1 versus 37 - or is it 485? MSM Misleading with Fatality Numbers

[K Gardner]

I've been trying to follow the coverage closely this morning on MSNBC/CNN. What I keep seeing in the banner headline is "ONE Israeli Soldier Killed".

If they mention Palestinian casualties at all, they're using the number "37", but if you can see the fine print, those are "ground incursion" casualty numbers. If one continues watching the scroll, every now and then "485 killed in past week" will appear briefly on the screen.

So, anyone who isn't watching closely or reading coverage on the internet.. well, you get the picture.

[ohio2007]

1. thats what happens when MSM does body counts

Documented civilian deaths from violence

90,253 – 98,521


http://www.iraqbodycount.org/graphs/timeline.php

http://icasualties.org/oif/RadControls/Chart/Image

[stillcool]

2. the government is real good..

at providing statistics. Of the very little that is reported by the United States media, I believe nothing. No reports of any deaths as a result of 'pounding' Iraq with air strikes


U.S. warplanes pound Baghdad's southern outskirts
By Peter Graff Reuters
Published: January 10, 2008

BAGHDAD: U.S. warplanes launched their biggest air strike in Iraq since at least 2006 on Thursday, bombarding date palm groves on Baghdad's southern outskirts with more than 40,000 pounds of bombs in a matter of minutes
--------------
"Thirty-eight bombs were dropped within the first 10 minutes, with a total tonnage of 40,000 pounds," the military said in a statement. "Each bomber passed over twice and the F-16s followed to complete the set."
http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/01/10/africa/OUKWD-UK-IRAQ.php?page=2

[The Magistrate]

3. There is Some Point, Ma'am, To Distinguishing Between The Two Sets Of Figures

The casualties in ground fighting between the two armed forces are something different.

A wrong impression of the course and intensity of the infantry engagements would be given if all totals were simply reported in a lump.