The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Alex]

And here's another logical flaw I'm starting to see pop up in the reporting. Admittedly this is from a blog but I've seen it elsewhere this morning:

Now, as if to show off to the world just how awash it is in cash, ExxonMobil, the fattest of the fat has awarded its former CEO a retirement package worth four-hundred million dollars...

...Exxon’s generosity towards Mr Raymond is not limited to his platinum parachute. His 2005 compensation package was worth just over fifty-one million dollars

So not only is the $51 million included in the $400 million it is then highlighted to show just how out of line his compensation was for his last year of employment. This, of courses, counts the $51 million twice. It also fails to note that 70% of the $51 million is from compensation given in previous years and not compensation awarded in 2005.