Michael Jackson

* I disagree with the suggestion by some that a monetary settlement by Michael Jackson is the same as an admission of guilt (Jan. 25). What does a settlement say about the boy and his family? If the allegations were true and sexual molestation really did occur, as a parent, no amount of money would be enough to silence me. A financial settlement of any amount should be viewed as indicative of Michael Jackson’s innocence.

SUE LANG

Palm Springs

* We may never know if Jackson is guilty of child molestation, but what disturbs me the most is the apparent lack of interest by the father in pursuing criminal charges and his obsession with civil litigation. He seems to have the attitude that everything has a monetary price, including his son’s innocence. I don’t know who’s worse, a person who would molest a child, or a parent who sells his son to a child molester.

JOHN W. McCAMMON II

Ridgecrest

* Jackson may or may not be guilty of molesting the young boys he befriended. But without question, the parents of those boys are guilty of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and they should be held accountable and thus prosecuted.

Parents who willing and knowingly allow such a relationship between a 35-year-old man and their young son are largely responsible for the consequences of the relationship.

When are we going to place responsibility where and on whom it belongs?

NANCY PARKER

Pasadena