A letter attributed to a soldier known only as Isaac came to my inbox from a friend. I cannot vouch for its validity, but its ideas struck a chord. It may have come to your inbox as well.

Isaac, serving his third tour of duty in Iraq, had an interesting take on the media frenzy in the days following the death of Michael Jackson. While his comments apply to this particular event, they can apply as well to the silliness of our nation's "cult of personality."

Noting that Jackson was an entertainer who made and spent millions and who also "did a lot of things that made him a villain to many people," Isaac admits that Jackson's death would affect many people. But he asks why the whole of America would grieve so much over an entertainer that they would flock to memorials in Hollywood and elsewhere and why even Congress would call for a "moment of silence."

Isaac continues: "Am I missing something? What about all those soldiers who have died to give us freedom, who swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America? Where is their moment of silence?"

In sum, he wonders how a country can blow off their sacrifice, yet have national mourning for a pop icon? He suggests that if a moment of silence is held for Michael Jackson, there needs to be a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

There is more in his letter, but my space is limited.

I contend that far too many have values that are out of whack. While this phenomenon appears to be worldwide, I comment only on observations made in the United States.

Many are fascinated with "Inside Hollywood" type of gossip. Many adopt and copy these individuals' behavior, mannerisms and their styles from head to feet. Ticket prices reach the outlandish, yet millions pay such unbelievable prices to see millionaire entertainers and athletes. For years, if a millionaire athlete puts his name on a shoe, the cost becomes astronomical. The examples are legion.

This all fits together. So a repeat of Isaac's question should be pondered by us all: "Am I missing something?"

And let's add one more: "What are my values?"