misleading language

[symbioidlj]

" Their deaths brought to 34 the number of American soldiers who have died in Iraq this month as resistance escalated during the holy fasting month of Ramadan."

Now, here's the little trick in the phrasing. "This month"

When I read an article yesterday it said something like 32 had died this past week. And I saw this month, and was a bit confused... I thought 32 died in the past week alone, surely more than 2 died beyond that.

Ah, but it didn't say "past month" THIS month. ie: November. By saying "this month" the implication is 30 days, not 8 days(as is the case) So the american troop deaths are minimized.

Shouldn't the troops be a bit pissed off about that? It trivializes the actual quantities.

Comments

[sati.livejournal.com]

My impression from 'this month' would be that thus far in November that is the number. Otherwise, I'd imagine it'd say something like 'in the past 30 days' or something. Just my opinion.