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Does history matter in the Jackson case?
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PAYING THE ACCUSERS
"I applaud the ruling by the judge ... Jackson has repeatedly involved himself in the lives of little boys and, in some cases, paid the families off for their silence. I think it is appropriate that the jurors know this." —Pat, Lawton, Okla.
"I think that if Michael had been accused of molesting African-American children this case would not have warranted any coverage regardless of his King of Pop status." —Michelle, Houston, Texas
"I don't believe the two accusers from the past should be allowed to testify. The reason being, is they had their chance to go to court and decided to take a cash settlement instead. If they are allowed to testify, they should be required to return the settlement they received." —Brian, Council Bluffs, Iowa
JACKSON'S OWN FAULTS
"Jackson has chosen the poorest and most pitiful to use, knowing that they are much easier to discredit. ... And by the way, how can Jackson claim to be a 'black luminary' when he has gone to every extreme to make himself 'white'?" —Linda, Midwest City, Okla.
"He is a strange man who indulges himself in the company of little kids (especially boys). I think bringing the old accusers in to testify will help bolster the fact that he is a molester and need serious help." —Suzie, Bronx, N.Y.
"Any forensic psychiatrist will tell you that Mr. Jackson's behavior is that of a pedophile. Any other person would be behind bars already. ... He wants look like Peter Pan with his turned-up nose in Neverland, his attraction to boys is obvious and yet there are some that excuse this behavior." —Armando, Bay Harbor Island, Fla.
"Jackson has clearly set forth a pattern of behavior. Perhaps the most damaging fact is that even after the 1993 molestation accusations and subsequent out-of-court settlement, Jackson continued to place himself in situations where he was alone with young children." —Joseph, Memphis, Tenn.
"Anyone who has been rejected by three different religions, their personal psychic and even some of their own family should probably worry about their trial." —Vickie, Carson City, Nev.
THE MEDIA'S FAULT?
"In my opinion, there has been enough written and spoken of in the news media to allow these alleged victims to make up a story that fits the pattern presented." —Wilson, Roxboro, N.C.
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"Innocent until proven guilty. But you and others of your ilk have already tried, sentenced, and executed Michael Jackson. So much for a fair trial. Allegations have no place in a courtroom. Had he been convicted of a crime, that's one thing. As it is, Mike is finding out what it's like to be a black man in America." —Stan, Jonesboro, Ga.
AND THE PARENTS?
"I believe Jackson to be guilty but I also would like to see each and every parent who allowed their children to associate with Jackson after the first charges of molestation to be tried and convicted for putting their children in his harmful path." —Bill, Seaford, Del.
"When the first allegations about him came out in the '90's why didn't the parents stop their children from going over his house? ... I wouldn't send my child to his home if I keep hearing about him molesting children. Michael Jackson, I love you and I've been a huge fan of yours for years. I'll keep you in my prayers and you just hang in there, my brother." —Cynthia, Baltimore, Md.
"If past accusations are so important then what kind of mother would allow her child to be in the presence of an accused perpetrator? One that wants millions?" —Sylvia, Lynn, Ind.
Some comments have been edited for length and clarity.
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