little example of news bias

[Joe]

CNN reported on the protests in DC yesterday like this:

160 arrested as thousands march against Iraq war in Washington

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/15/iraqwar.protest.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

towards the bottom of the article they admit that there were certainly 10s of thousands and that protest organisers put the total at over 100,000, so why would they use "thousands" for the title? mean, it is not even technically correct because "thousands" suggests single figure thousands, rather than several tens of thousands. Of course, they would probably claim that they did say later in the article that there were more, but they also know that it is the headlines that stick in the average, pushed-for-time, reader's mind.

Basically leaving aside the legalistic nitpicking and paramoralistic technicalities, the actual truth of the matter is that CNN was deliberately distorting information in such a way as to support the agenda of the US government and their corporate cronies.

Just thought I'd highlight the subtle nature of media disinformation.

Joe

 

[Mr. Premise]

They also always mention the "counterdemonstrations" of pro-war types. In this case they say there were 1000 pro-war demonstrators. So if the anti-war demo had "thousands" and the pro-war one had one thousand they can equate the two.

 

[Miss Isness]

So glad I'm not the only one who noticed. This is an old, and commonly used tactic. I found myself feeling rather perturbed by it. How they love to create the 'reality' of minimal dissent by befuddling our minds with contradictory statements in little more than a single breath. Is it any wonder a large percentage of the population simply doesn't think anymore?

 

[sHiZo963]

Yes, and notice the tone in which the article refers to the two 'sides' of protesters.

On the one hand, the focus is on the ARREST of the anti-war protesters and the illegal things that a HANDFUL (out of 100,000!) of them did.

Then, towards the end of the article you get this:

About 13 blocks away, nearly 1,000 counterprotesters gathered near the Washington Monument, frequently erupting in chants of "U-S-A" and waving American flags.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert "Buzz" Patterson, speaking from a stage to crowds clad in camouflage, American flag bandanas and Harley Davidson jackets, said he wanted to send three messages.

"Congress, quit playing games with our troops. Terrorists, we will find you and kill you," he said. "And to our troops, we're here for you, and we support you."

Which of course makes it seem like that the pro-war protesters were the PEACEFUL and PATRIOTIC ones - not like those 'crazy' anti-war outcasts. And, what a way to end the article: "we support our troops!," attributed - of course - to the pro-war counterprotesters.

 

[domi]

"Congress, quit playing games with our troops. Terrorists, we will find you and kill you," he said. "And to our troops, we're here for you, and we support you."

How long before these brainwashed sods will be killing their own people? Death is palpable in the words above.

 

[GRiM]

The biggest news-paper in Sweden writes:

_http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article788170.ab

"6000 personer tågade från Vita huset till kongressen" translates to "6000 people matched from the White house to congress"
"197 gripna" --> "197 arrested"

 

[baklavatsky]

Vicious zionist Alan Dershowitz does the same thing (dropping the number by the thousand as disinfo technique) in one of his book, as exposed by Norman Finkelstein in this tv debate:
_http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-1899267555870962994
_http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=247803848714490692

 

[Nienna]

How long before these brainwashed sods will be killing their own people? Death is palpable in the words above.

I have often wondered the same. Then, I realized that they have all of those contractors (mercenaries) just waiting off stage to use if need be. And they are much more frightening to consider. Basic military types might think twice about shooting their own countrymen, but mercenaries are in it for the money (and some just for the killing). They kill who they are told to kill. No sweat off of their brow. It all pays the same.

 

[Anders]

The above article by CNN is quoting AP as it's source. Not that there is any difference between their affiliation. The AP article on the AP site only has the number of arrested in their headline.

Another example of deliberate manipulation of numbers comes today in this article from AP

http://www.signs-of-the-times.org/articles/show/139966-Security+contractors+open+fire+on+Iraqi+civilians+killing+at+least+9+and+wounding+18

There are tens of thousands of private security contractors, including many Americans and Britons, operating in Iraq to offer protection for Westerners and dignitaries as the country has plummeted toward anarchy and civil war.

The real number of hired guns is 180,000+ according to the State and Defence department figures from July. There is a big jump from tens of thousands to 180,000+, IMO.

 

[NormaRegula]

The real number of hired guns is 180,000+ according to the State and Defence department figures from July. There is a big jump from tens of thousands to 180,000+, IMO.

How lovely. 180,000 killers getting hands on experience in Iraq for the days to come, where ever they are needed. Wonder if those patriotic persons hissing at the protestors while waving their flags in support of more death, destruction, and misery will cheer on the Blackwater Boys when they come to their neighborhood like they did in New Orleans?

That Blackwater vid posted earlier today was chilling. http://www.signs-of-the-times.org/articles/show/139991-Blackwater%3A+Bush%27s+Private+Shadow+Army

 

[Anders]

Again today another manipulation of numbers. This time in The Nation

There are thousands of private mercenaries operating on behalf of the US in Iraq and elsewhere around the world.

As mentioned above, the number for Iraq alone is 180,000+ !