On Michael Jackson and Matthew Martin, Navajo Code Talker

So... the mainstream media now is all about Michael Jackson. Yes, Jackson made a significant contribution to popular culture, and society is rightly observing his death. Personally, I prefer to mark Saturday's passing of 84 year old Matthew Martin of Crownpoint, New Mexico. Mr. Martin served with the Marine Corps' famed Navajo Code Talkers during World War II. Mr. Martin and his teammates used an unbreakable code - their native language - to deceive enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific.

The Code Talkers made an immense contribution to world stability. As reported on the Code Talkers website: One Marine Corps signal officer summed up the situation after the war: "Were it not for the Navajo Code Talkers, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima and other places." I believe it.

While the Western world mourns the death of Michael Jackson, then, I mark the passing of a man who contributed mightily to preserving our society, whose many features include the freedom to become a pop star. Farewell on your journey, Mr. Martin. Thank you for your service to our country.