Bad publicity

How horrifying it was to read the Aug. 3 front page of the Review-journal. A day prior, the paper reported that four professional young men from California were accused of gang rape in Las Vegas. Their pictures were published, and they were identified by name for hundreds of thousands of readers. Then, on Aug. 3, we read that indisputable evidence reveals the charges have been seriously challenged, and the men have been released without bail. On to the courts.

That same day, we also read an RJ editorial criticizing the guilty-until-proven-innocent approach inherent in civil forfeiture. In the meantime, four young dentists must return home, their reputations tarnished and their careers and current lifestyles in jeopardy.

I realize that “innocent until proven guilty” refers to our court system. And the measure of guilt in the Las Vegas assault story remains