I am writing in regards to the charges against Michael Jackson.

I believe that as a parent, we tell our children to talk to an adult or parent if someone touches you inappropriately. Our schools teach the children to tell an adult and that they will be helped.

What is happening in this fiasco of a trial with Michael Jackson sends just the opposite message to children everywhere. The message sent is that if the person who touched or violated you is rich or of high standards, then it must not be true.

In most cases, the child will be put on trial and again live the horror and embarrassment of the incident while the violator goes on as if nothing has happened.

Michael Jackson goes to trial as if he is in a parade, not heading to defend himself. People are trying to get sex offenders evicted from towns in our own areas because of the same things Michael is accused. The question to be asked of these parents who still send their children to Jackson’s home believing his innocence, is, would they do the same if Jackson were not a celebrity?

I congratulate any child who has the courage to come forward and expose the offender. Not only is it courageous, but it is a step toward their healing.

Let’s not keep sending mixed messages to the children. Keep the lines of communication open and listen to your child regardless if the offender may be rich, famous or poor.

Lori Gray, Poland