Talk of the Town

By Roshi

October 26, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

IT’S ABOUT TIME!!!!!

By Ms Gee

October 26, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Today is a great day! God is sooooooo good! No weapon…….

By Shaun

October 26, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Thank GOD! What a travesty of injustice. But, parents, talk to your kids, let them know how and why this happened. lets learn from this.

By Nina

October 26, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Finally! Now let this poor kid move on with his life.

By JINETTA

October 26, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

THANK GOD FOR JUSTICE! GOOGD LUCK GENARLOW!

By corey

October 26, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

yes i agree another case of a country town hitting a black man with a un fair sentence its still going on to this day good job i bet if we look well find alot other brothers sisters who have been convicted unfairly

By Corbin

October 26, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Finally some real justice!

By Bob Jones

October 26, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Finally, some justice for this poor kid! I like how the dissent says “this could lead to others convicted in similar circumstances to be released…” AS IF THAT’S BAD!

By rob

October 26, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

thank god, but really, it has come a few years to late!!!!

this was NO crime!!! we all know that, this man deserved to be free a long time ago and the 95% agree rate on the survey, shows that 5% of you ar total morons!!!

By It's about TIME

October 26, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Take THAT, racists! Your oppressive Klan regime of injustice just got slapped again, and will soon it be a distant and painful memory.

You racists never learn. But you just keep on losing. You lost the Civil War, You lost the civil rights movement, and you lost today - You will keep on losing until you filthy disgraceful animals are finally gone from the earth forever!

Good luck Genarlow! You stood your ground against the evil forces of hate and racism and you WON!

CELEBRATE!

By Joe

October 26, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Its long overdue. I understand the need to take the case to the state suprmeme court to close the existing legal loopholes. Wilson is no angel, but he has served enough time to fit the crime.

By C Dell

October 26, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

It has been a long time coming. Praise GOD!

I hope Mr. Wilson does great things! And, I wish him well.

By Taharkare

October 26, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

It’s about time. Now i hope the voters of Georgia will get rid of McDade and Baker, these two clowns are embarrassing for the state of Georgia.

By Jermaine

October 26, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Gee how odd? A black guy getting special treatment and was released. He raped a kid but was aquited? More shocking news. All it takes is a little protest and the special treatment starts. What a terrible country. If I were black, I would steal, rape, and rob all the time since I would never be found guilty do to racist Sharpton and racist Jackson.

By joann bailey

October 26, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

I THINK THAT IT’S ABOUT TIME THAT SOMEONE CAME TO THEIR SENSES AND LET THIS YOUNG MAN GO TO TRY AND PICK UP THE REST OF HIS LIFE. WHAT TEENAGE BOY WOULD NOT HAVE LET SOME LITTE GIRL PERFORM THAT SEX ACT ON HIM? WHAT HAPPENED TO HER? SHE WAS JUST AS INVOLVED AS THIS YOUNG MAN!!!!!!!!! GENARLOW, GET YOUR LIFE BACK IN ORDER AND MAKE A LIAR OUT OF THE PEOPLE WHO CALLED YOU A THUG. MAKE THE PEOPLE WHO RALLIED BEHIND YOU PROUD.

By D

October 26, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

It’s about time the court system has allowed this young man to go free. He NEVER should have faced 10 years of prison time for consenual sex with another teen. The state’s Attorney General should feel and look like a fool for his attempts to keep Genarlow behind bars. It is my hope that Baker loses his job behind this travesty of a case!!

By FYNALLY

October 26, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

I am glad he can move on with his life. He seemed to have a bright future ahead of him before he was sent to prison.

By CK

October 26, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

There is always a GOD.

By mb

October 26, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Anyone who is not a complete idiot should be able to see that a 10 year, no parole sentence for two teenagers engaging in consensual sex is cruel and unusual. So, who are the 3 idiots on the GA Supreme Court?

By George

October 26, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

WOOOOW!!!

By TE

October 26, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

GOD IS GOOD!!! I TOTALLY AGREE WITH THE DECISION MADE BY THE SUPREME COURT. THERE WAS NO CRIME COMMITTED HERE. I’M SOOOOO HAPPY FOR GENARLOW AND HIS FAMILY.

By threedeep

October 26, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Long overdue, this case has made Georgia look like we continued the stereotypical backwoods southern justice of the 1950’s. Now we are a step higher than Jena, LA. The Douglasville DA needs to face sanctions like the DA in the Duke Lacrosse case.

By AmazonRed

October 26, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

This is wonderful news. Genarlow committed the crime, he did some time. It’s time for him to get his life back.

Georgia can be backwards, but it’s good to see that justice can be served. He should not have gotten off scot free, but there is no way he should ever have been in prison as long as he had been.

I don’t want to see him popping bottles at the BET awards tho. LOL

By Promise

October 26, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

All praise Jesus our God Congrads on your victory brother. Time for you to show the world the glory of this hard, hard fight that God has empowered you and your family and your supporters to overcome.

By Serafino

October 26, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Congratulations to the Georgia Supreme Court for their courageous decision. It is a shame the decision was not unanimous but that is the price the state pays for having elected justices. Let’s hope that somehow Douglas County DA David McDade will now face the same result that Mike Nifong did in North Carolina. They are both blights on the otherwise good reputation of prosecutors.

By Kim

October 26, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

YES!!! All praise and honor to God and all those who fought the good fight and kept the faith. And to Genarlow, as I’ve said all along, keep your head up. Take this lesson and all of the stripes that you’ve earned and continue to make a difference in the lives of others. Wake people up. And use your light. And to all of us, keep on pressing on and fighting for justice. Don’t fall asleep.

By hotlanta

October 26, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

I can read the paper and finally say YEAH they got it right. Glad he fought for this. The problem I have with this case is that our daughters are having oral sex with guys at 15 and think that it is cool.

By John

October 26, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

This is exactly what the Douglas County DA already had agreed to do—to let him out of prison but keep him convicted of aggravated child molestation. Wilson’s attorneys could have saved the state a and defense a lot of time and money by doing this months ago. Instead, they insisted on creating a media circus that resulted in the same result. It’s obvious they were in it for the publicity with no regard to their client or the victim.

By Promise

October 26, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

All praise Jesus our God Congrads on your victory brother. Time for you to show the world the glory of this hard, hard fight that God has empowered you and your family and your supporters to overcome.

By Mark

October 26, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” -Martin Luther King

Congratulations Genarlow!

By Takita Jones

October 26, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Thank you Jesus!! this poor boy never deserved to the harsh sentence. Another example of an over zealous district attorney.

By ken

October 26, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

I got so emotional about this, i cried, i have a son his age, this is truly a blessing.

By Sparkie

October 26, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Keeping him locked up was an embarrasment for this state. Pitiful. So happy for him and his family that he has been released. Talk about disproportionate punishment. Cruel and unusual. Teenagers having sex? Shocking! This should have been a matter for their parents. Period.

By Bill

October 26, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

This guy, Brian Nichols, OJ, Vick, “TI,” does it ever end? And who the hell goes by TI? So weird.

By J

October 26, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

I’m glad that he was freed, because the sentence was unfair… But this has NOTHING to do with racism.

By DD

October 26, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD IS TRUELY AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!! AMEN!

By Jessica

October 26, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

You have to keep the faith! He, his mother, his attorney and others kept the faith and now it has paid off. Thank God!! He should have never been in prison but at least he’s free now. He’s a smart young man so I pray that he will go on to college and be a success story!!

By Chris

October 26, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

You black people are acting like you just won the lotto! Pathetic! They needed to release him so that another black could be put in jail in his spot.

By SKC

October 26, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Why does this have to be about race. They took a kid and did an injustice. Why cant they just admit this. This was not a criminal act but an act that should have been taken care of in the home between the parents. The law should have never been involved. Remember this Americans, remember this one when you go to vote.

I think the state owes Mr Williams some money for college. I also hope they wipe his record clean. He is NOT a molester, he was a teen doing what most teens his age do. Oh and yes I am white.

By JJ

October 26, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

YEA, YEA, & YEA!!!!! This was absolutely the worst case of injustice I have ever heard of.

Thank goodness someone had sense enough to release this young man from jail.

Bless his heart. Genarlow - I wish you the best success. Get your life in order, and you will overcome this travesty!!!!

I BELIEVE IN YOU!!!!!! The community is rallying behind you. You have a few more obsticles to overcome, but you have the world at your feet. Make us PROUD!!!!!!

By shawn

October 26, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

To Jermaine, and Its about time….I think you to are the extremes that keep us as a united people AMERICANS…so furstrated and disgusted with each other, each of you demonstrate the unjust attitude that we have for each other. The supreme court ruled and made a decision that not only perserved the judicial systems right but also the young mans. The Justice system including Mr. Baker did not want to set a precedent of releasing convicted criminals based off changes in current laws, and we all no the young mans reasoning. Let us all be thankful and remember that this is the BEST COUNTRY in the world no matter how many injustices that we have.

By Linwood Allwright

October 26, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

It’s hard to say that justice has prevailed because this young man should have never been incarcerated from the outset. However, the system that has been put in place did mete out justice, in spite of.

And I hate to address ignorance but the response by “Jermaine” is completely asinine. Jermaine - it’s individuals with the mindset such as yourself that will continue to free the wrongfully convicted…black or white.

Hate will always lose!

By Kim

October 26, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

One more thing: This decision highlights the all-important need to VOTE! This was a very close 4-3 split decision by the Georgia Supreme Court. By the clear-thinking vote for justice of just ONE person-judge, Genarlow is free in this ONE case. But in many courts all over this country, conservative, biased judges have been put in place to work against what’s fair and just. Look at the Supreme Court. That is one of Bush’s biggest and worse legacies. And he did what he came to do: turn back the hands of time. And his impact has not just been on the Supreme Court, but on many appellate courts around the country. So, thank God that this case was decided fairly for Genarlow Wilson. But we must VOTE and stay awake on this ongoing fight for justice all around the country.

By jarie

October 26, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

i thank God for answering our prayers.children should never be used by politicians to make political statements.mr baker needs to ousted in the next elections.

By Bob Jones

October 26, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

God certainly didn’t have anything to do with this, unless He was also responsible for putting the poor kid in jail, too. There are plenty of people who would say His justice was brought on Genarlow for his Sin. It’s all or nothing, folks.

As for the racist fools who think this was about a black kid getting special treatment, they’re right. How many of the Conyers Syphilis Party Posse went to jail for a lot more sex than Genarlow? Zero. No white high school kid would be sentenced for 10 years for a bj with a classmate.

By Amy

October 26, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

I hope the best for him and that he uses this experience to learn from and do GREAT THINGS!

By WP

October 26, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

This was really a no brainer! Makes you suspect of the three justices who voted to deny his release.

By OJ

October 26, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

I think is great and the right thing has been done.Question to all of you….Fox News did a story of 4 other boys that this exact same thing applies to in the past 4 years they were sentenced. Will they be freed as well, or the fact that they are WHITE and dont have the blow hard Jesse and Racist Al calling for their release keep them in jail?

Enquiring minds want to know….

By Weather Man

October 26, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

I LIKE TURTLES

By kim

October 26, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Free at last ,Free at last, Thank God all mighty this baby is free at last!

By JAMAL COGGINS

October 26, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

WAY TO GO THERE IS A GOD PLEASE BELIEVE THAT

By Lady T

October 26, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Jermaine(fake name of course),

I would love for the police to come through your neighborhood schools and see how many 17 yr olds are having oral sex with 15 yr olds. The jail wouldn’t be able to hold them all.

By the way IDIOT, he wasn’t convicted of RAPE!!

By Tonya

October 26, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Praise God the he is finally going to get out of jail. I still can’t believe that they gave him so many years.

By william

October 26, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

I am a white male, and I am so glad to hear that this young man is being freed, sex with someone two years younger than you should not even be a crime, how many people are married and there is a age difference. And to John’s comment, there is a huge diffence between misdemenor and felony child molestation. We need to stop making everything about race and start looking at facts and whats right.

Good luck Genarlow!!!!

By d'ville girl

October 26, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

God is mercyful. I am so happy for Mr. Wilson and his family. I hope they are able to enjoy a wonderful holiday season together again. It is just such a shame that those years of his life were taken away from him. My son faced a similar type of charge a few years ago when he was 18 for something that supposedly happened when he was 15 years old. This would have meant a 10-year sentence for him, also, due to the same law. Luckily, the charges were dropped before it went that far (only after costing our family thousands of dollars in attorney fees). If his release means reviewing all the cases similar to his then so be it. Though what Mr. Wilson did was not right, neither he nor anyone else should be sitting in prison for 10 years for having consensual sex as a teenager.

