From my Sunday column in the Athens Banner-Herald ...

Imagine the worst.

And now, in the middle of that trying and sensitive situation, imagine that the state of Georgia is labeling her a criminal.

Imagine what you would do.

Imagine your 12-year-old daughter has been kidnapped and, when she's finally found, she's been forced into a child prostitution ring. Imagine that she's kept in a drug-induced haze and raped repeatedly. Imagine the horror, grief and shock that would overwhelm you and your family as you dealt with that situation, and the work you'd be eager to do to heal your daughter.

And now, in the middle of that trying and sensitive situation, imagine that the state of Georgia is labeling her a criminal.

Imagine what you would do.