I understand that there is a severe shortage of doctors working in the United States, so anyone who attended medical school and completed his residency is a valuable societal commodity.

But do we really need Dr. Conrad Murray out there continuing to practice medicine?

I understand that Michael Jackson's physician has not yet had his day in court and hasn't been found guilty of any wrongdoing in the death of the superstar singer.

In rules of fairness, Murray should be allowed to practice medicine without the shadow of controversy dogging his every move until a court either finds him innocent or guilty of contributing to Jackson's death.

But who said life is fair?

The California attorney general rightfully asked to have Murray's medical license pulled. Murray's attorney responded that the doctor must be allowed to continue practicing medicine to help pay for his court defense.

Whether Murray should be allowed to practice is an interesting query. Here is a better one: Who in their right mind would allow Murray to treat them for anything worse than a hangnail considering the charges against him?

Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death from the reckless use of the powerful anesthetic propofol and other chemicals to treat the singer.

Murray, a cardiologist who has medical licenses in California, Texas and Nevada, has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to have a preliminary court date scheduled on Monday.

Records show that Murray owed at least $780,000 for settlements against his business, mortgage payments on his house, delinquent student loans, child support and credit cards. His Las Vegas country club home was near foreclosure.

Absolutely nothing that has come out about Murray since Jackson's death paints the picture of the kind of qualified, competent medical professional anyone would want treating you in a medical setting.

I know there are plenty of doctors out there practicing medicine after doing the same kinds of dirty medicine Murray is accused of. And it isn't fair that the accusations against him are splashed on the front pages of newspapers around the world when others get swept under the rug because the victims were everyday people like me and you - not a singing legend.

But who said life was fair?