Op Ed 4

When Gail Collins wrote her column Michael, a Foreign Affair, Michael Jackson had just passed away less than two weeks before. Beginning by mocking CNN, Collins catches her readers' attention, and more than likely angers them. Collins' satirical comments about Jackson's death may be true, but are not necessary to say so soon. Whenever someone famous dies, the media is instantly involved, reporting on new controversies and rumors with no remorse. Collins is right when she pokes fun at Jackson's dermatologist and a few that spoke at his funeral, but everyone gets carried away, especially when there's money and attention involved. 

Collins acts far more superior than the all other reporters, writing about how she would do things differently if in charge, and acts as if Jackson's death had absolutely no affect on her. While her point about the Foreign Affairs Committee is completely valid, Collins needs to chill. Her article will do nothing to slow the Jackson mania that has overtaken the media, and, if anything, generate more publicity for those seeking it by becoming involved in Jackson's memorial. Jackson was incredibly famous, but his death, like all others, will soon cease to be a money making news story, and Collins needs to sit back and wait for that day.