By RaisinBran

October 26, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

You think everything is all fine and dandy now huh? Whatcha gonna do when our wonderful Attorney General appeals this and they hold Mr. Wilson for another 6 months while they argue it in a higher court…..

By fjjfd

October 26, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Does anyone have breakdown on votes by the Supreme Court?

By Charles

October 26, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

“Sonny Perdue signed legislation making consensual sex between a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old a misdemeanor.”

what a friggin joke. I just lost all confidence with our Governor. Crap like this makes Georgia look a** backwards….and as if we needed any further help being so.

By Sleepy4

October 26, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Praise the Lord!!!!

By Linda Tatum

October 26, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

What a great day!!! I have been following this case for awhile now. I am so happy for this ruling and for the family too. The punishment DID NOT fit the crime and if I were a juror, I would have voted probation and community service, at the most. I hope that he can get back on the playing field and that a college will give him a fair shot at making the football team. He is still young enough and may he and his family have a wonderful reunion!

We the people…………………..

Put a little love in your heart and this world will be a better place for you and for me……………

By Tee

October 26, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

To Chris @10:31 am….Jesus take the wheel and cover him in the your sweet blood Amen This is not about color it is about justice. Congrat to this young man and my prayers is that he will be blessed.

By hotlanta

October 26, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Bob stop I am ROTFLMAO. Conyers Syphlis Party Posse Stop. I saw that on television. They had so much sex I felt left out. Thank you PBS for showing what rich white kids do behind closed doors on those big houses. But black folks are still trying to get in your communities. Jermaine if Wilson had Bush as a friend he would have gotten out a lot sooner with a nice benefit package. As far as the robbing goes. If he was white he will keep stealing ATM machines wearing a NINJA outfit or riding a tractor. Better yet he will be out in California setting fires.

By Sharpeye

October 26, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

This shouldn’t even have made trial. I cant believe they wasted tax payers money on this non-sense. Her parents should be held responsible for her misconduct. What 17 year old boy would refuse that from teen girl.

By 4814

October 26, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Jermaine..so the “madam w*******” in which one only got 7 years probation and she was having consensual sex for pay and also charged with racketeering and drug possessions should be sentenced to death with your reasoning!! JUSTICE JUSTICE and can’t wait for Thurbert Baker to run for office..you have lost the Black vote that put you in office!!

By Noneya

October 26, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

All on the board just ignore the idiots who post senseless comments. The anonymity of a screen name empowers did when in actuality they are probably just cowards. I am happy for Mr. Wilson. Cruel and unusual indeed. And if there are other young men convicted under similar circumstances they should be freed as well. Mr. Wilson’s case might shed light on other injustices.

By Abraham

October 26, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

God sent Genarlow to jail for pre-marital sex. Four men set him free. Justice is purely human.

By JUSTICE

October 26, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

NO Justice NO peace!! We didnt walk, rally & protest for nothing. It paid off BIG TYME!!!!!

Yeaaaaaaaaa drinks on me tonight.

I can now swap my FREE Genarlow shirt for one that reads Genarlow is FREE……

By Lee

October 26, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Let’s see, a bunch of teenage boys get a couple of immature, fifteen year old girls to a party and get them so drunk they don’t know if they were raped or not. This episode would have already been closed and done with if Wilson took the plea deal like the rest of his cohorts in crime. Instead, he took his chance with the judge and lost.

Then, his lawyers began spinning the story in the media and got the usual race w******* like Sharpton and Jackson involved.

I wonder how many of you bloggers who are thanking God would feel the same way if Wilson sexually assaulted your fifteen year old the way he did those girls?

Just a note to all you future felons out there thinking about a life of crime — don’t videotape yourself in the act.

By Manny

October 26, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Raisin Bran-

The Georgia Supreme Court is the highest court that will hear this case. The law that convicted Genarlow Wilson was a Georgia law and the Supreme Court in Georgia freed him.

Remember that in Social Studies class?

By Alex

October 26, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Why are all of you weird black people “prasing the lord?” He had nothing to do with this. I am just thankful that he was in jail as long as he was. He already got off on rape. Serves him right.

By Mz. V

October 26, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Thank God! This morning I was listening to V103 as they announced this to the world! What a wonderful feeling. I pray that we (African Americans) learn from this and we teach our children the significance of this. Whether or not we realize it Generalow Wilson has made history. Maybe one day we will see his name in our children, grandchildren, or great grand childrens history book and reflect on what damage racism has done to our young black men and blacks in general.

Mr. Wilson please remember He (God) only gives you as much as you can bear! You are a strong young black man. Take this experience and grow. Don’t look back because there is nothing there for you but anger, humiliation, betrayal, and frustration.

Prayer answers all!

By GODAWGS

October 26, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

It’s about time. Good luck Genarlow!!!!!

By Amy

October 26, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Thank God! I cried when I read this headline—what a scary world.
Ya know what the worst part is? The scariest thing isn’t that this happened but that there are still so many idiots out there who think his sentence was justified AND that in the year 2007 in such a forward place as Atlanta that there are so many racists out there. I am so thankful that my parents taught me better— Good luck Genarlow!

By hotlanta

October 26, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

They need to lock up the person who put that rug on Baker’s head. Looking at the rug is a crime within itself.

By Anon

October 26, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

I certainly hope Thurbert Baker DOES NOT get re-elected to his position. Wake up VOTERS…….

What a stupid move on his part…..

Oh, and I don’t really think God or Jesus had ANYTHING to do with him getting released. If so, don’t you think it would have happened earlier, or was it “God’s Will” to keep this poor boy locked up for so long??

By LorDemi

October 26, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Forget race…A 25 - 40 years old teacher can have sex with your child and only get 2 - 5 year at the most. Which in our society…is acceptable?

Heck, most of the U.S. start having sex or dry humping at 14.

By glenn

October 26, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Why does everyone keep saying praise God? I don’t think that God approves of what this boy did. I have never heard him day that he should not have done this. If he had acted correctly to start with this would never have happened. His parent or parents (probably doesn’t know who both are) did not raise him right.

By jcfromindy

October 26, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Thank you Lord!

By Dee Johnson

October 26, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Finally, justice has tipped the scales in favor of this young man! God Bless him and his family.

Maybe now he can get on with his life, attend college and maybe become a lawyer and help others who have been unjustly convicted.

By cantonfroggy

October 26, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Godspeed Genarlow. I hope you will have much success in life.

By TRACE

October 26, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

To JOANNE BAILEY

Sweetie do you know what consentual means???? It means he did not force her to do anything,she chose to do what she did, and since both of them were minors, and he shouldn’t have been tried as an adult. However he paid the price for it. White girls have been doing this since I was a teen (I’m almost 40) and they usually cry rape when they get caught, cause they don’t want mommy and daddy to know they like black boys. Yet you have grown white women (educators lately) who are having sex with minors and are getting less time than this boy did. So I guess White women can rape, and steal a young boys child hood and get a slap on the wrist, because she is a white woman. Grow up Joanne, get a life. You should be celebrating this young man’s release.

By Raul

October 26, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

So African-Americans have another hero to go with O.J. AA’s now know they can rape and kill, and if the Atlanta Journal raises enough hell about it…they can go free! Don’t you know MLK is proud of his legacy!! Oh, by the way….a rapist is now out of jail. Cynthia must be so happy!!

By bamw

October 26, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Chris - I hate to respond to you - but i am only doing it in the sense that if you will notice - no one wasted time to comment on your idiotic, racist, ignorant statement. It isn’t about black or white - As Mark Cuban, a white billionare and owner of the dallas mavericks stated - we were all young once and i support this young man because i know what i was doing at age 17 and it could have easily been me. A majority of our teens are sexually active and if the law doesn’t change - that majority will be behind bars - talking about not enough room to hold everyone. Thank you Mr. Jones for your comment to the conyers “incident” where teens contracted STDs - yet none of them received jail time. This child didn’t deserve to go to jail for something that happens daily. If it was so right - why is it that the young lady saw no jail time and even her own mother wanted him freed. It was just too much plain and simple. Chris - I feel sorry for you - instead of inciting the riot you thought would happen in responses to you - you’ve seen the power of intelligent minds

By Kim

October 26, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Finally! When did we start prosecuting children for having sex? We need to remember that we were children once too and the last place we wanted to be, was in jail for having consensual sex! Parents, lets start talking to our children! Our children are in jeopardy and we aren’t doing anything about it. The fact that he spent so much time in jail is a larger crime than what he was prosecuted for. Today is a wonderful day for Genarlow and his family and it is long overdue.

By You Know Who It Is

October 26, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Can you say “former” Attorney General Thurbert Baker. I guess he will now have time to look for a new toupee atleast one that is not as obvious. I really think he took that natural look to literal when he firts start looking for a head piece. Na Na Na Na….Na Na Na Na….Hey, Hey, Hey Good Bye. Peace be with you Genarlow.

By Truthfighter

October 26, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

I’m so happy that this backward azz, so-called justice system has set this young man free!!!!! I can not believe time & money was wasted for a situation that was agreed upon from both individuals. And to the racist cowards, deep down in that black heart of yours, you all know this was wrong as well. So stop bulls@#ting yourself. Seek the Kingdom of God & release that hatred bondage.

By Manny

October 26, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Oh, and Genarlow Wilson will not have to register as a sex offender, either.

By Diogenes

October 26, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

I have little to say on this issue, except the following — his sentence WAS patently unfair, under the circumstances … BUT, the Supreme Court’s decision releasing him was absolutely horrible jurisprudence, and may provide an avenue for legitimate molesters to protest their own sentences.

What SHOULD have happened was that the Legislature should have acted to resolve the applicable retroactivity issue … but the multitudes of so-called “activists” who turned this into a racial circus virtually ensured, through their own stupidity and naiveté and profoundly annoying behavior, that that would never happen.

Bottom line is that a rotten, unparented, and destined-for-a-life-of-anti-social-behavior kid (and there’s doubt of that from the video) was, nevertheless, treated unfairly. That has been reversed, but in a most unfortunate manner, which will have unfortunate, far-reaching negative consequences. So, he wins, and the rest of us lose.

By Bill

October 26, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

GUARANTEED

He’ll be back in jail within 12 months..

By Monique

October 26, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

When I first read the blog, I asked myself how long it would take for someone to turn this into a nasty “race war”. I’m sad to say that I was right in that it would be take about 10 comments.

The Genarlow Wilson case is about a boy who did something that was morally wrong. I agree that children his age should not be conducting themselves in such a manner. But that’s for God and their parents to deal with. I refuse to beleive however that he should be sentenced for 10 years. I understand that this law is to protect children but it is to protect them from pedophiles, not stupid choices.

I pray that Genarlow is able to use this as a learning experience and make something out of himself.

By TI vs Bill

October 26, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

The same person whose name is William but then turns around and calls himself Bob or Bill. Even though I have to agree with you on the comment.

By Where are his real parents?

October 26, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

I am curious….wasn’t Genarlow raised by two white parents after his welfare taking/drug abusing mother gave him up? Everything he had in his life was due to two white people raining him, but whenever you see pictures about the case all you see is pictures of his loser Mom before the microphones. Why is this?

Is the AJC so racist it thinks that his biological loser welfare taking Mom is more important than the people who actually raised him?

Oh, and where is his father? In prison or dealing crack I presume.

By Covered by the blood

October 26, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

I see all is well in the Georgia back woods. All racists come forth your true colors are showing. This nation is finally being exposed. HATE is the root of the United States and always will be. May God have mercy on all of you.

Let’s not forget what comes around goes around.

By Wilhelmina Smith

October 26, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

This young man should have never been sent to prison in the first place. Finally justice for Genarlow. I wish all teens would just wait before they have sex but I don’t think that will ever happen. There are so many “not guilty” and “railroaded” people in prison. It is one of the saddest thing that I have heard of and it makes me SICK!

By Brigitte

October 26, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Thank god…..let this be a lesson to ALL young men and woman.

Parents talk to your kids. My son is in the 9th Grade. Believe me I talk to him all the time about this issue.

I am glad Genarlow can get out of jail. But his mother should have had the conversation with him in his Pre-teens.

I work in the school system. If parents only Knew…. Some Parents are not ready to talk about SEX. But you better believe your kids are.

By AmazonRed

October 26, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Stop making this a black and white issue. The sentence was asinine no matter what the race. This “crime” should have been taken off the books long ago.

The taxpayer money spent on this case and appeals could have been better served giving our children better sex education classes and self-esteem workshops so that the don’t get themselves into situations like these!

