Madonna, Jesus Christ and Tucker Carlson

A couple months ago, Tucker Carlson, one of the great idiots of the world, went on a rant about the Madonna crucifixion imagery that was part of a song during her recent world tour.

It was clear that Tucker hadn't seen the concert in person, nor did he understand or seem aware of the context in which this powerful symbol was used. But it didn't stop him from wagging a heavy finger of shame at the pop singer.

Last night, even though the image of Madonna on the cross was censored out by NBC, Americans got to see what all the fuss was about when the "Confessions On a Dance Floor" concert video got its first TV airing.

So if you were able to watch this terrific concert, a concert we here at The Cup of Joe (along with Wally, Miles O'Mally and other friends) saw live this summer, you'd understand some things that the critics never saw, or bothered to understand.

It would be hard, I think, for any Christian to possibly object to the context in which this symbol was used. It wasn't mocking, nor was it merely trying to be shocking.

It was, however, a statement about how AIDS has ravaged the least of our brothers on the African continent, and how it has affected 12 million children who are now orphans because of AIDS.

It was an artistic statement to enlighten the public on an issue that should be of high interest and concern to all people who profess to be Christians.

If Jesus walked the earth today, he'd probably be a heck of a lot more concerned about the children of Africa and how a terrible disease has ravished a continent than he would be about gay marriage or, for that matter, what a pop singer does on stage.

Of course NBC censored out the image of Madonna being crucified, because they're pussies. This wasn't the only censorship. Watch closely, and you'll notice they also edited out a political statement she made about George Bush. You can easily read her lips, though. (She doesn't, er, like George Bush, but she put it a little stronger on stage.)

The truth is that the most powerful images from this "number" -- the photos of the children forgotten by America and the developed world -- were not edited out.

Twelve million children in Africa are without parents, and this number will grow to 20 million by 2010. Many of these children will not survive without our help.

Tucker Carlson, where is your outrage over this?

For I was hungry and you gave me food.
I was naked and you gave me clothing.
I was sick and you took care of me.
And God replied,
Whatever you did for one
of the least of my brothers,
you did it to me.