Not guilty verdict should be respected

Millions of people around the world grew up idolizing Michael Jackson, the all time king of pop. Recent proceedings have called Jackson's reputation into question. He was accused of child molestation in 1993, but a multimillion dollar settlement was reached out of court to avoid a criminal trial. Jackson declared his innocence at that time despite public opinion of his guilt. When similar charges arose again in 2004, he went to trial to once again plead his innocence, but this time in a court of law. His innocence has been the hot topic around coffee shops, phone conversations and Internet chat rooms, stirring debate about whether or not he really is innocent or guilty. It took 32 hours for jurors to deliberate, and the subsequent "not guilty" ruling came as a relief to many, but not without a hearty amount of skepticism about star power and California juries. \nThe Michael Jackson case was meaningful to fans and protesters alike. Fans and cynics all gathered and even camped out around the courthouse. The passion each person demonstrated fueled the debate among many and the media provided the necessary playground to feed the over-concerned public. \nThe truth in the matter is that a jury of American peers found him not guilty and we think that's where the debate should end. He has been tried in an unbiased courtroom and he was acquitted of all charges. \nJackson might seem like a quirky person or a "weird guy" or a "freak show" but that's not enough evidence to prove he is a pedophile. The price of fame includes pressure from the public magnifying glass, and with Michael Jackson carrying around the "King of Pop" title, the pressure has been unprecedented. \nThe prosecution did not prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and this should be the only fact needed for continued discussion. \nAdults have no business sleeping in the same bed with unrelated children but again, this does not make the offender a child predator. The jury heard from more than 100 witnesses and read through thousands of pages of documents related to the case. Their opinion should be all that's needed to sway public opinion, regardless of Jackson's past discretions or the distrust felt toward the alleged victim's family. \nThe jury claims they did not excuse the king of pop based on his star power and that should be explanation enough for us. Any belief in our justice system and the American court of law demands respect and acceptance of a jury decision. \nAs long as Jackson can keep himself out of bed with children, as his attorney has promised he will, his image as a pedophile should remain a done deal. \nAfter all, in America alleged criminals are innocent until proven guilty.