Neil Richards: Why Pravda.Ru didn't learn from that mistake?

It is to Pravda.Ru's credit that they have apologized to their readers for publishing Irina Malenko's so-called article ASSOCIATION OF JOURNALISTS OF PALESTINE BLAMES CNN. This is the second time this particular correspondent has passed along an urban legend originating from the terrorist attacks in America as hard news, the first being that 4000 Jews didn't show up for work on September 11 at the World Trade Center. That first sorry excuse for an article was rightfully yanked soon after it appeared. And I am left to wonder why Pravda.Ru didn't learn from that mistake and allowed this correspondent to present YET ANOTHER urban legend as news, one that has long since been debunked as a politically-motivated hoax. These incidents seriously damage Pravda.Ru's credibility. The apology lets readers know that there is at least someone on the staff at Pravda.Ru that recognizes that fact. But it would be far better if Pravda.Ru would reject these sham articles to begin with and leave them on the cutting room floor where they belong. Neil Richards Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA