Being skeptical means having a "show me" attitude; It does not mean refusing to believe facts that are as plain as day

When casualties are up, that's news

writes Benjamin Duffy.

When casualties plummet precipitously, reporters stand around waiting for a "trend" to develop.

…Yes, it must have been excruciating listening to a retired general testify about positive trends in Iraq. … Yes, and we wouldn't want good news leaked to the media.