MICHAEL JACKSON HEADLINES

As you might have expected, the acquittal of Michael Jackson on all ten charges against him was front and center in most of the nation's newspapers. Across Florida, some interesting headlines. Links are courtesy of the Newseum, and are of the front pages of the newspapers in .pdf files.

Lakeland Ledger: Moonwalk
Miami Herald: BEAT IT
Daytona Beach News-Journal: King of Pop: What's Next?
Indian River Press Journal (Vero Beach): What's Jackson's Next Move?
St. Petersburg Times: Mother Key To Acquittal
Tampa Tribune: Not Guilty Times 10

While I personally believe that MJ did at least have questionable contact with young boys, the prosecution made several key errors in pursuing it's case against the King of Pop. Mainly, the Santa Barbara County DA chose a fight it couldn't win. By going to court with an alleged victim (and his mother) whose credibility was easily and often called into question, and going for a conspiracy charge to base much of it's case on, jurors made the only logical decision they could make based on the letter of the law, the lack of probable cause in this specific case, and credibility factor.

One hopes that this will serve as a wake-up call for the one time "King of Pop" to make some serious changes in his life (and lifestyle).