Celebrity deaths such as Micheal Jackson's unexpected death are elevated not because of how much we care as a nation, but more so because of the controversy that could possibly develop out of it. There are millions of people in the nation, through several different media outlets other than the news, that honor our soldiers, support their decisions to help protect our country, and care very deeply about America's fallen heroes. (If you don't believe me, try poking around Facebook alone for groups dedicated to this very sensitive subject, most of which are active and rising on a daily basis. And that is only one example.)

While I do agree that we as a nation should remember what is truly important, I do not agree that the news revolving celebrity deaths is a sign of a deteriorating nation, as assumed in your last question. The popularity of "MJ"'s death will wane over time: however the support that we give our soldiers, will always remain true.