Americans Killed in 2004, More Than in 2003, in Iraq

On Gadflyer, Thomas F. Schaller observes
that the number of Americans killed in Iraq in 2004 now exceeds the 482 killed in 2003.

2004 Iraq fatalities eclipse 2003
Thomas F. Schaller (6:06PM) link

It happened this week almost without notice: The number of Americans killed in Iraq during 2004 now exceeds the number killed in 2003.

More remarkably, the 488 killed thus far this year died in just 239 days (2.04 daily average), while the 482 killed last year died during 287 days in 2003 (1.68 daily average).  That means that not only has 2004 been bloodier than 2003 in absolute terms, but in relative terms as well.

Is this progress?  Is this stability and safety?

Now, here’s the question I really want to ask:  How long will it take the media to report this indisputable fact?  I mean, can they take even five minutes time from the latest, breathless Swift Boat twist to report the fact that more Americans have died in Iraq this year than last?

(Cross-posted on DailyKos.com