CNN rates Tiger Woods no. 9 on Hot Topics

Number NINE on Hot Topics? This is UNACCEPTABLE! Shouldn't he be in at least the top five? Who cares about the dying people in Somalia, or the call for revolution in Thailand, or the Kyrgyz president being accused of murder? Just as long as they're updated about Tiger Woods' career. Although, he is pretty impressive, the fact that golf is included in "Hot Topics" when the above mentioned issues exist, is just saddening. Why? Because it is the audience who determines what is newsworthy.

Somalia has been without an effective central government since President Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991. Years of fighting between rival warlords and an inability to deal with famine and disease have led to the deaths of up to one million people. Yesterday, five Ugandan soldiers serving in the peace-keeping mission in Somalia were injured during a battle with militants who attempted to enter their camp in Mogadishu. About 34 soldiers have been killed since the force first deployed in March 2007. Of these, 17 were Ugandans.

There is political turmoil roaring in Thailand. On April 10, more than 20 people were killed in clashes, and several bombs exploded in a business district. Also, just this week, five grenade explosions killed two and injured dozens of people. Thailand is facing a serious political crisis, with civilians and members of the military clashing in the streets. The king of Thailand, King Bhumibol, the world's longest reigning monarch, wields little political power, but is revered and enjoys immense popularity. He calls on the judges to restore stability to his country.

On April 7th, the Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev government ordered troops to shoot at opposition demonstrators gathered outside his presidential office in the country's capital, Bishkek. More than 80 people were killed and hundreds were wounded. Bakiev resigned and fled his country. Kyrgyzstan's interim government has charged him with mass murder and stripped away his immunity from criminal prosecution. Bakiev "can also be charged with abuse of power"  said Azimbek Beknazarov, the deputy head of Kyrgyzstan's interim government. However, the ex-president is still in absentia.

On the other hand, Tiger Woods would like to thank his fans for their support during the Masters earlier this month after his absence from golf since his sex scandal broke in November. He writes on his blog, "I honestly didn't know what to expect from the fans, but they were absolutely incredible, it was unreal. They definitely helped me mentally be more comfortable out there … To get that type of warmth is something I did not expect and will never forget." Well, glad we could be there for you tiger. Now, how about some encouragement and support for the Ugandan troops, Thai civilians, and Kyrgys people?