Post-9/11, African American Style

Book excerpt: 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 Capitol 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.