The news media was driving everyone crazy. It
started with Y2K, then the Bush/Gore presidential election controversy, the
Clinton pardons, the September 11th attacks, and the anthrax letters. Wars
subsequently ensued against Afghanistan, the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and Iraq, but
not without fierce exchanges with the United Nations. Sex and financial
scandals erupted involving the Catholic Church and Wall Street. Massive
layoffs, soaring debt and skyrocketing college tuition added to these. The
media never missed a beat. Was there no escaping them?
The Nation's Capital in commemorating last years
September 11th attacks, was also preparing for an upcoming mayoral election.
The current incumbent was expected to breeze toward reelection, but what
followed seemed like a page out of William Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors.
This prompted a virtual unknown to launch a comedy contest to provide some
comic relief for the city from this onslaught of negative news. Only four
contestants remained to compete for the prize money. However, only Archie
Harris, one of the four finalists showed up at the finale. More bad news? What
will happen now? Find out by reading Post-9/11 African American Style,
Laughter, Still Da Best Medicine.