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Who's Presuming Who?

To the Editor:

In his letter in the Aug. 29 issue, William McKechnie criticized me for not asserting the presumption of innocence for Police Officer Patrick Pogan, shown in a YouTube video attacking bicyclist Christopher Long on July 25. My letter addressed Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Lynch's assertion that the YouTube video clearly displayed reckless and aggressive behavior on the part of the bicyclist (whom Mr. Lynch referred to as "the perp," rather than "the presumptively innocent alleged perp" that Mr. McKechnie apparently prefers).

I saw the video quite differently than Mr. Lynch did. Mr. McKechnie seems to have seen it differently as well, writing that it "is awfully damning" and "that, on its face, it is troubling".

Neither Mr. Lynch nor Mr. McKechnie nor I saw any more of the incident than the "snippet" that was available to watch on YouTube, so Mr. McKechnie's boxing analogy misses the mark. I didn't watch rounds 1 to 8 because they weren't on the video. However, I ride a bike, and I think I know the difference between trying to swerve out of someone's way and trying to plow into someone.

Of course, if Officer Pogan is indicted, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence. That is the basis of our legal system, and I am happy to state it. Suggesting that Officer Pogan ought to be prosecuted does not imply that he is not presumed innocent. I would be very satisfied to leave it up to a jury to decide that question.

In the meantime, readers can form their own opinions by viewing the video with the URL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3C1ExDPjqA.

ELLEN BITKOWER, Computer Specialist, Department of Sanitation