Frustrated -- how can we MAKE the media be honest about Iraq casualties?

[Sagan]

The media is all over the place regarding U.S. casualties in Iraq. Some are only reporting what the Pentagon is referring to as combat casualties. Some are only quoting casualties since 5/1. Some are only quoting "hostile action" casualties since 5/1.

NONE are giving a true tally. In the AP story posted in LBN,they quote a casualty number of 50! It's 300! And why are they trusting what the Pentagon says about casualties?

It seems that the Reich-wing has won the "conventional wisdom" battle over how casualties are reported. Hell, they seem to be going in reverse. Are our guys popping back to life?

[DuctapeFatwa]

1. They are just doing what they're told

The media has already had enough casualties. It's not realistic to expect them to defy the regime and get more!

[depakid]

2. No one in the media will ever give you the true figures-

Which are quite simply these-

How many people who left for Iraq are not coming back (for whatever reason); and

How many people are coming backed maimed for life (for whatever reason).

If you are a loved one, family member or friend, bullshit distinctions like "non-combat related" mean absolutely nothing.

[Minstrel Boy]

3. Combat/non-combat casualty distinctions

weren't made in Vietnam. If they had been, how many of the 50,000+ names would need erasure from the memorial wall?