A Citizens Line

Note: This week the entry to this blog was advertised to be Does America Really Need for NASA to Search Space for Life?; however, in light of the growing debate on whether we should depart "immediately" or give a time table for our departure or keep our military moves secret so as not to tip off our enemy, I decided to make my comment stating my opinion on that subject. I will write on NASA and it's "goals" at a later time. For this week my topic is about departing Iraq at the right time.

A system of measurements of accomplishments is needed to convey our successes in Iraq. Virtually every endeavor has mile posts and progress check points; they are vital to know where we are and how we are doing. Even sports have these ways of measuring progress to toward the end. For example, baseball games are not over just because time runs out; rather, the game ends when all innings are played. A time frame or limit is not put on a typical game.

So it is in Iraq. The war ends when all the "innings" are completed. When everything is done that has to be done the work will be over.

A way to measure what "inning" we are in would be a good way to determine our progress and success in the war on terror.

If there are 30 brigades of men that must be trained to be independent, and 20 are trained, then we are 67% done on that objective.

If 100 hospitals need to be operating, and 60 are functioning correctly, then we are 60% of the way to the goal.

If 1000 schools need to be holding classes and 700 are in operation, then we are 70% of the way to completion.

If 80% of the businesses are running that is a measure of success.

If 85% of the towns are being governed under elected leadership that is a mark toward a goal of 100%.

If 50% of the oil is being pumped that is a measurement of success.

Other measurements of progress would be such things as "tips given us from Iraqis advising us of insurgent activities" (as stated recently by Mary Matlin, former conservative advisor to the White House); the number of insurgent attacks; employment percentages; trained police; trade balance of imports - exports; GNP; stock exchange quotes.

Charts and graphs can be plotted on these and all other key parameters of population and government activity to show how close we are to getting the job done victoriously and being able to come home from Iraq.

Our government would be well-advised to give a monthly or bi-monthly report of these, and all, measuring sticks to let the U.S. population know "what inning we are in" in Iraq.

ManWalking50.

Looking Ahead: The next entry - in midweek - will be a departure from my typical writing. The title of the piece will be "Did We Just Happen or Did God Create Us?". I hope you will check back in to read the views coming from my own mind and heart through my personal studies of bible and science over the years. MW50.

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