By Don

October 26, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

I am glad someone in our justices finnaly brought some sense. So why isn’t the DA being reviewed by the Georgia bar for such an insult to the justice system like in the Duke case?? And to folks like Jermaine, how many boys white/black 17-18yrs old have sex with girls 2 years younger than them? Should out tax money be wasted to try such cases?

By The Princess

October 26, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

The ignorance permeating this board is quite upsetting … this ruling is the RIGHT thing.

Forget the naysayers … God IS good. I’m thankful that he covered Genarlow in his blood, and protected him during his incarceration. Genarlow has so many supporters, and people looking out for his best interest … he will do well as he regains his life once again.

This is truly a blessing.

By Octavius

October 26, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Why is everyone celebrating this kid? Yea, the punishment was too harsh for the crime. The real issue it the lack of integrity for this kid and his posse! If they would have made the proper choices to begin with, we would not be discussing this today. WAKE UP PEOPLE! The circumstances you find yourself in today are a direct result of the choices YOU made. Quit blaming the system, the man, or anything else. If this kid would have made the right choice years ago, none of this would have happened. The discussion should be around how can we help our youth make the right decisions and what is our society doing about it.

By Mark

October 26, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

By Jermaine

October 26, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Gee how odd? A black guy getting special treatment and was released. He raped a kid but was aquited? More shocking news. All it takes is a little protest and the special treatment starts. What a terrible country. If I were black, I would steal, rape, and rob all the time since I would never be found guilty do to racist Sharpton and racist Jackson.

First of all, you racist fool, he raped no one. It was consensual. Anyone with any sense of justice, which you so clearly lack, would agree that the sentence imposed was farcical.

Jesse Jackson has nothing to do with this, so why bring up his name. You’re just a self obsessed racist who doesn’t like black people. Put your dunce cap on and stand in the corner.

By Derrick

October 26, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

It is good to see the justice system finally get one right. The punishment was excessive and definately did not fit the crime. Genarlow Wilson should have gone to jail, but not for ten years. It is good to see the Supreme Court overturn a horrible decision made earlier by the court system. Only in the South would such a ruling been made.

By wildbillhiltner

October 26, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

TRACE, how can you state, “Sweetie do you know what consentual means???? It means he did not force her to do anything,she chose to do what she did….” The little animal and his thug friends drugged and pumped the underage girls with liquor and cheap cheebah. Not that it matters to you or your ill informed argument, but when you drug and drunkey up underage girls they are in a state of diminished capacity which removesthem one step further from a decision which they legally could not make. The sad thing about your argument is that it has not considered the all facts and that it is purely based on the assumption that whitey was taking advantage of Genarlow.

By Tony

October 26, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Raul, you are an idiot! This has nothing to do with the AJC or anything else. This is common sense! He did not force himself upon that girl. She even admitted to that. This law was absurd to begin with. They even amended it later because it was such a grave injustice. Genarlow served more time than he should have served for his actions. It’s about time that someone came to their senses and set him free!!!

By Syd

October 26, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

I wouldn’t mind locking up the 3 justices that voted to keep him in jail for the remaining sentance.

By jenny

October 26, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

What an indictment of our judicial system! It simply shows how messed up our laws, courts, the whole system is. I am a senior white woman and can’t believe this (history and imprisonment) has happened - especially in today’s very loose morality culture. I am not condoning what these kids did but why was he made the scapegoat? I don’t believe in excusing wrongful acts but this was ludicrous when compared with other sentences for violent crimes where lives CANNOT be changed. Hooray for this young man and Hooray for the common sense that finally prevailed in this case!

By Truthfighter

October 26, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

I’m so happy that this backward azz, so-called justice system has set this young man free!!!!! I can not believe time & money was wasted for a situation that was agreed upon from both individuals. And to the racist cowards, deep down in that black heart of yours, you all know this was wrong as well. So stop bulls@#ting yourself. OH YES I AM A BLACK WIERDO WHO LOVES THE LORD & OUR SAVIOR JESUS. PRASIE THE LORD EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW EAT THEM COOKIES.

By Mark

October 26, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

October 26, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

You black people are acting like you just won the lotto! Pathetic! They needed to release him so that another black could be put in jail in his spot.

How pathetic and sad you are Chris. Your bitterness has turned you into a raging fool. Go and dip your head in some water and don’t resurface!

By Tom Lauerman

October 26, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Genarlow Wilson was charged with rape, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, aggravated sodomy and aggravated child molestation. He and five buddies videotaped their “party” on New Year’s Eve with two young girls - one of whom was 17 and “semi-conscious” (according to the Georgia Court of Appeals) and another who was 15 and a minor.

This was not two star-crossed lovers on a date. Wilson engaged in intercourse with the 17-year-old after she was passed out drunk and high on drugs and encouraged the others to join him. She accused the young men of rape and has never recanted. Sex with a semi-conscious female who cannot grant consent is rape - even if she earlier granted it consensually. She also was locked in the bathroom in between the sex acts and this resulted in a “false imprisonment” conviction for one of the men. Later, all but one of them received oral sex from the minor. This is against the law in Georgia because a minor is not deemed capable of consenting to such an act.

There were six men with 40 prior arrests among them in a hotel room with a semi-conscious girl and a minor. They were consuming illegal drugs and alcohol underage. They weren’t choirboys. One of the men impregnated a 12-year-old girl while awaiting trial and has since been convicted of statutory rape. Five of the six men pled guilty to the lesser charge of child molestation instead of aggravated child molestation. All are serving time.

Now, I am not saying he should have been sent off for 10 years for what he was convicted of, just saying that he is not a choir boy.

I stand by my prediction. He will be in trouble again in less than 3 years, and the media will make him into a persecuted martyr just like they have with Rodney King.

The media hyped up this guy like he was a saint…. meanwhile he’s out gang-banging some chick, giving them illegal drugs, plowing her with alcohol and videotaping it while she is passed out. Not worthy of 10 yrs; but not even close to the type of person his supporters make him out to be.

By hotlanta

October 26, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Now we got 3 black men white folks hate. OJ, AL and Jesse. Guess what white people AL & Jesse do not care. They must me doing something right. Why are they racist but the judge in Jena 6 isn’t. They will probably have a parade and take a day off work if he goes to jail for that mess in Las Vegas. If his wife was black I wonder will they feel like that towards him. When Robert Blake verdict came down if you had blinked at your television set you would have missed it.

By mickdee

October 26, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Great news for this young man and the justice system. But for those who say this is “the racist system at work”, who prosecuted Mr. Wilson? Blacks, whites, yellow, red, etc. better wake up and work together….

By Andrew Phillips

October 26, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Conviction reverse. A judge voided this conviction several months ago. Nothing happen. State Supreme Court reverse decision. I hope the county and state officals follow the law for a change

By You Know Who It Is

October 26, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

WOW……I can believe it but it is so baffling how some of you are so angered by what has occured. Using antiquated terms like “you people” is so unfashionable. Crimes are committed by all races but it seems as though they are sensationalized when African American do it. By the way why are white people not called White Americans? If we were to lock up all the child molestors it is a known fact that white man will overpopulate the prison systems.

By STEVE LLOYD

October 26, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

DOEN THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME? HELL NO, I THINK MOST MEN WOULD HAVE SERVED TIME IN JAIL AS TEENAGERS HAVING SEX, MYSELF INCLUDED. IT IS ABOUT TIME THIS STATE DID THE RIGHT THING. THURBERT AND DAVID—UP YOURS!

By Lilburn Mom

October 26, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

I am so happy to hear about this, it is certainly about time! How many of us woman had sex as teenagers w/a boyfriend a few years older. If they were locking kids up for that twenty years ago, I know quite a few boys AND girls that would have been sitting behind bars! As a mom, I pray my teenage son learns a lesson from this case and stays clear of girls any younger than him!

By Sanjeev

October 26, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

It was a dumb law and never should have been punished. They were both in high school it’s not like he was 22 and she was 15. Would a 17 year old female gone to jail for the same offense on a 15 year old male?

By Rose

October 26, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

To WHERE ARE HIS REAL PARENTS? I think you have Genarlow confused with another case. Genarlow’s Mother takes care of her son and he was on his way to graduation and college when all this happened - get your story straight before you start commenting. And JERMAINE, you are a fool! Probably someone just stirring the pot to keep the hate alive.

I am happy that this has been worked out and I hope there are no future cases like this. Please keep an eye on our legislature to make sure they don’t pass any more stupid laws.

By Jeff

October 26, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

THIS is the travesty of justice: That the rapist thug Wilson was freed!!!

As usual, the blacks think they can do no wrong. Meanwhile, a white kid - that was smart enough to NOT have his crime videotaped - rots in jail for exactly the same thing.

Congratulations thugs, you got what you wanted. You won the battle. But can you handle the coming WAR????

By Kim P.

October 26, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

To “Where are his real parents?”: You are ignorant. Genarlow Wilson is NOT the same person as the young man that you are referring to. You are referring to Marcus Dixon, not Genarlow Wilson. So before you start insulting and slandering folks, check your facts. You sound backwards and you ARE ignorant and racist. The only point that you can bring out is about praising the white parents of the wrong person. So, if you point and position holds true, then now you will have to praise Genarlow Wilson’s strong, faithful African-American mother who has always stood by his side. And if you do not give her credit, then you are being hypocritical and only motivated by color-bias.

And to the other ignorant person who said that Genarlow never apologized for his bad judgement. You are on the late show. Then you have never heard his sincere words of regret and the lessons that he learned. Yet and still, his actions do not warrant a judicial crime and ten years. Get the bleach out of your eyes, and search deep for truth and justice. And read and know the facts. If any of this is possible for you. (p.s. “Ignorant” simply means not knowing. So educate yourself, or stay ignorant.) *Also, this is the “Kim” from the first 2 posts, but not the last 2 posts.)

By Mrs. Sheppard

October 26, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

First, let me start by saying, it’s about time they let that young man go. He did nothing wrong. Secondly, Jermaine, who exactly is the racist? Cause to me, it sounds like you! I am a white citizen, and I believe this young man was treated unfairly from the beginning. He was targeted because he is black. Had he of been white, we never would have known about it. Why? Because he never would have went to prison to start with. You, sir, need to crawl back under the rock you came from!

By Mr. White

October 26, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

The kid (17 at the time) was set free after being convicted of receiving consensual oral sex from a 15 yrs old classmate. How could you not agree with the final verdict? Because the kid is Black? If so, I truly feel for your soul.

By Angie

October 26, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Someone else has probably already made a similar comment, but I don’t have time to read through them all. I just wanted to say that I am a white female and I agree with the decision to release him.

I was a pretty rebellious, out-there teenager despite decent upbringing. My parents could’ve brought charges against more than one boy for “statutory” rape, but what I did with them was consentual. Sadly, it’s not unheard of for even younger girls to be sexually active these days…by choice.

It would’ve been awful for any of the guys I went out with to have ended up in jail for something we both agreed to do.

Now that I’m an adult I think it’s completely asinine for anyone that young to be having sex, oral or otherwise. But it happens. Unless there is clear evidence of rape, teenage boys shouldn’t be locked up for stuff like that.

By GaLiberal

October 26, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Boy oh boy are the racist neocons going to go ballistic over this. Just another example of activist judges overruling the will of the people and legislating from the bench. No matter that the law as flawed. No matter that what he did is on longer a felony sex offense. No matter that the law was written by a bunch of racists that were elected by racists. No matter that it IS within the court’s purview to determine when a punishment is cruel and unusual. No matter that is was the right thing to do. Thankfully the Georgia Supreme Court has the wisdom and intelligence the Rethuglicons running the state lack.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And Genarlow Wilson is living proof.

By Bob

October 26, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Well, Lee. I think your comments are a bit off. Here’s why:

The prosecutor (McDade) in this case admitted that Genarlo and his friends didn’t FORCE these young girls to get drunk or drink alcohol for that matter.

They were all some young, permiscuous kids who were engaging in alcohol consumption. Wrong, yes. But certainly not justly punishable by a 10 year sentence.

What we’re dealing with here is a case of “penis envy.” The prosecutor (McDade) saw this young kid having sex with one girl and getting oral sex from another and used his personal feelings to bring charges.

Even when interviewed, McDade said (and I quote), “Well, it’s rape in MY mind.” Screw the law. It’s what the prosecutor THINKS is wrong.

And let’s be real. How many people would be in jail specifically for dating a 15 year old when they were 17??? A LOT OF PEOPLE!

The new law is STUPID. The original law was put in place to protect children from CHILD MOLESTERS.

But it is MIND BOGGLING to me how Rev Jackson and Rev Al Sharpton are labeled as RACISTS for standing up for those who are treated unfairly and unequally under the law.

