Did I just hear Peter Jennings say "577 Americans have been killed in Iraq

[DAGDA56]

...since the war began." Five hundred and seventy-seven? I am sure that is the number he gave. I am also sure he's about 200 short. Even if there were some weasel words, is ABC trying to lower the death toll?

[Kira]

1. Was he talking about

the soldiers who were killed in "combat" ? Sometimes they do that and leaves out the 200 or so who were killed in "non fighting" situations. It is a ridiculous point. It is all the same. I hate when they do that. I didn't hear him but that is my guess.

[DAGDA56]

2. As a matter of fact, I think he DID use the phrase "in combat"

...weasle words...but it is the kind of thing people may latch on to...does 577 somehow sound better than nearly 800? I don't know anymore.

[booksenkatz]

3. Just parsing, that's all

I'm sure that he meant to say "577 Americans whose surnames start with the letter 'M' and who were born on a Thursday in mid-January have been killed in Iraq." They'll continue pigeonholing the deaths as needed to keep the numbers low.

[kixot]

4. In combat.

As in those who did not make it off the battlefield alive. Those that were only to die of their wounds later in the med units aren't included in those numbers.

Pretty sick way to fudge numbers, if you ask me.

[Kira]

5. They all make me sick.

CNN had two smear pieces on Kerry yesterday, one linking him to Nixon and one saying no one who is like him, likes him. Today they had a segment called "Kerry what is he trying to prove" in connection with him voting today. They all take their marching orders from the WH. I really wish I could meet someone from the press to ask them how they feel knowing the truth but putting out such lies.