December 12, 2005
REALISM MEANS ALWAYS BEING SURPRISED BY REALITY:
Degrees of optimism in Iraq: The latest survey of opinion in Iraq shows a degree of optimism at variance with the usual depiction of the country as one in total chaos. (Paul Reynolds, 12/12/05, BBC News)
The figures will provide evidence for supporters of the invasion and occupation to argue that the international media have got it wrong - that, despite everything, most Iraqis are wedded to a democratic future in a unified state and have faith it will come.The findings are in line with the kind of arguments currently being deployed by President George W Bush.
Ever get the feeling the MSM is surprised when the sun comes up in the morning? Posted by Orrin Judd at December 12, 2005 8:02 AM
They're probably more surprised that it keeps coming up in the east.
Posted by: AllenS at December 12, 2005 9:09 AM> "a degree of optimism at variance with the usual depiction of the country"
Is that what's called "British understatement"?
Only during Republican administrations.
Posted by: Rick T. at December 12, 2005 10:04 AMnot only are they surprised when it comes up, but :
1. they blame bush for it going down each night
2. predict it won't come up again
Of course, the reality-based community is often surprised by reality as well.
Posted by: kevin whited at December 12, 2005 2:16 PMI saw at work today that one of the MSM networks ran a story on this poll where they prefaced every statement with "In spite of..." or its equivalent.
It went like this:
"In spite of the continuing violence that continues to besiege Iraq, majorities of those polled expressed optimism about the future."
"Despite the lack of jobs and food shortages that continue to plague Iraq, most Iraqis claim to feel materially secure."
And so forth.
I hardly bother getting irritated at these people anymore -- they provide comic relief by the bucketload.
Posted by: Matt Murphy at December 12, 2005 9:09 PM