I used to believe that America, despite its faults, was the best place to live in. That feeling is fading, slightly. Seems to me that we are using our personal prejudices (that we ALL have) as ammunition and legislation to wrongfully enforce laws on people that we find “less favorable.”

Lee, if you can get past your own obvious prjudices here, you’ll see the facts.

By Tooklongenough

October 26, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

To: HOTLANTA I am LMAO at the Thubert Baker Rug Comment. I was thinking the same thing! My day has been made by the freeing of that young brother and your hilarious comment. Thanks!!!

By What a good example, Ha!

October 26, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

If you had seen the tape on ole Genarlow, you wouldn’t think this kid was such a saint.

To “You Know who it is”: The reason whites are not called white americans, is because we don’t have to flaunt our skin color like blacks do. We are proud of who we are but don’t have to inform everyone about it every 6 seconds.

By yancy b

October 26, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

So nice to know the KKK is alive and well and that they have electricity in the trailer parks that allows their computers to function even if their brains don’t. Good Luck Mr.Wilson!

By Truth

October 26, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

**This guy should have been playing football somewhere… not in jail!!” I can honestly say that that might be the most rediculas law on the books. The government has pretty much screwed his life. I hope he gets back on track quickly!

By Voter

October 26, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

If you guys voted as much as you prayed, he wouldn’t have ever been in the situation to begin with.

By chris24

October 26, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

There are many comments on this being a racist decision to keep this kid locked up. What are you people talking about? That’s insane. The main character trying to keep this kid locked up was a black man. This was the case of a kid making a bad decision at a party and a stupid law being in place. That’s it. Yeah, I agree that this kid should have been released a long time ago, but this was in no way a racial injustice of any kind. That’s just stupid to say something like that. That’s the problem with the world today. Everything is blamed on racial motives. I could care less what the racial makeup of the Georgia Supreme court is, as long as they did the right thing. By the way, what is the race of the justices on the Court, and what color was Mr. Wilson’s lawyer, and the color of the girl involved, or the arresting officer, or the warden, or anyone else associated with the case? In other words, it doesn’t matter.

By Tooklongenough

October 26, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

One more thing. For all of you none believers out there GOD has his hand in everything! Jesus is Lord!!!!

By Mark

October 26, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

To Bill, Chris, Diogenes, Alex, Jermaine(like that’s your real name),Raul and John:

Judging by your comments it just confirms on thing,

YOU CAN TAKE THE TRASH OUT THE TRAILERPARK, BUT YOU CAN’T TRAILERPARK OUT THE TRASH!

You guys are pathetic!!

By Lex Luthor

October 26, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Rule #1: Never film yourself having sex if you don’t want it to come back.

Never ever?

Never ever!

By David

October 26, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Thanks goodness for this poor kid. This was a barbaric decision that has gone way too far. Gosh so many of us would have been locked up when we were teenagers if we had ever gotten caught. There are crimes….and then there are crimes done to good people. These kids had curious, adventurous sex like most of us experimented with as teens. Hopefully the kid can get on with his normal healthy thing again.

By Nunni

October 26, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

What?

God IS good. I am thankful that he covered Genarlow in his blood and protected him during his incarceration.

Do we know if he had any “encounters” in prison? Not sure he’d admit it even if he did. I sure wouldn’t…and that would probably re-define “protection” a little, wouldn’t it.

Besides, I think he would have been better “protected” if He never let him get incarcerated in the first place.

And, you know, if he was covered in blood, he probably would have had to do even MORE time… ;-)

There seems to be very few people on this board that find the image of someone covered in blood disturbing.

Glad the guy is free, though.

By corey

October 26, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

jermaine you sound like a fool dont b mad i bet your happy vick was hung in the media

By vh

October 26, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

It’s about time!!!!! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.He should have never been in jail to begin with

By harold

October 26, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

About time! If it wasn’t for that racist attorney general Thurbert Baker, Gemarlow could have been freed years ago!

By Dee

October 26, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

To you Chris with the racist remarks No what is pathetic is that someone like you have survived on the face of this earth. Who died and made you Judge, Jury, or Jesus. You are such an idiot. Only a true fool would make such commments that you made as far as if you were a black person you will always steal & whatever you said you would do. I wish to God you would so you would end of behind bars Black, White, Asian etc if that is the frame of mind that you have then you need to be locked up somewhere and last but not least please don’t act as though others (nationality) don’t make mistake because, you are one of the biggest mistakes there could ever be. Also for the one who made the comment about the lottery bingo my brother you hit on the head Gernalow is a lottery.

By Harold

October 26, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

if “GOD has his hand in everything” then GOD has his hand down the pants of an 11 year old boy just like Michael Jackson. IMPRISON GOD!

By Beverly Wittler

October 26, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Yes, let the young man out now. He’s overpaid for his mistake. But, I’m hoping he will take it upon himself to beseech his peers not to do wrong in any way.

By Sean Hannity

October 26, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Genarlow, YOU’RE A GREAT AMERICAN

By Mrs. Sheppard

October 26, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

And the circus of racist S.O.B’s starts!

By GAliberal is dung

October 26, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

After reading your garbage, I now know that Liberals are morons and can’t be saved. Liberals you can have the criminals.

By Dee

October 26, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

This is to wildbillhiltner I don’t believe these girls were forced to drink or take drugs just like they weren’t forced to have sex. Both parties made a mistake and they should have been reprimanded by their parents not the courts. Unless these so-called “thugs” opened these girls mouths and poured the liquor in it, then these girls made their own decisions. I just don’t understand ignorant people!

By PJinGA

October 26, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Thank Goodness! Justice is not totally blind! Gernarlow, I wish you well and hope that you continue your education and do well for yourself in life.

As for some of these comments, I don’t think this was a race issue, nor was it a trumped up charge that sent this young man to jail. He broke a law, stupid law, but a law none the less. He was guilty of breaking that law, but his punishment was too severe and just wrong.

My concerns with this matter is that I wonder why only the male participants in a consensual act were punished. If the government is going to tell people at what age they can legally have sex, then both the male and female participants should be held accountable.

This law has nothing to do with child molestors. It has to do with children period. Children having premarital sex…It would be a wonderful thing if kids would wait until they are older and married to have sex, but putting them in jail for doing what comes naturally is wrong. Lawmakers waste too much time coming up with laws that interfere in the private lives of us all.

By pk

October 26, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

its sad to see how divided this state and country really are. Shouldn’t we all be happy or at least glad. I cant speak for him but maybe GOD allowed this to happen to show how racism is still alive and thriving. The was a clear INJUSTICE regardless of what colors were involved. The GA Supreme Court’s decision was not even unanimous?? So at the “top level” of our society, the ones who are responsible for interpreting the laws, racism or ignorance still lives. What hope do we have?

JESUS …and some said he had nothing to do with this.

By The Point

October 26, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Vote Baker and McDade out of office. McDade wanted to send a message that even in this new “enlightened” age, Blacks will still get punished severely for any and all transgressions - reinforcing Blacks continued second tier status in Georgia. Baker, instead of using his offices resources to pursue more significant issues, appealed this to the State Supreme Court - strictly a political move to show OTP, conservative voters that he can be trusted as an “overseer” keeping his race in their “proper” place. Vote them out!!!

By Dr. Jay

October 26, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

I hope someone takes him under their wing and makes sure he completes high school. Also, their needs to be a path created for him to complete some type of post-secondary education. What happens to the felony conviction? Is it taken off of his record?

By BRENDA

October 26, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Once again this young man did not rape anybody. In case you missed it the sex was consensual. I am a female and I have been 15 yrs old. I didn’t have sex at that time but let me tell you if I had it would more than likely have been by choice. 15 years old is old enough to know what you want to do. Just try killing someone and using your age as a defense???? To Jermaine if you were black you would have a different story. I wish you could wake up in the morning black now that would be justice. To Chris, John and Bill for every 3 or 4 black names you can come up with let me give your 3 letters KKK. More damage has been done by their members than a few blacks could ever do legally of illegally. Thank God for this young man being freed. I hope he gets out of jail and leaves this state. Pleas do good things and get on with your life. I know its hard because of where you have been, but keep praying and moving and continue to trust God with all your heart and soul…..

By Dee

October 26, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

To Glenn why do you assume he doesn’t know who both of his parents are. Because he’s black? That was a very rude and ignorant statement.Im black and grew up with both my parents in the home and so has a lot of my friends.

By Diogenes

October 26, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Mark, I suppose it’s always easier to emotionally see the world through your pre-conceived, idealistic desires than to actually deal with facts as they exist, and the practical implications of events. Sad, but not unexpected.

By Lynn

October 26, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Everyone who is posting to this forum need to remember when you were a teenager. We all had sex and were not suppose to should we have to register as sex offenders? Genarlow and his legal team had the sense not to accept a plea that would make him a sex offender. Any other cases that are being referred to in comparison to this case may want to contact Genarlows attorney to see if she can get them off white/black/hispanic etc…. Get my meaning. Don’t get mad because he fought back get made because our laws are so outdated that it makes havins consensual sex for teens a crime. It is a moral crime against God. I’m glad they found a way to get him out!!!

By Harold is hi

October 26, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Harold, in case you are blind or just plain retarded, Thurbert Baker is the same color as Wilson. How can he be racist, you dolt. Harold please don’t procreate.

By Bon

October 26, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

It is said in the bible that in the “end times” “What was right is wrong and wrong will be right” society will be for sin and against our God. Mr. Wilson did something wrong against God and people are now praising God for his release? Fornication is a sin, period! Stop and look at what’s going on in this world and how so many people are allowing sin and saying it’s ok. I’m happy Mr. Wilson can go home now and I hope he uses this for good and that God will get the glory for it!

By Vanessa

October 26, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

To Jermaine, Chris, Alex, Glenn, and all of the other racist idiots out there. This “case” should have never a “case” from the beginning. To Genarlow-Good luck you. Go back to school, graduate from college, and show these racist idiots that although this travesty occured, you can put it behind you and move on to better things.

By sharon

October 26, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

I beleive there is an all out attack on black boys & men! Our kids must stay out of reach of the criminal justice system! They must! This is how they are lynching us in the 21st Century — through the court system!

By Melly Me

October 26, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

The 342 people that voted he should not be release, needs to shoot themselves. Glad your out so you can start your life. Good Luck

By bigjuicy

October 26, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

First of all, I would like to say that I’m glad that Mr. Wilson was released. He now has the opportunity to get his life together and be a productive citizen. I see that everyone is making this a race issue and really not seeing this for what it really is. Now, can all of you that had negative things to say about this issue truly say that as a teenager you made all the right decisions and that you never did anything that you were sorry for and should not have done? I can not get over how many narrow minded and ignorant people will still have roaming around on this earth.I would love to see by a show of hands, how many of you at the age of 17 would turn down a bj. First of all, from what I can remember about this incident this was on New Years Eve. How did 17 year olds pay for a hotel room without an adult? Secondly, they say that these girls were 15 years old. O.K., where were their parents and why were they allowed to be out that late? They all attended this party with the same thing in mind, to drink and have fun away any adults. If this was not the case, they would have invited their parents. We must put the blame were it belongs, with the parents that are not questioning their kids enough on where they are going and who they are with.

By 4814

October 26, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Happy AJC..the same people that write those terrible racist vents are the same ones commenting on this racist blogs.

By D.Martin

October 26, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

I am a 58 year old white male. This case shows racism is still alive, but more importantly, it shows what we are a country governed by law, not common sense, not intelligence, not love, not anything but “the law”. The most Christian country on the face of the earth where love, compassion and forgiveness should prevail. “The Law” says otherwise. Lock them up and if they ever get out, punish them for the rest of their lives, no matter how insane the law or how out of sync it is with society. Next time someone gets off on a technicality, don’t complain. It is technicalities that the legal system uses to practice racism and other injustices. Remember, it is a legal system, not a system of jsutice. Politicians, judges, lawyers, police, private prisons and district attorneys depend on the legal system to stay in business. Criminals are an important commodity. Without more laws making more people guilty of more “new crimes” with harsher pealties, they would be out of business. Next time a politician (district attorneys, congressmen, judges, etc.)asks you to vote for him because he will be tough on crime and pass more laws to put more criminals in jail, remember that “criminal” could be you, black or white.

By rob

October 26, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Best Wishes

By Jeff

October 26, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

pk:

I agree that racism is still alive and well.

In the hearts of black Americans.

Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears and the three who agreed with her now rank right up there with the Idiots Sharpton and Jackson as being some of the biggest racists I have ever heard of.

Did none of you read the AJC article a couple of weeks ago about the white kid who STILL sits in jail? The only difference in his crime and Wilson’s is that the white kid was smart enough NOT to have it videotaped!

