So, the verdict is due in less than 15 minutes. Hurry up and get it over with already. Cops are gearing up for violence, telling mothers with babies in the crowd to leave the area. The freak show is in full bloom on the cable nets.

FNC’s Trace Gallagher notes that pro-Jackson nuts have been scuffling with reporters, anti-Jackson activists, and with each other. Gallagher reporting that German Jackson-o-philes argued with other Jackson fans over who loves The Gloved One more.

Lord, get this over with…

Live video coverage at Yahoo!, plus a freak show photo album.

448pm. Jackson doing the umbrella walk into the courthouse…Shep Smith: “It’s almost surreal to watch this.”

Generation Why? weighs in.

Lorie Byrd at Polipundit is right on: “[T]he missing WMD could be found in Iraq, Osama bin Laden could be captured, and Elvis could be found alive and living in the Tennessee mountains this afternoon, and you might see the Michael Jackson coverage interrupted for 30 seconds or so to report it.”

0506pm EST. Jury seated. Waiting for mics to go live. The 10-count indictment against Michael Jackson:

#Count one: Conspiracy involving child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion, including 28 specific acts between Feb. 1 and March 31, 2003.

#Counts two through five: Lewd act upon a child under the age of 14, between Feb. 20 and March 12, 2003.

#Count six: Attempt to get a child under age 14 to commit a lewd act upon Jackson between Feb. 20 and March 12, 2003.

#Counts seven through 10: Administering an intoxicating agent — alcohol — to assist in the commission of child molestation.

0513. Here we go.

Count one: Not guilty
Count two: Not guilty
Count three: Not guilty
Count four: Not guilty
Count five: Not guilty
Count six: Not guilty
Count seven: Not guilty
Count eight: Not guilty
Count nine: Not guilty
Count ten: Not guilty

A fan outside the courtroom is releasing doves to celebrate. Another is holding up a sign: “Michael, on behalf of all mankind, we’re sorry.” Screaming, chanting, crying.

Maybe L.A. won’t burn today after all. But you never know with these people…

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