With the sudden and tragic death of Jacko, our culture has been threatened with a new problem. This problem requires an immediate solution. Thankfully, I have that solution.

Oprah, please forgive me...

When I think of contemporary literature, an angel dies somewhere. I like to go to the Barnes and Noble website, just to look around at the new releases and pull up lists of what's selling well. Then, I cry out to the Lord in anger.

Throughout most of American history, the mainstream concept of a good novel and a good story does not seem to correlate to what becomes a "classic." Sure, we have some exceptions, but what mainly sells are tired formulas and the kind of stories that are "safe" for anyone and everyone to read. The true artists suffer on the margins of respectability and economic solvency, sometimes only achieving their worth after death.

It's a heavy and pale reality. I think we need to do something about it. You and me.