By C_Day

October 26, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Georgia has one of the highest birthrates of TEENS 14 years of age and under. TRUST, if the courts were to pursue and jail the bio- fathers of these babies - GA courts/jails would be grossly grossly overwhelmed. As would the courts/jails of many other states. Many of the fathers of the babies to young teen mothers are men 17 yrs. or older. Some much older! My point, these babies are evidence that a SEX ACT DID OCCUR. Dont see any DA pursuance of these incidents?? Young Mr. Wilson was GROSSLY + UNFAIRLY TRIALED + JAILED. This case and the DA (district_ A*) are a complete embarrassment to the state of GA. nationwide. The state’s court/trial/ employee (ie DA salary) funds spent here could’ve been well + better served to evaluate archaic GA laws. Many more are still on the books – similar to the law that spiraled Mr. Wilson’s hell. GA’s got to be proactive and realize its’ not 1950 anymore!! And yes, sex education in the youth/schools systems; now to include the criminal aspect of it all. Really

By Irony

October 26, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

I find it rather ironic that many white people on this blog are comparing Genarlow Wilson to other “criminals” and feel like we as black people have a free pass to break the law as we please. Let’s face it, white people have committed the worst crimes of rape, torture, and murder in the history of the world. Need we forget that America was built on the death of an entire race of people (the Native Americans), who are only remembered through sports teams and the names of counties in Georgia. America raped, tortured, and murdered black people for over 400 years during slavery. Let’s not forget how those Germans murdered, tortured, and killed the Jews during the holocaust. Let’s not forget the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi’s who are dead today, due to America’s political agenda. White people get over yourself and your white supremacist thoughts….It’s OVER!

By T.P.

October 26, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

If ANYBODY thinks its okay for a 17 yr old to do 10 years for receiving consentual ORAL sex from 15 yr old, then I feel sorry for you and your family!!

There are COUNTLESS 17 yr olds not only having oral sex but actual sex with 15 yr old sophomores AND 14 yr old freshmen….go hang out at some of these North GA schools and take a survey.

By Brett

October 26, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Welcome to the 21st century Georgia. Teens in high school have sex all the time. I am so happy that Genarlow will be freed and I hope that he has a great life.

By bebe

October 26, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

I am a mother of a son. White. This kid was just that - a kid who had consensual sex and the girl was made the victim. It matters not what color he was. What does matter is that the girl was as promiscuous as he was. But only he was punished. Why in God’s name would you even say he should have accepted aggravated child molester. This could happen to your son.

By Blue Dove

October 26, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

The first one to use the word “racist” is usually the one who is. The law on which Genarlow was convicted was valid as was the sentence. The law was amended the next year but allowed no retroactivity to prior cases. So he was legally convicted and legally sentenced as the law stood when he committed the crime. Common sense people will see this to be the truth. Ignorant people will continue to argue he was done wrong. They’ll continue to use the race card.It all boils down to “he got caught with his pants down” and doesn’t believe the law under which he was convicted and sentenced was fair since he got convicted.

Now let’s hope that all the drama and attention this has drawn doesn’t impact him negatively. In other words, I hope he doesn’t think he can go out and commit other crimes and that the hordes of people will support him again. I hope he learns he received a real break, takes advantage of the break, and not take it for granted. Most and foremost, he needs to find Jesus and live as he would have him live. If he listens to some of the posters he’ll try to be a martyr of the wrong following and find himself in complete darkness. Good luck Gernalow. And watch who you listen to. They’ll use you for THEIR own agenda and leave you hanging to dry out (no pun intended as some will surely allege).

By greg

October 26, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Amazing that the racist comments are so prevalent and APPROVED by ajc

By N ITA

October 26, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

I want the da and the attorney general to remember what they were doing at his age. Well looking at them both, probably in a book but those of us who remember what it was like to be seventeen know if some of the things we did were made public, a whole lot of us would have been in genarlow’s shoes. My boyfriend was 18 and I was 17 and he could be in jail right now instead of a Georgia Tech Graduate. A large chunk of the politicians and men and women in georgia would be in jail if they enforced the adultry laws. Stop pointing fingers because you did not get caught and try to find some balance in the law and common sense. Good Luck Genarlow and keep your nose clean, they are already looking to catch up again for something simple. AND LEAVE WHITE GIRLS ALONE!!! NO MATTER HOW OLD THEY ARE.

By threedeep

October 26, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Do not waste anymore of our taxpayer money appealing this case to the federal judiciary. The young man has served his time, get over it.

This is a case like many others that concerns unequal justice and application of the law. The majority of the time it happens be a black man (coincidence, I think not). The Jena 6 is a similar case of unequal justice. I know way defend the criminal behavior but the legal system appears to go out of its way to punish black citizens versus any other group. A shoe is a murder weapon? Two teenagers and try one as an adult?

For everyone outraged by this decision, i.e. Jeff and others, where is your disgust with the Phil Spector case. Only two people in the house, one is dead from the other’s gun, and jury of his peers can not convict? Or the case in Florida where the group of counselors killed a black kid but were acquitted by an all white jury; but kill a dog….( I am not even going there today )

By Jodi

October 26, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

As someone said before on this post, it was just a mistake he made as a teenager. Yes - most of them are curious and active at that age. He didn’t commit murder people and it was consensual.

My heart REJOICES today for him and his family!

He gets to be home for the holidays and move on with his life. If I was him, I would move out of this pathetic state and go to a school up north and leave it all behind. Someone should secure a full scholarship for him, too.

By the way, Thurbert Baker is a fool!

By bakerslastTERM

October 26, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

This is Bakers last term in office.

By hotlanta

October 26, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Dee chile don’t even pay Chris no mind. Just like Bush has that program No Child Left Behind. He is afraid of the new program blacks have created and it is called White People Left Behind. We are doing it, doing it and doing it well. His favorite movie is Gone with the Wind He looks at it and cry every weekend and says “Brett come back we need you forget Ms. Scarlett”.

By Lady T

October 26, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Bon Fornication is a sin and so is lying, stealing and adultery, therefore maybe YOU should be sentenced to 10 years in jail..or do you think you are perfect without sin?? There’s no big sin or little sin in my Bible!!

Don’t just mention the sins that you aren’t CURRENTLY committing!!

By Greg

October 26, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

I am a conservative white guy who is glad this kid is out of jail. He clearly did not deserve 10 years, and I HOPE he will use better judgement in the future. As for the racist thing, There are many situations in this country where racism occurs and injustice occurs. Having said that, there are also situations that are exploited in the name of race. Both of these situations clearly exist, and it seems arguements of this kind always pop up on AJC postings, no matter what the topic. It is sad.

By BakerslastTERM

October 26, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

This is Bakers last term.

By Doc

October 26, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

You forget if it weren’t for Bill Clinton, this ‘sex act’ would never have happened in the frst place.

By OhReally

October 26, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

You folks remember the Marcus Dixon case? Dixon was released after the Supreme Court overturned his conviction also. The vote there was a 4-3 split as well. Even after going all the way to the highest court in the land, these cases were overturned by the thinnest of margins.

Georgia is moving forward… barely.

By whateva

October 26, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Wow, I am disappointed by the way people are putting color to this situation. This isn’t about color, it’s about justice. These were consensual teenagers. I am glad that the court has agreed to release Genarlow Wilson. The crime didn’t fit the punishment. For all the ignorant people that are wishing this young man back to prison. It won’t happen. Genarlow was college bound before this happened and he is on his way. Why do people always associate thugs with black people? In the dictionary that word doesn’t have a color by it. There are thugs in all colors. Word to parents, talk to your kids, ask questions, stay interested in what they are doing. Instead of pointing fingers we need to embrace our kids and teach them.

By The Shackler

October 26, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Has anyone mentioned that Thurbert Baker is black & Democrat to boot? Why would he pursue this so agressively? I’d say because he has to pander to Christian conservatives, both black and white, who haven’t gotten past their sexual hangups.

So all of you who are praising God, Jesus, and the whole gang, go figure why we have such laws in the first place.

By ATLAST

October 26, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Freedom is priceless, there wasn’t a lotto 200 yrs. ago. I’m happy for Mr. Wilson and his family.

By bryan

October 26, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Congrats …

Very happy for you!!! Use this horrible experience to do great things…

By Jason

October 26, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Thank goodness this kid is out of jail. As a Georgian (a white one at that), I am appalled our state spent so much time and resources on this prosecution. It’s a travesty. The state, just like the Feds, need to stay out of our bedrooms. Teenagers have been doing this for centuries. Why do you think our creator, whoever she is, gave us sexual desire and physical “tools” to address those desires? Do you think we are just supposed to sit around and look at them??? And for the comment about Bill Clinton, give me a break. As I said before, this “sex act” has been around as long as mankind. Get over it! In regard to all the racist trash talk on this blog, what a shame! You people are freaks!

By hotlanta

October 26, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

TI bond hearing is at 3:00pm today. If he goes home it’s gonna be a lot of white folks having a fit today saying black folks for two for two in one day. They might start a race riot. Yall better leave early now if you don’t wanna get hit in the head with some broccoli or wheat germ.

By harold

October 26, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

dear Harold is hi, you think black man cant be racist? who says n* more than anybody, even more than the kkk? black men that’s who. they are the biggest rasicts there are. they are racist toward themselves!!!!

By bebe

October 26, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Gwinnett’s DA waste time and much money on the mansion madam who makes a living with sex. Then she gets a years probation. Inequity in justice I think.

By harold

October 26, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

all the praise jesuses on this blog prove one thing: watson was right.

By Grace is from Jesus

October 26, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Bon we all are sinner. The ten commandment is the law and it is to tell us they we have done wrong It can not save you. But Jesus came to give us grace and mercy and not to take away the law. what kind of christian are you a law Christian are a Grace Christian . you need both if you belive in God. we have to many Law Christian in America . Jesue talk about you in the Bible you are good to point out what is (wrong) but will not lift a finger to help out in other words no (grace)!

By RxDawg

October 26, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Thank god, this kid was not evil. He shouldnt have spent one day in prison for that. What the hell does this have to do with race!? This is more about a lawyer winning his trial in my opinion. I still cant believe he actually had to go to prison… That makes me very sad :(

By Bon

October 26, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Lady T, you are absolutely correct. Noone is without sin and I never claimed to be. I will pay for my unforgiven sins in due time. Yes, the punishment didn’t fit the crime here and he should have never spent a minute in prison. All I’m saying is that society seems to be backwards in many cases and people are saying that it’s ok to sin these days. I throw no stones at anyone, I’m just stating a fact. What he did was human and the justice system failed him terribly. Now he can come out and tell the world he is a new man and a better man. Maybe God did play a role in this, I believe that Mr. Wilson will make changes for good. Bless his heart and I pray he has a wonderful life! And congratulations to his attorney for never giving up on him, she’s the best!!!!

By Ms. Black

October 26, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

To Chris, Why must You WHITE people try to keep the black man down? Once you figure out you WHITE people can’t keep a BLACK MAN down the better off you will be! To everyone else,
Black people please watch up and realize everything is not about RACE. Someone should have been talking to this kid long before he decided to go out and have sex. Black mothers with Sons (Future Black Men) please make sure you sons are aware of the things they can get into (like this for example) when they decide to go out with WHITE girls. BLACK MEN please get envolved in a young black man’s life and so them the more positive things they can do. Let’s stop allowing our YOUNG BLACK MEN to make role models from RAPPERS and SPORT’S figures, please show them that they are so much more then then next big rap star. Let’s make sure our son’s know that they can do more then just carry a football or run a basketball up and down the court.
BLACK PEOPLE WE NEED TO DO SO MUCH MORE FOR OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS!!!!

By Torpedo

October 26, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Finally!! too bad it took so long. I don’t care what anybody says about other sexual predators trying to now get a break now since he did.

I bet my life that there are no more than a handful of people in Georgia currently in prision under his circumstances, Consensual sex between two minors within 2 years of age.

By June

October 26, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

I’ll let you geniuses figure this one out on your on time!

Debra Jean Beasley (born August 28, 1980) was a reading teacher at Angelo L. Greco Middle School in Temple Terrace, Florida, when she was charged with several counts of having illegal sexual relations and rape with a minor in 2004.

Shortly before the trial was scheduled to begin, the boy’s mother, who had been insisting that Debra serve time in prison, learned that the trial was to be covered by Court TV and changed her stance, agreeing to a plea bargain with no prison time to prevent her son from having to testify in court. A new plea agreement was quickly worked out.

