If you haven’t already, see the ePluribus Media Journal for the full column White House Numbers Raise Questions, again by BarbinMD, contributions by Biblio, Kfred, Standingup, and editing by Sue in KY.
Following the lead of a reporter at the press conference, BarbinMD digs beneath the numbers to see what is a plot, when is a plot, and how are the plots “counted.”
During Bush’s “major” and “unprecedented” speech Thursday, he made this claim:
Overall, the United States and our partners have disrupted at least 10 serious Al Qaida terrorist plots since September the 11th, including three al Qaida plots to attack inside the United States. We’ve stopped at least five more al Qaida efforts to case targets in the United States or infiltrate operatives into our country.
During yesterday’s White House press briefing, Scott McClellan was asked for specifics about the 10 plots that were “disrupted.” He mentioned José Padilla and Iyman Faris and said that the other eight were still classified.
More tidbits below the fold:
BarbinMD goes on with her exploration:
Three days later, The Washington Post ran an article with the headline, “U.S. Campaign Produces Few Convictions on Terrorism Charges,” that thoroughly debunked Bush’s claim.
[…]
Two hundred terrorist convictions, 10 plots uncovered. We know that first claim was a lie; are the others lies as well? Given Bush’s propensity to make false claims of success in his war on terror, one wonders.
This recap of the ePMEdia Journal piece is cross posted as a discussion thread on ePluribus Media Community
Read the whole thing and tell us what you think: shell game, obfuscation, or just plain old confusion?
