jesse's desire to sever Obama's nuts for having the temerity to speak out about the need for black males to take responsibility for themselves and those that they bring into the world. And I still can't figure out why the Country Preacher felt the need to use castration, from all the metaphors that were available to him, to register his displeasure. Judging from the video clip, he seemed to take unusual delight in the choice of words. Jackson's remarks were punctuated with an emphatic thrust of his right fist, as if to drive the point home. Given his outsized ego, it is entirely plausible as some speculate that Jackson is envious of Obama's success. But one thing is certain: his unfortunate choice of words did him, not Obama, more harm than good.