How can a citizen know that what he reads, sees and hears from the media is accurate and fair? That's the question triggered by Hiroaki Sato's Aug. 30 article, "Media connivance in walking the dogs of war."

What, indeed, do we learn from previous events? That past errors will be repeated with variations and a different cast appears to be the answer. Can the media be bold and print and broadcast blunt facts without fear of reprisal from governmental bodies? Can the fourth estate be depended on to present the truth even when raw power is pounding at its door?

Mendacity in high places and lack of journalistic courage made the invasion of Iraq possible. Sato's article suggests that the media are accomplices in promoting folly. How can we citizens act properly when the information we receive may be suspect?

michael g. driver