Genarlow Wilson Ordered Released

Justice at last! But what has this done to this young man's life? Can the damage ever be undone? Can he ever regain his vision of a bright future? Let's hope and pray.

Sent by Mayo Earnest | 12:32 PM | 10-26-2007

It's about freaking time!

Sent by Moji | 12:42 PM | 10-26-2007

I think it's sad that it took this long for this case to reach the proper conclusion. This case shows the problem with trying to interpret laws based on the wording rather than the intent. Certainly based on the wording of the law under which he was convicted, Wilson was guilty and deserved his punishment, but the intent of the law was not to punish people in his situation.

On a related note, I wonder why the person who made the video tape of the incident was never prosecuted for child pornography. If Wilson's crime warranted his treatment, certainly the filmer deserved similar consideration.

I'm glad Wilson was freed. Bravo to the Georgia Supreme Court. Any word on whether the prosecutors were planning on trying to appeal to the Supreme Court? I certainly hope not.

Sent by Daniel Holloway | 1:59 PM | 10-26-2007

How long will it take for the authorities to follow through with the ruling?

How long will they continue to hold him in jail?

Justice will not be done until that time.

Sent by ernise | 2:11 PM | 10-26-2007

What does Georgia do to pregnant teenagers? Throw them all in jail? 1 million teens get pregnant every year in America. A lot more than that are having consensual sex. This kid was treated terribly and unfairly. Hopefully he can move on, get an education, and find a job despite his "criminal background."

Sent by Lisa | 2:22 PM | 10-26-2007

Don't think small. That kid was just a pawn. The culture down there wanted to send a message and judging by the rhetoric, the rest of the country recieved it loud and clear. Kids were thinking,"we better think twice before we start something nice", Interacially!

Sent by C. Hopkins II | 3:45 PM | 10-26-2007

There is not a day that goes by; that I don't think about my own freedom to pursue happiness, enjoy liberty and hope that justice is mines. As a black man who has served his country during a time of need (U.S. Marine Corps; 10 years of honorable service), former Master Police Officer for seven years in the City of Wilmington, NC and now a Distinguished Professor of Sociology at a HBCU. I know reality says other wise. The stress of being black and male in America is sometimes overwhelming, because on any given day injustice can come knocking on my door as it has on young Mr. Wilson???s door of ones life chances. Clearly ignorance is bliss, but for whom? Being black in America one carries the cross of wisdom, where youthful innocence is stolen from us very early in our lives, from the systemic reality of racial indifference. Carrying the cross of wisdom and the knowledge of truth is a heavy burden to bear. The poet Thomas Gray was clear when he said, ???To each his sufferings: all are men, Condemn'd alike to groan??? The tender for another's pain, Th' unfeeling for his own. Yet, ah! why should they know their fate, Since sorrow never comes too late, And happiness too swiftly flies? Thought would destroy their Paradise. No more;???where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise???. I wish this young man and his family a successful recovery.

Sent by Dr. B. Fitz-Gerald Moses, Ph.D. | 7:59 PM | 10-26-2007

Yeah, very profound devildog, however in your post marine corps training you've forgotten a most important lesson. When hit, check your wounded, police your ammo, call in sit report, pick up your gear and move to the next objective. always remember, "That which does not kill me only makes me stronger". That's the lesson the young man needs to learn. Move on and stay strong!!Yeah, I'm black too!

Sent by C. Hopkins II | 9:35 PM | 10-26-2007