BENCHMARKS

The new word for the nation’s Iraq policy is “benchmarks.” We’re going to establish some benchmarks for the Iraqi government and armed forces to meet, although there won’t be any penalty if the benchmarks are not met. But perhaps we need some benchmarks of our own. Here are some suggestions for our nation and its leaders.

1. The President admits that the war in Iraq has been a colossal blunder.

2. The Vice President admits that we weren’t greeted with flowers and the thanks of multitudes of grateful Iraqis.

3. The Vice President acknowledges that the insurgency may not be in its last throes.

4. The Secretary of Defense admits that he is a bonehead of the first order.

5. The President and the Secretary of Defense acknowledge that the generals wanted much more than what they were given.

6. The generals acknowledge that they were pressured into asking for much less than what they wanted.

7. Neoconservatives admit that they have little understanding of how the real world actually functions.

8. The citizens of the United States admit that in 2000 and 2004 they put the nation in the hands of simpletons.

9. Fox News admits that “Fair and Balanced” is a misnomer.

10. The Republican Party admits that it no longer welcomes centrists.

DSH