Probe of Pop Star's Death Points to Malpractice

       A law enforcement official speaking on the condition of anonymity to the Associated Press revealed that officials are looking into if a powerful sedative called Propofol is what led to the death of pop star Micheal Jackson in late June. The investigation is also aiming at determining whether or not Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, provided and administered the drug.

       Propofol is an extremely potent depresant that is administered through an IV. It slows breathing, which in turn lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Any self-administration of this drug is easily lethal as the degree of its effect is never certain until it has begun to shut down bodily systems. Due to its side effects propofol is only supposed to be administered in a hospital whence "patients must be continuously monitored, and equipment to maintain breathing, provide artificial ventilation, and  administer oxygen if needed "must be immediately available." (AP)

       In response to these recent allegations Dr. Murray's attorney released a statement to the media as follows: "the doctor didn't prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson." (AP)

       This statement seems to open up quite a bit of questioning. After all, every drug, if used properly in terms of how, where, to whom, and by whom it is administered should not kill anyone. If any drug is found to be at fault for deaths, its makers and distributers are liable to be sued for a myriad of damages and would most definetly lose a very costly case. For this reason, countless trials are run before drugs can be prescribed by licensed physicians to those whose symptoms warrant their use.

       Pending the outcome of the investigation Dr. Murray may end up criminally liable for both manslaughter and malpractice. In addition to those charges if filed, he is also vulnerable for a civil lawsuit that could be filed by any of Jackson's relatives for malpractice and wrongful death. There is no doubt that if guilt via failure to act or direct action can be proven, it will be proven.

       Though the King of Pop's tragic death is testimony to the old saying of "anyone who wants something bad enough will find a way to get it," it still should have been prevented. Any medical personel that was in any way aware of even the slightest possibility of drug abuse by Jackson or his doctors had the professional obligation to stop it. Teachers have a similiar responsibility to protect their students. Failure to act accordingly is a violation of the oaths undertaken and the law. It is an absolute violation of character and life itself. 

       If as individuals we are to be judged by both our intentions and their outcomes, then the person or persons responsible for Micheal Jackson's death were erroneous in all phases of this calamity. The culprits' courses of action are inexcusable. In the end, Jackson's doctors failure to stop this overdose is just as immoral as if they had fatally shot him with a 9mm handgun.

       As it turns out Dr. Murray has been charged with manslaughter. Some skeptics may call this an example of scapegoating. However, the truth of the matter is he did knowingly and willingly give Micheal an aesthetic used to put people under for intense surgeries.