Christopher Auld: >However, also note the first statement in the piece is "the more men drink, the more they make." Perhaps Michael and others on this list correctly, as second nature, interpret that without the causal inference, but that isn't likely what the reporter meant<
As a former reporter, I can understand your response to that, and you're probably right. But, if forced to be charitable, I would point out that there is a fair amount of pressure to write zingy copy, and a reporter thus inclined might a) understand that the direction of causality is as you say and c) write it as this reporter did [and b) assume all too readily that his readers will understand he's deploying a swell sense of humor]. >and it certainly isn't how it's interpreted widely -- I illustrate with the following radio show No fair. You were talking about journalists, and now you're talking about radio show hosts. <g> Michael Michael E. Etchison Texas Wholesale Power Report MLE Consulting www.mleconsulting.com 1423 Jackson Road Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) 895-4005
