Laura *'s take on Newsweek retraction [View All]

[paineinthearse]

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/20/politics/20newsweek.html

Meanwhile, Laura Bush, the first lady, added her voice to White House criticism of Newsweek for its report on the Koran. "I am glad that they retracted it," Mrs. Bush told Fox News Channel. "But I think it's really important for America to be able to get over to people in the Middle East what we are really like, and that freedom of religion and respect for other people's religion is a very, very important part of our country."

Asked whether Newsweek needed to do anything else about its error, she replied: "Well, sure. I mean, I think that they can let people know that it was a mistake, try to get the word out, but I think we all need to get that word out."

Ken Weine, a spokesman for Newsweek, said the magazine had no comment on Mrs. Bush's remarks. He also said the magazine's editor in chief, Richard Smith, would be writing a letter to readers to address the editorial principles that guide Newsweek and its use of sources.