In “Katrina’s rumor mill” (BDN, Oct. 7), columnist Anne Applebaum theorizes on why the mainstream media failed to adequately scrutinize the many fabricated, fanciful reports of post-flood barbarism and savagery in New Orleans. First, anyone who suggests, as Applebaum does, that the retelling of any of these horrific tall tales on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” authenticates them in some way, is sadly mistaken. Winfrey is undoubtedly an entertainer, a pioneer and an entrepreneur,but she is clearly not a credible news source or arbiter of news.

Perhaps Applebaum should just tell the truth: The media failed to do their jobs in cross-checking some sensational and gruesome stories in New Orleans. But there’s plenty of blame to go around. The failure of government at all levels in meeting the challenge of Katrina was both spectacular and sickening as thousands who were unable or unwilling to prepare for the storm desperately roamed New Orleans’ flooded streets for days looking for food, drinking water and help that arrived too late.

To be sure, there was real violence and looting. But neither the government, the media nor the public will learn the lessons of Katrina if an honest assessment is lost amidst a sea of finger- pointing and shoulder shrugging.

David D. Wilson

Levant