On November 22, 2005, Debra pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years of Community Control (house arrest) and seven years of probation, along with a string of other requirements.[citation needed]

On December 8, 2005, the judge in the second county refused to accept plea-agreement terms that included no prison time and set a trial date for April 10, 2006. In an unusual act, the prosecutor announced the charges were being dropped.

Lafave is serving probation until 2015 and her teaching certificate has been revoked.

By lisasue

October 26, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Hey Chris…”You black people are acting like you just won the lotto! Pathetic! They needed to release him so that another black could be put in jail in his spot.”

Actually, they’re making room for all the meth addicts that are beginning to fill the court/justice system. And guess, what color they are?????

By Ms. Black

October 26, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

To Chris, Why must you WHITE PEOPLE try to keep the black man down? The sooner you realize you CAN’T and WON’T he better off you will be.

By ANGEL

October 26, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Tough luck for who don’t wanna hear it or like it, but GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL and GOOD WILL ALWAYS CONQUER EVIL. Good luck Mr. Wilson & this was past due.

By State Retiree

October 26, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

I just hope he doesn’t decide to live around my daughter. He’s a predator, no matter what the courts have said. His actions at that party said it all.

By Grace is from Jesus

October 26, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Thank you JESUS for being in the hearts of man black, white, brown, yellow man. you are still on the thrown!Prayer works!!! Our God still listen to our prayers and anwsers!!!!!!

By bebe

October 26, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

To Genarlow’s Mom: Your son got his life back today. From one mother with a son to another - make sure you know the company he keeps and keep him on the right track. That is a pretty touch order, I know, but starting today, the world is his.

By Georgia Man

October 26, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHOULD RESIGN. WE NEED A NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL. HOW CAN WE RECALL HIM?????

By JL

October 26, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Good, he should been released. He should have never went to prison for this. They were both kids. Now he can get on with his life. Thanks to the Georgia Supreme, and the Monoe couty courts.

By Tani

October 26, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

I am so excited to hear about his release, he should have never been imprisoned to begin with. It literally scares me to think of what our children have to face nowadays. 10 years with no parole for consensual sex…that really boggles my mind whenever I think about it. God has purposed this young man for something great and I pray that he takes hold of it and never gives up. God bless him and the rest of our children.

By hotlanta

October 26, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

I hear ya Ms. Black. I was at lunch and it hit. That wasn’t a rat that Frank Ski went and got outta that apartment in Marietta. It was Baker’s toupee that was getting ready to attack that poor lady.

By Kitty

October 26, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Glad to hear this good news.

By FRANK2LAWMAN

October 26, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Tom Lauerman, your a bigot. Since you know so much about the case, an all similar cases, you know the intent of the law was abused in this case. Ga law also states, unmarried couples having sex is illegal. Now, I am not agreeing with what Gernalow did, but the 17 yr old smoked pot, drank liquor, etc and had consentual sex while drunk and sober. THE JURY SAID IT WASN’T RAPE.

By Jan

October 26, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Octavius is right. The kid made bad choices and he paid for them. 10 years for consensual sex between teenagers is harsh. But don’t forget the facts of that night - teenagers, alcohol and a motel room. At least 1 girl too drunk to speak and a group of boys having sex with her. Videotaping it. Including Wilson. This was no romance that mom and dad walked in on.

By matt

October 26, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

I have read some of the comments of someone who feels as if black folks seem to get off,If we March and rally together it seems to me clearly just what some people think of us as a people this has been thought to them (being racist) This young guy has never been in trouble and now that he is grown (21years) old hopefully he can move on in his life and go to college Hopefully to become a Lawyer to defend against this type of injustice.

By rwh

October 26, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Enough is done to people about crime of people some guilty and some are not. Society, most blacks should knowingly and willingly keep themselves from the hands of justice because all we have seen is injustice. People going to jail for crimes they have not done; staying behind the walls for a long period of time. This eyes of the world is upon america because we permit unjustice things to happen and look the other way. Then, we, our own trys to do even worse by handing down their own types of justice. We have not learned nothing about what America is.

By Mike

October 26, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Its about time. 10% of America would be in prison if this was a crime when I was that age. This was purely about a black male getting a bj from a white girl and her parents didn’t appreciate it.

By David

October 26, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Not one of you care even a little bit about the victim in this case. Yes, the victim … “consent” is not an option or issue when a minor is involved. This guy took advantage of a child, and he was sentenced accordingly. He should serve his sentence in full unless paroled early.

By Elmo

October 26, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Most of the Posters have no morals. They would be fine with the underage girl getting drunk and having sex with multiple partners. As usual - nobody gives a damn about the Victim - including the Mother of the Child - judging from her comments.

By Grace is from Jesus

October 26, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

The Bible says Man is sinful Black, White, brown, yellow, Evil and good in every man. How can the front yard tell the Back yard it is better when it is all dirt (MANS Thinking). The only thing separate them is a house that is a worldly object (your thinking). we are all going back to the dust.Learn, unlearn rich , poor, have, have nots,! Jesus is the way the truth and the life!!! Hope the young man learned his lesson. we all can learn from this!

By Tooklongenough

October 26, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

To Harold… Dude you really need Jesus! You seem full of hate. Did one of our brothers take your girlfriend or something. Be easy! Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord!

By Denise

October 26, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Truth

October 26, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Jermaine: I can only assume that you caucasian. If so, your people have raped, robbed, and stolen since the beginning of time…truth be told that’s why we’re in Irag….to rape, rob, and steal from the land and the people. The biggest difference is we will be unjustly charged and you’ll get probation.

By 4814

October 26, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Yep..AJC..doing a good in your approval..what does one have to do to not get approved..use the “n” word???

By Wayne

October 26, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

FYI… The 15 year old victim was BLACK not WHITE; get your facts straight, don’t make assumptions. Best of luck to the young man.

By Just-us

October 26, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Will someone explain to me why some people wanted Mr. Wilson to spend 10 years in jail, while a white preacher’s wife can shoot her sleeping husband in the back with a shot gun, and spend FIVE whole months in jail, and TWO months in a mental health facility? Isn’t a preacher’s life valuable? Where are all the bible believer’s? There has not been a peep out of anyone regarding her sentence. Maybe that’s a signal that a wife can kill her husband and get a slap on the wrist, but a black man can commit a misdemeanor, and some people want to ruin his life. The conclusion is: we Americans do not value any human life. PERIOD!

By tmb

October 26, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

i live in d’ville and i am a white women. and i feel this young man never should have been locked up for what alot of teens are doing. and i dont think it should be a white black issue he was a kid when this happened just liek he said it was stupid and i knew better. but what about hte girls first of all they had over nightbags with them htey were sneeking out knowing that what they were doing and were they were going to do. if anything the parents of the girls should have been brought to trial since the one girl was a minor.. second the 15 yr old now is 18 and has a 2yr old son she is in the army or air force she has gotten on with her life for something she did remember it takes two and is she didnt want it to happed she should have stayed at home like most 15yrs do. not be out after 11pm. i have a bi-racial 15yr male and i have made him keep up with this trial. i dont want anything like htis to happen to my son. also i know were a child is all the time if he isnt at school he is with me. everyone please the lesson here is please educate your children black or white. let this be a tough lesson for everyone.. good luck genarlow. i hope now you will beable to get on with your life like it should of happened.

By Mark

October 26, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

It’s about TIME 10:14

And the racists are who?? You sound more racist than any person I’ve ever met. Perhaps you need to look back at yourself real hard. Racism will always exist as long as there are people like you who have a chip on their shoulder. Shame on you!

By john

October 26, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Charges need to be brought against the parents of these two. They raised these two without morals. Parents need to take control of their kids. If they don’t want to do that—They should NOT have kids!!! PERIOD!!! If they had been responsible parents this story would not have been printed. I hope those involved learned their lesson.

By OutSideAgitator

October 26, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Hopefully this young man will take advantage of this second chance and not make another stupid decision that got him in trouble in the first place.

To all the haters…”Can’t we just all get along?”

By Anthony

October 26, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

I’m glad that Wilson is a free man but he’s life has been ruined by the D.A. in this case.

However, I don’t see how many people think that this is a racial case when the D.A., who had the power not to press charges, is black.

I hope Wilson can move on with his life. He should never have been placed in prison for doing something that normal teenagers do. Here is more on what I think: timesobserver.blogspot.com/

By tmb

October 26, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

so glad genarlow is finally free i live in d’ville and know alot about this case and i hope that this time they let the guy come home. i think d,ville needs him we need him to educate our kids on what not to do. in all this nothing has been done to the 15 yr now 18yrs old. well she now has a 2yr old son so that should tell you alot about this girl and atleast she was able to get on with her life she is now in the army or air force now. after all this the girl should have been right in the middle of this also it takes two to do what they did. hopefully genarlow will beable to get on with his life like it show have happened.

By Johnnie

October 26, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Congratulations, Young Man. You never deserved to spend even 1 day behind bars. BUT, as for Brian Nichols, he should be walked straight to the electric chair. It’s not like there’s not a whole mess of witnesses, yet they keep saying the “alleged shooter”. How can you be an “alleged” anything, when you have so many witnesses and a girlfriend to stay high with all day, while the police are hunting you and hoping there are no more dead bodies in your trail.

By Don't Hate Rednecks

October 26, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Y’all that are hating because the young man was freed need to lock up your little nasty behind daughters. The girl did it on her own free will! He didn’t hold her head down there. Hello!!!!!

By john

October 26, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Now what about CHILD PORNOGRAPHY charges for the video taping of the act? I think that should be factored in to this circus as well. That includes all those at the party that didn’t stop the act or the taping.

By JL

October 26, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Thanks to the Georgia Supreme court, and the Monroe County court for doing the right thing. Now he can get on with his life.

By tmb

October 26, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

is the ajc not posting anymore

By Proud

October 26, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

To Jermaine…It’s people like you that make it hard. Get your facts straight. Genarlow didn’t rape the girl. Schedule your lasik surgery so you can see clearer that all black people don’t rob, rape or murder just as all white people aren’t serial killers,plan schoolyard massacres , committ suicide because they’ve lost their job, thieves or liars. Genarlow, I wish you all the blessings in this world that God had in store for you before injustice took it from you. Thank you for keeping him 1st.

By Jimmy Crack Corn

October 26, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

I just wanted to say that I’m a white cracka and this little darling will be back in jail within a year or two. Also, what’s this got to do with the Georgia sodomy law? I think that’s a minor offense compared to rape, especially a semi-conscious 15 year old. Please read Tom Lauerman’s post above. I think he’s got his facts straight and for the love of God…..God has nothing to do with this mess.

By FINALLYGOTITRIGHT

October 26, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

I was working furiously this morning on mundane matters when a co-worker called me with this news. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT GEORGIA GOT IT RIGHT!!! This was the catalyst that has reignited civil rights awareness in this state and in this country. This should send a message to that dwindling majority that your days of opression is slowly counting down. Mr. Wilson, I’m sure, realizes that his actions had represcussions, however, the punishment must fit the crime. When it does not, then the PEOPLE must question the true motives. What is more obvious is this type unfairness is more applicable to black people than others. So, I’m glad that Georiga finally got it right, but, I’m more concerned with the embedded racism that still exists in our country…

By Tahorah

October 26, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Yah Kai….

By C

October 26, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

GOD IS GOOD!!! To young man….you stood your ground….now SHOW THE WORLD THE REAL YOUNG THAT ARE AND YET TO BECOME. To you Mom….I commend you for standing and standing strong. GOD BLESS YOU AND CONTINUE TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. This was a joyous day for me because he has been on mind so heavy these last couple of weeks. To you that think this is racist….you must not have pick up the AJC a couple Sunday’s back. Your own people are crying for this law has ruin their lives as well. You need to do your homework. It is a shame to want to see young peoples lives destroyed for exploring life and problem what you did at their age.

God Bless

By Donna

October 26, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Thurbert Baker said he accepts the Ga. Supreme Court’s ruling & now wants to put this behind. Mr. Baker, although this case has been decided I will remember you, this case & your role in it should you run for re-election. Don’t count on Georgia forgetting your role in this case. At the end of your term, U R OUTTA HERE!!!!!!!!!

By Dont get too happy

October 26, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baker I am sure that you will hear more than enough angry comments about your actions concerning Mr. Wilson, I only hope that you remember this, the same people that you tried to appease with your foolish, misguided and prejudiced actions will turn their backs on you at the first opportunity they are given. You are old enough to remember how this country has and continues to treat black people. You should be ashamed of yourself and if you aren’t I as a BLACK MAN am ashamed for you. My comments are not another feel sorry for black people rant,you would have been wrong if Mr. Wilson was as white as snow, however the playing field never has been and never will be even for Black people in this country,Any progress we’ve made as a people in this nation continues to be minimized by actions such as yours. This young man did not deserve the punishment he was given, you are no better than Donald Washington U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. You both seem to feel that our justice system is fair, I think I can say without a doubt that if your son was in this position NO CHARGES would have been filed by your office and do not insult my intelligence by saying you would remove yourself from the case. Both yourself and Mr. Washington are a disgrace to the memory or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to Black people as a whole neither of you deserve the positions that you are in.

