Pubdate: Thu, 19 Jun 2003 Source: Amarillo Globe-News (TX) Copyright: 2003 Amarillo Globe-News Contact: http://amarillonet.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/13 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/tulia.htm (Tulia, Texas) A SECOND CHANCE IS RARE OPPORTUNITY Tulia Sting Victims Gain Freedom They walked out of the Swisher County Courthouse into a throng of media, family members and friends - free for the first time in four years. For 12 of the 46 people arrested in the July 1999 Tulia drug sting, freedom finally arrived Monday. More than freedom, the joyful reunion is the first step in a rare opportunity to rebuild their lives. These dozen people, who have experiences few can relate to, now have a second chance that should not be taken for granted. Many people worked tirelessly to obtain this freedom, from community members who kept the controversy in the national spotlight to attorneys who traversed through the complex legal system in what appeared to be a futile gesture. They deserve credit for fighting a battle many deemed impossible. The aftermath of the Tulia drug sting spawned issues of race, fairness and justice, issues still to be resolved. In simpler terms, law enforcement must address how it does its job, such as the use of audiotape or videotape in future sting operations. Evidence of this sort could have prevented a national soap opera, and more importantly, ensured that justice was served. It will take time for the innocent to regain what they lost and for the justice system to heal from the black eye it has received. Contrary to the remarks by Amarillo attorney Jeff Blackburn, who represents many of those convicted and freed, we are not surprised that the courthouse did not crumble from the weight of justice it had never seen before. As we said previously, a tape - either audio or video - would have been all that was needed to remove all doubt of innocence or guilt. A labeling of the entire justice system because of the Tulia fiasco seems a broad assumption and similar to the lack of logic on behalf of law enforcement who put their trust solely on the word of a tainted undercover officer who now faces justice himself. The wheels of justice have been grinding slowly in Tulia, and some might argue they came to a complete stop. What matters now is that those who have a second chance at freedom realize the responsibility they face. "Your family and loved ones are counting on you," said retired state District Judge Ron Chapman, who ruled the convictions be overturned following an evidentiary hearing. What happened Monday was truly remarkable. It is not often people get a second chance in life, much less the freedom to enjoy it. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake