Why, Congress?

Regarding the moment of silence in Congress for Michael Jackson: Why?

If Congress wants to have a moment of silence, then by all means have one for every serviceman and -woman who has given his or her life in Iraq or Afghanistan.

U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth was the only person to exit this fiasco. When U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee "saluted" Jackson after rambling on what a great person he was, that was a slap in the face for anyone who has lost a loved one, a true hero, in this current war.

Cheers to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for halting a vote on a resolution honoring Mr. Jackson ("Pelosi Halts Vote on House Saluting Jackson," July 10).

Where are our values?

By the way, I have a son currently serving his second deployment in Iraq.

JOYCE SABATINE
North Strabane