By Vanessa

October 26, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

God is FAITHFUL! I pray that you want in your divine assignement.

By carrie

October 26, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Finally, this is just another example of how these blanket laws where real judges have no way to make a common sense decision. Yes, laws need to be a lot more harsh with child sex offenders , but this is clearly not one of those cases. Why do we even need judges anymore? This crap of throwing people in jail for driving 3 times on a suspended license and teenagers having consensual sex are just two small examples of why there are so many people in PRISON who don’t need to be there.

By Alex

October 26, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

David McDade and Thurbert Baker are morons. Both will be remembered when they face very severe situations before a harsher judge one day. What goes around, comes around.

By Tim Jones

October 26, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baker I am sure that you will hear more than enough angry comments about your actions concerning Mr. Wilson, I only hope that you remember this, the same people that you tried to appease with your foolish, misguided and prejudiced actions will turn their backs on you at the first opportunity they are given. You are old enough to remember how this country has and continues to treat black people. You should be ashamed of yourself and if you aren’t I as a BLACK MAN am ashamed for you. My comments are not another feel sorry for black people rant,you would have been wrong if Mr. Wilson was as white as snow, however the playing field never has been and never will be even for Black people in this country,Any progress we’ve made as a people in this nation continues to be minimized by actions such as yours. This young man did not deserve the punishment he was given, you are no better than Donald Washington U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. You both seem to feel that our justice system is fair, I think I can say without a doubt that if your son was in this position NO CHARGES would have been filed by your office and do not insult my intelligence by saying you would remove yourself from the case. Both yourself and Mr. Washington are a disgrace to the memory or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to Black people as a whole neither of you deserve the positions that you are in.

By Domenic Aquino

October 26, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to Genarlow Wilson, his legal team, and friends and family. I have been following this case since day 1 and was absolutely sickened to hear the charges against this young man. I am a white male and feel this was a simple case of the american legal system abusing its power toward a young and talented black male. For those who dont know he was a talented football player with nothing but a promising future in front of him. Then he has ORAL sex with a willing 15 yr old girl, gets labeled a sex offender and sentenced to 10 yrs????!!! Not only is his name tarnished but its going to be hard enough to get into a school again and resume his football career. I know murders that dont get 10 yrs and are now back on the streets. Although it took 2 relentless years of hard work, im glad to see that the state of georgia has come to its senses. I would also like to know who the 3 people were that voted to keep him in jail. I would put my foot in their mouths!

By still concerned

October 26, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Does he still have to register as a sex offender?

By ELLE

October 26, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

I am very happy that this young man is free. He is guilty of allowing this young girl to perform oral sex on him.

It is sad that if they had sex he would have been free. There is something incredibly wrong with this!

I hope that someone will mentor this young man and assist him on the road to recovering the rest of his life.

I hope that he receives some help getting into college… maybe he will study law, and attempt to effect change in a positive way.

I also hope that he has learned what NOT to do!

WHY HAVE NO ADULTS BEEN CHARGED WITH PROVIDING THESE KIDS WITH A HOTEL ROOM, AND ALCOHOL??

By DB

October 26, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to this young man and his family. He has certainly paid a heavy price for a youthful indiscretion with a willing partner. Although I have always been curious: Why was HE convicted of rape? I mean, wasn’t SHE the one giving HIM oral sex? Why wasn’t SHE convicted of rape?

On the other hand, the whole episode has been useful to its object lesson, especially as the mother of a teenage girl. As I informed her boyfriend one evening, “Step out of line and I promise you what happened to Genarlow Wilson will look like a trip to Disney World, got it?”

By Chryst

October 26, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

H A L L E L U J A H !!!!!

THANK YOU LORD!!!THANK YOU LORD!!! THANK YOU LORD!!!

AMEN

By Dee-Dee

October 26, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Eventhough he is free we must remember it is NOT OVER, for him or african americans. Unfortunately we live in a WHITE society. What do we as black people really have in this world, except each other. I hope one day we all unite as a family and we could really do some great work then!! Let this be an eye opener to what’s going on and know that there are many many many people just like Genarlow sitting in jail today. Do you need me to name a few?

By Catherine

October 26, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

God was with you my child and please go to the house of the Lord to give Him Thanks. Also talk with your parents and keep your head up.

By Kate T. B.

October 26, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

I am delighted for Genarlow and offer my best wishes for a healthy and happy life to him and his family. I hope this injustice has not made him too bitter.

By Ricky T. Brown

October 26, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Mr. Wilson, I’m very happy for you. The justice system cannot stand up to the Lord Almighty. All young black men need to be careful. All the prisons being built in this country are for blacks and hispanics. White people pay to get off and not go to jail.

By bebe

October 26, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of mothers with daughters who think their girls are without fault. This guy was a kid himself. I’ve got news mothers of daughters. All kids have sex and if they say they don’t they lie. Notice I didn’t call your daughters the hoochies they probably deserve to be called.

By Todd

October 26, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

How do we continue to say this is “consensual”? The basis of statutory rape laws is that the person is too young to consent. Otherwise, 50 year old perverts will have sex with 13 year old girls and say it was consensual. The age must be somewhere. Some states are 14, 15, 16, 17, and even 18. The law is the law. This guy broke the law. I understand sympathy because he did not force it, but where is the limit? Some age must be set, and that is where the legislators step in. This 17 year old kid, old enough for the military, had sex with a minor. Plain and simple. He should be castrated and serve 10 years in prison. Everyone says too much for racism him because he was black and she was white, so it must be a racist law. I would like to see Al Sharpton’s granddaughter have sex with an adult (which 17 is considered in Georgia dealing with sex) and see him complain when the boy walks free.

By retiree

October 26, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

While there may be a hint of racial prejudice with this case, please be aware that a white high school student in Michigan was given a mandatory sentence for essentially the same activity committed by Mr. Wilson and his friend.

This was just a few years ago, too, but I recall that the young fellow didn’t even graduate with his class and was sentenced to something like 7 years before the possibility of parole.

He was older than the girl who “consented.”

And don’t forget the case of the Brown University student (a white man from Iowa) who was ostracized after he engaged in a consensual sexual activity in a campus dorm room.

Let’s hope that most states revisit their criminal laws in relation to what appears to be just some plain old hanky-panky at a drinking party.

And in this internet age, young people need to be aware that they must be cautious when video taping anything. Lawsuits can come down the road long after the event has occurred.

Best of luck to the young man who will be released today.

By Don

October 26, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

The next step is to lobby The State Bar of Georgia to disbar Thurbet Baker.

Why should anyone be suprised by the actions of these hypocritical conservatives. How can one be convicted for having oral sex in this day and time?? We need to be realistic and change this laws.

By Aresha

October 26, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

First of all, congratulations Genarlow and your family! This decision has taken entirely too long and you never should have been locked up in the first place. Especially not for something most high schoolers do. Please take this opportunity to make the most out of your life and prove all the haters wrong. Show the world who has been watching this case that you are a good person at heart and this was simply a mad mistake.

Second, to john, were you not in high school at some point in time? Obviously you skipped that time period in your life. All teenagers rebel against their parents at some point in time. You can not place sole responsibility on the parents. If anything the girl involved should have received some type of punishment along with Genarlow. And by that I am not saying she should have went to jail as well but it takes two and she should have received something. I have seen the best parents have some of the worst children. Children do have minds of their own and unfortunately they do not make the best decisions. There are a lot of questions that needed to be answered in this case. Who paid for the hotel room? How were minors able to obtain a hotel room? Who provided transportation for the 15 year old girl? Why was she not at home? Why were all of the teenagers out at this time at night without adult supervision? So you Mr. John can not blame the parents. Let’s see how your kids turn out if you have any. Even if you do have children I’m sure there are things they did behind your back but simply did not get caught.

By Peri, Lithonia

October 26, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Genarlow Wilson: Please don’t make fools of all us who supported your release. Treasure and embrace your second chance at a productive life. You owe all those supporters who signed those e-mail petitions and rallied at the State Capitol and kept your case in the public eye — I hope you will pay your debt to us by doing something worthwhile with your life.

Congratulations! Put this behind you and move forward. Best wishes!

By t

October 26, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Thank GOD! Thats one for the HOME TEAM!!!

By ab

October 26, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

first off i am glad the man is free, but instead of all of us arguing about if it was the right decision, why don’t we all of us go out and do something positive. nah that is too much work. we would rather fight amongst each other on a blog.

By Becca

October 26, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

ABOUT TIME!!!!!!!!!!

How sick this case is. Imprisoned for being a normal teenager.

The Prosecutor should be disbarred!

By B

October 26, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

While I agree something needed to be to get this young man out of prison, I do not believe that race had much to do with his sentence. I think the prosecutor was following the law as it existed and if it is unfair then we need to blame the legislature for that.

By mojorison

October 26, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

First: I agree, sentence was too harsh for the conviction, because the law was written that way. Not the DA’s fault, they followed the law. Second: Though he was aquitted, the video of the other offense suggests far more guilt that the consensual act for which he was convicted. Third: the black racists here who are screaming victory over the white racists need to examine the system more closely. Those who freed Wilson were, for the most part, white. They were not forced by anyone. Read the decision, they simply followed the law. That is the way a civilized system works. Sometimes it is slow, sometimes laws have to change, but in the long run, it works. Your racist bravado does nothing to advance you or this nation, it only holds us apart…and back.

By DavidLee

October 26, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Anyone wantto start a pool as to how long before this rapist is back in jail again? I give him 6 months …… he will certainly faux pas by then.

Waa Waa …. I’m black, I’m not responsible, I had a poor home life ….. sos

By MrsBanks

October 26, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Thank God…I have been wondering for months now what was taking so long!!!! I am sooo happy for Genarlow, his family and especially his mother! Blessings to him and I pray he goes on to do great things! Too bad there are so few instances where justice actually is color blind…I thank God for that 4th justice who made a terrible wrong…right…FINALLY!

By Jodi

October 26, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Like I said before…Thurbert Baker aka “jacked hairline” is a fool!

By bamw

October 26, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Mr. Cracka - it is sad that you would degrade yourself as such - and your facts are very much misconstrued - this young lady LIED to her mother to go to this party with these young men this same young lady SAID that she was willing in a SOBER moment. So if her act was done during a as you would put it “semi-conscious” state - she was quite sober when she admitted her willing participation in the act itself. IT WAS NOT RAPE!!!! it was two young people doing something they had no business morally. It isn’t a black or white issu - it is an issue of what’s right or wrong - and i am thankful that NONE of you with these predictions have psychic ability - you are only going on your ignorance and wishes - and on that note it is my “predicition” that this young man will go forward with the life he was living as a good student and athlete and head for college - put this behind him and move forward and one day be able by his actions to let all of you wanting him to fail see that unlike you all it didn’t make him bItter it made him bEtter. He isn’t a saint he is just a human being a YOUNG human being who deserves a chance at life - just like the young lady has moved forward with her instead of being convicted with him - he now gets a chance to do the same. I wish that all of you trying to incite hatred in others with your words of ignorance will learn that you are only hurting yourselves your anger affects no one - your ignorance affects no one - you hatred affects no one but you as it consumes you. Smile, get over it, and stop denying that you know this young man didn’t deserve the type of punishment handed down to him.

By hotlanta

October 26, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Alright Just Us. Let’s not forget the Depends diaper wearing female astronaut who drove across country to kidnap/kill that woman. She went to court and WON to get her ankle bracelet taken off because she couldn’t exercise or swim. She could have done upper body exercises and leg lifts on the other leg. Amercia gotta love it. Maybe Wilson friends can have that same arguement and have their ankle bracelets taken off.

By David Lee

October 26, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Becca ………. you say “normal teenager” ……. how ignorant are you? “Normal teenagers” do NOT rape …….. period …..

By ab

October 26, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

to davidlee

really? this is that serious to you?

By Reese

October 26, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

I am estatic. Oh Happy Day! I am glad that the court realizes that injustimce was done to this young man.

By Not Finished

October 26, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Congratulations on your release and Best Wishes for your future, Genalow!!! However, what about the conviction that labels you as a “sex offender”??? What will be done to remove that label??? Will you have to register as a sex offender, etc.??? Now that you are freed, will you continue to fight to remove the stigma???

