Letter: Reactions to deaths reveal our ‘priorities'

We live in a somewhat sick society with misplaced priorities. Ed McMahon died last week. He was a great entertainer, but prior to that he was distinguished Marine Corps fighter pilot in World War II earning six Air Medals and attaining the rank of colonel. He was discharged in 1946 and was later promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard. Farrah Fawcett dies last week after a long career in Hollywood as an actress. After she was diagnosed with cancer she became an activist for cancer treatment. She documented her plight on film and used it to encourage others to stay positive and upbeat despite her diagnosis and suffering. Michael Jackson died last week. He was perhaps one of he greatest singer of modern time. He will also be remembered for his eccentric lifestyle that included sleeping with a chimpanzee, living in a carnival-like atmosphere at Neverland, his fascination with Peter Pan, and his numerous masks and costumes. He also admitted finding pleasure sleeping with young boys and paying out millions of dollars in settlements to the families of these boys despite being acquitted by a court on allegation of sexual molestation. Question: Which of the above did the House of Representatives declare a moment of silence? (Hint - it wasn’t the first two). Question: Which of the above’s family received a personal note of condolence from President Obama? (Hint – it wasn’t the first two). John Simpson Browns Valley