Lessons in Fabrications

Former White House spokesman Larry Speakes made some poor decisions when serving under President Reagan, but let’s not forget the media that encouraged Speakes’ fabricated quotes attributed to the President.

Howard Rosenberg’s argument that Speakes’ fabrications were silently questioned by reporters, but used anyway “because they made good copy,” reminds us that bland but factual statements are unintentionally discouraged by reporters who are in search of both readable and memorable copy (“Keeping the Image Intact,” April 20).

Speakes’ revelations are a godsend for all who pitch and report.

GREGORY T. JONES

Director of School Affairs

Dunn School

Los Olivos