So, today there were 160 people killed in Iraq. Did you miss that? You may have if you live in the US.

A quick scan of the major US news sites (CNN, MSNBC, Fox) provides some sad results. The 160 dead Iraqis are barely qualifying as “front page news,” rather are being shown after multiple stories about the Virginia Tech killings. Stories about the killer stalking people in the past, memorial services, etc.

I’m not saying any of this is wrong, per se, but it’s still sad. Let’s put things into perspective. 160 people killed TODAY are less news worthy than gorging on analysis about 33 people killed 2 DAYS AGO.

It’s sad that US news media thinks these 160 deaths are less news worthy than 33 deaths 2 days ago. Either Iraqis are worth less than Americans, or Iraqi deaths are so commonplace that they no longer warrant front-page news.

Had these happened on the same day I could understand this prioritization because the American deaths are “closer to home.” But, the unending media overanalysis is unnecessary.

Also, for some more perspective just remember what the Iraqis are going through. An equivalent to the Virginia Tech incident happens every day in Iraq. The death toll of civilians is now at least 60,000 Iraq Body Count.

P.S. – Note that both the CBC and BBC had the 160 dead Iraqis as their top story at this time.