Sure, it's sad that Michael Jackson died. But even more sad--and far more threatening to our country--is the fact that it would appear our media already has died.

That was verified today when we had two competing news stories: Michael Jackson's death yesterday and the House passing a massive energy tax that threatens jobs and the competitiveness of the country today. Check out the relative coverage--the story on the energy tax is circled in red. (Click on the screenshots to see them full-size).

ABC	CNN
CBS

So some of the most popular news sources were dwelling on a human interest story from yesterday rather than focusing on reporting the news of today. MSNBC and Fox did a little better even though Michael Jackson was still the main story.

But looking at the three screenshots above, is it no wonder the country is where it is?

Sure, Michael Jackson's death is big news in the entertainment industry. He was a cultural icon and many people will no doubt miss him. That news certainly deserved some time as the leading story yesterday, and its presence on the main pages of the news sites today would be understandable. But for it to remain the leading story today when the most draconian, regressive, expensive, and pointless energy tax has been passed by the House of Representatives speaks volume of the quality (or lack thereof) of the mainstream media.

In other news, the Democratic governor of Colorado announced 10% cuts in spending statewide as the state struggles with a mounting deficit. A state taking a 10% axe to the state budget is extremely important national news--this is the kind of thing states like California desperately need to do and, as such, it should've received prominent national reporting.

But, instead, we got a second day of Michael Jackson.