Watch out for news you're being fed

To the editor:

The Southeast Missourian ran an Associated Press story on the front page Friday that is a great example of the news we're fed today. The headline reads, "Court papers: Bush, Cheney behind CIA leak." This isn't at all critical of our local paper that many of us rely on for great local news and sports, although the grocery coupon program could use a lift. And kudos for the editors trying to give us some balance. That's hard to do these days. So, when is a "leak of classified information" not? It's when the president declassifies and authorizes it.

Why is this still a story? Lord knows. Because the AP wants it to be. This information was available in the National Intelligence Estimate which was being disseminated at the time this information was shared with a reporter. And what was the motivation? To try and counter the damaging claims of Joseph Wilson whose since proven misrepresentations were damaging the war effort. Yes, the president authorized the feeding of accurate information to the press. And what did the special prosecutor think of this testimony? Absolutely nothing. Warning, be very careful what you read.

RANDY DUNN, Oak Ridge