On the home page of the NY Times internet site is a perfect example of the liberal media's use of the word "but" to offset any news that would seem to contradict their beliefs, and more specifically any good news having to do with Iraq.

The story at the top of the page has this headline and subheading:

Shiite Faction Ready to Shun Sunday's Election in Iraq

A radical cleric's refusal to endorse the election foreshadowed a less than overwhelming voter turnout in Iraq.

The second story on the page reads as follows:

For Iraqi Expatriates in the U.S., a Chance to Savor the Vote

But even as they exulted in the opportunity to vote, many expatriates expressed deep fears about Sunday's vote in Iraq.

Why doesn't the negative article at the top of the page say "But, according to recent polls 80% of Iraqis expressed the likelihood that they will vote"? This is something that is bubbling up in the right-wing blogosphere as a liberal cliche.

UPDATE: I swear I didn't see this post before I wrote my post above:

OUT DAMNED BUT