By bamw

October 26, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

wayne - although i agree with your comment the 15 year old girl was WHITE - that is why you have those who have hatred in their hearts upset and calling it rape because of their color difference

By jc_atl

October 26, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

I’m glad he got out. Consensual sex between two people separated by only one year should not be illegal. This has nothing to do with race, just stupid a*-backwards laws in Georgia.

By TRACE

October 26, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Oh lets not get on the O.J. thing again!! O.J. had the money to pay for a good defense, the kind that could prove reasonable doubt. The kind that could show the forenics team and detectives did a sloppy job. But for every O.J. that goes free (believe me he is the only) there are 20 others that are being convicted for crimes that did not commit, because you all feel someone has to pay for the crime, and you all don’t care who pays. Black moms, let this be a lesson to you, teach your sons not to fool with little white girls, it can cost them more than its worth. And for those of you who are glad this has happend to him, I hope you all don’t live to regret those words. You too could face a nightmare like this, or worse, does the nane Scott Peterson mean anything to you????? Your men would rather kill their spouses and dump them like trash than get a simple divorce….all because he met a new woman, or is too afraid to share the wealth. So don’t every take someone elses tragedy as a joke, you or one of your loved ones could be on the 6:00 news, or the topic of conversation around the water cooler.

By hotlanta

October 26, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

TI has a 3 million dollar bond. He will be released. Just in. White folks start fainting.

By MAWDUKES

October 26, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

It is not only black people that suffer from injustice. Just this week the Freedom Project was able test DNA to prove that a man convicted of rape was not guilty. This man sat in prison for 22 years. This was a white man. It seems like it is not always the color of the skin but it is also the size of the bank account. Justice can be bought.

By bamw

October 26, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Elmo - how can someone feel sorry for a young girl who lied to her mommy snuck out with an overnight bag over indulged on her own free will on alcohol and then performed a sex act with a young man because she wants to - who also said that she was with him willingly - you can’t blame the mother because of her daughter’s actions - she is a mom who trusted her daughter that she would be staying at her friend’s house - she didn’t know that her child would make national news - this is also the same young lady you see as so innocent and is now 18 and the mother of a two year old - which means she continued to do what she got caught doing only she went further obviously with a different young man - she wasn’t a victim and we can’t portray her as one.

By ELLE

October 26, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

DavidLee - faux pas: a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an embarrassing social blunder or indiscretion.

* It seems based on your comments, this is what Y-O-U are guilty of. *

According to published reports, this young man made good grades in school; he was an athlete and by all accounts a good kid.

He made a stupid decision on the night in question… but so have most others as a teen.

So… what do you base your bet on?

By southfulton

October 26, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

This has nothing to do about race. I’m just glad justice was finally served for this young man. Do you know much it costs to keep young people in PRISON for crazy stuff like this. And you do realize that he could now be a criminal because we put a child in a grown man’s prison and exposed him to real criminals.

By greg

October 26, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

To “Ms. Black” - why on earth do you think the “white” man is trying to keep the “black” man down? I am a white man that takes exception to that comment. Nobody is trying to keep you or any other person “down”. This is not 1960 and there are no “Jim Crow” laws. I want every American to prosper, no matter what color they are. I want criminals punished, no matter what color they are. Why we are on that subject, why is it that every time a famous black person gets in trouble with the law, there is always a large group of black people throwing blind support and accuse racism. You dont see white people standing up for criminals on the basis of skin color. And while we are at it, am I being a racist right now? If Brett Favre or Carson Palmer was arrested for dog fighting (which I consider disgusting) you would not see me in their corner because they are white. Scumbags are scumbags, no matter what color they are.

By GaLiberal

October 26, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

This issue isn’t about black and white but about justice. This kid was excessively prosecuted which has become a trend with Rethuglicon prosecutors in this state. What was once a harmless prank like opening a few fire hydrants now gets you charged with felony tampering with a public utility. Hard time for a harmless prank. Go for the big splash and show everyone that you’re tough on crime. Following 9/11, a rash of new laws passed to protect us against them evil terrorists has given them even more tools with which to abuse someone. It’s gotten so bad that cops can make up new laws just by saying something. Look no further than the Oxford professor that was handcuffed and thrown in the lockup because he didn’t obey an officers verbal instructions. No crime was committed that warranted arrest and it was another embarrassment for Atlanta. Cops and prosecutors have taken on the mantel of protector of our way of life against all threats (terrorist, horny teenagers, and liberal jaywalking Oxford professors just to name three); not just enforcing the laws.

Of course, they aren’t completely to blame. A group of narrow-minded racist, xenophobic, homophobic people have convinced voters to elect Rethuglicons to run the state. And they have run it right into the ground. They have enacted draconian laws to put anyone that dares step out of their view of the world in prison for a very long time. This kid is a glaring example. The sex offender registry and residence and work restrictions are another. Such measures should only be used for people that are a continued significant threat, not for one-time indiscretions or lapses in judgment. Of course these Rethuglicon either ignore this concept or don’t understand it. After all, they’re not affected by the laws they pass. I fully expect them to pass a law that forbids the Georgia Supreme Court from determining what is cruel and unusual punishment. Like any good fascists they don’t want to be restricted by such nonsense.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And the sex offender registry law is living proof.

By Andy Smith

October 26, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Todd, So just because it was the law that means that he should have spent 10 years in prison ? Just because it’s the law doesn mean the law is right. Didn’t there used to be a law banning women and blacks from voting ? It’s absolutely absurd that it would even be illegal for a 15 and 17 year old to engage in consensual sex. My great grandparents were married when they were 14 and 18 and they were married for over 60 years. It’s funny how our society treats teenagers like babies these days. They may be teenagers but they know right from wrong, regardless of what the law says. I’m just afraid this young man will be permanently damaged for what he has had to endure. I don’t see this as justice at all, because if justice had prevailed, he would have never went to jail in the first place.

By michelle

October 26, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

it’s really funny to see everyone screaming “race” and “racist” when the DA was BLACK.

and to quote kathy griffin, “no one had less to do with this [ruling]than Jesus.” honestly, thanking god…? LMAO

By RxDawg

October 26, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

There are some really disturbing people on this blog…..I’ll just chalk this one up to being anonymous and trying to stir up lots of trouble.

By david lee

October 26, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Elle . let’s not forget the other incident this “normal teenager” was involved in. The jury did not find enough evidence to convict, but then he gets more bold and this time he gets caught, stupid mistake or not, and then the whole world cries and moans because his sentence was too harsh. The sentence he got was the prescribed punishment for the crime he was convicted of ……… fair or not. I will be patient because I do not believe we have heard the last from Mr. Wilson ……. the poor, “normal teenager”.

By Bonita

October 26, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Who says prayer doesn’t answer things? This young man has been on my mind and in my prayers consistently. I’m so grateful for answered prayers. THERE IS A GOD!

PRAYIN’ WOMEN IN GREENVILLE, SC

By Bethany Carberry

October 26, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

I almost cried for joy when I heard about the ruling. Seriously, thank God for justice. To you “Christians” here who think that he should still be in prison—you make me ill. You should be ashamed of the way you represent a compassionate, gracious, loving, and most of all just God. You should also pray that he NEVER treats you as your sins deserve, or judges you with the measure with which you have judged others.

To the racist b******* white and black—this case represents a victory for justice. Genarlow was in prison because of obscenely unjust laws, and he has been released because people in a position of power had the common sense to see that.

I’m thankful for Genarlow because he has finally experienced victory that thousands of Americans, of every ethnicity, lose every day. I am a white woman and my black fiance is currently serving a three year mandatory minimum sentence in the Commonwealth of Virginia because he made a mistake. I know racism and I know injustice. I know that he is in prison because of lies perpetrated by others, and because the laws of many states leave no room for judges to determine just sentencing based on things like context and background.

I do not allow the ignorant, insipid, evil words that I have read from some here to ruin the sense of elation I have today.
I was beginning to think that America had forgotten what justice was, but this proves that all is not yet lost.

By CDS

October 26, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Thank god! This kid will finally be able to get on with his life. I still hate the fact that this guy had to spend time in prison for having consensual sex. But that’s the Georgia Government for you.

By Arthur Bailey

October 26, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

This is a great day, but now we need to mobilize and vote. Thurbert Baker has to be voted out, and so has that DA who put Genarlow in prison. There has to be consequences for these DAs who target our children. If the Duke lacrosse DA can be disbarred and go to jail the same should be for McDade! VOTE PEOPLE VOTE!

By Jarvis T. Breadcrumbs

October 26, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

And GaLiberal you would probably be the first person to blame the Republicans if and when a future terrorist attack happens because they did not do enough to prevent it. Go buy some decaf.

By Chris

October 26, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Its about time. That young man spent too way too long in jail for a crime that just about all of us are guilty of. How many of you here today reading this had sex before you were 18. I did, does that make me a criminal. Our laws are out of control and need to be moved back within a realm of reason. Zero tolerance is a joke and needs to be a thing of the past. Only common sense and blind justice should rule the law, not mandatory sentences and the ability of the legislator to never admit they make mistakes. The state of Georgia should give him a college scholership, pay him for his time, and beg for his forgivness for what our state did. It is a sad thing, a sad day, when a judge cannot impose a proper sentence because the law restricts him or the jury for that matter.

By european view

October 26, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

To say that America in genaral and Georgia specifically is “BACKWARDS” is an epic understatement. No reasonable peaple do such things to their neighbors’ and countrymen’s sons, unless they harbor underlying hatred, and inexplicable stupidity. The matter should have been handled by the kids’ parents and CASE CLOSED!As I am reading the comments and see that several persons ACTUALLY call the poor kid “rapist”, I am reminded that these MUST BE same people who readily believed when W. & Chaney insinuated that Saddam was involved with 9/11 (and they probably still do!). Sad, isn’t it? Who are these people? Just hope they all die soon of some horrible death.

By Gumz

October 26, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Hey everybody, let’s get rid of the consensual sex and underage sex and all of the sex laws pertaining to age. That way we can have even more neglected, fatherless babies out of wed lock that become wards of the state.

By Whewre ar ehis parents?

October 26, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

To Kim…you are right and I apologize for my mistake mixing up the two separate cases of youth indiscretion. However, where is his father?

I think I may be right on that part…do you agree? An entire generation of black men being bred into a permanent underclass. So very sad.

A doomed race that could not overcome the hurdles that Irish, Italian, Japanese, and Jewish immigrants overcame.

“We shall overcome?” Hardly, with thug culture, government dependence, and a slave mentality to the Democratic party that has DESTROYED all hope and exploited the black sense of victimization.

So sad.

By loanman

October 26, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

It is so sad that it took this case for us to realize how important it is to vote for judges in Georgia. Genarlow was freed by the slimmest of margins, and we must register and vote like never before for all offices, including Attorney General.

Second, we must make poeple respect our MONEY! Rarely, does America do somthing becasue it the right thing to do. Without economic unity, we are just making noise.

MONEY decides who is right, and wrong in America.

By dave

October 26, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

It is scary reading some of the comments in this discussion about this case. The fact that he even served 2-3 years in jail is a travesty. Some of the comments lamented the stereotype of Georgia being backwards. Well, my opinion of Georgia is just being reinforced after reading some of the ludicrous comments being posted.

By Bethany Carberry

October 26, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Also, for those of you who are interested in the execution of justice, PLEASE start paying attention to the case going on in New Mexico! Two American border guards have been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting a Mexican drug trafficker in the butt. George W. Bush, who recently commuted Scooter Libby’s two year sentence. Can we get some justice there?

By DwayneL

October 26, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

By It’s about TIME

Am I missing something here….the Attorney General that was fighting his release is black!

By Black Man

October 26, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Why are we as black people responding to these racist, idiotic, & foolish comments? To Bible says to argue with a fool makes you look foolish. I mean how do we expect someone whose a racist inbred to be of a fair mindset. Throughout history, these kind of people have displayed that they don’t know the meaning of fair or truth.

By DwayneL

October 26, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

GALiberal is a total idiot!

By Rich

October 26, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

I did not read all the comments but I only saw one out of literally hundreds that was negative. His being in jail was a travesty of justice. The law Might have been served jut justice was not. Somehow the actions of Uncle Sonny the Dimwith DA and their bait hooking boy Therbert need to be kept fresh in the eye of the public so if they ever run for a public office we can make sure they are not elected. Two redneck and an uncle tom Get rid of them.

God bless that kid his family and his supporters had he taken the plea he would have been screwed had he stayed in jail we were all screwed.

By GT96

October 26, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

I give it about 3 years and he will be back in jail for some other crime.