My case for a timetable.

[Theduckno2]

President Bush, in this morning's press conference, reiterated that he will not set a timetable for troop withdrawals from Iraq. I have many objections to what he said in the press conference (ahem), but will limit my concerns here to the the issue of a timetable.

I would like to start with the proposition that one of the keys to success of the human species, is its ability to contemplate future events and plan our actions to achieve the most desired outcome. It seems to me that to live moment to moment, oblivious to the future, is not in the best interest of our species. It can be said, however, that as life sputters to an end on this planet, that the cockroach will be the last one standing. Having viewed the movie "Men In Black", I do not wish to be a cockroach.

I maintain that everywhere in civilization there are timetables that are set and to contemplate a human civilization without timetables is an impossibility. Farmers plant, cultivate, irrigate and harvest on a timetable. The term "harvest moon" refers to the full moon nearest the fall equinox, whose illumination allows the mature crops to be harvested late into the night. Buildings are constructed according to plan and with a specific timetable in mind. Roadway repairs are conducted around a timetable (and to aggravate as many motorists as possible). Even the creative arts are subject to timetables; book deals expect a finished work in a certain length of time.

Timetables need not be set in stone, as the President seems to suggest, but can, with appropriate contemplation of the consequences, be adjusted. Missions in space are intricately timed endeavors and yet can be adjusted to suit changing objectives ("Houston, we have a problem"). Timetables do beget responsibility, something George Bush is still allergic to. I have seen, as I bait my fishhook, red wigglers that squirm less than George Bush trying to evade the admission of a mistake.

So I say, "No. Mr. President." for we do need a timetable in Iraq. Your subjective policy, built around vaguely defined concepts of victory, stability and democracy, needs the framework of specific goals and a timetable. In short, it needs a spine. A realistic discussion of what goals are achievable in Iraq, as well as the costs and benefits of achieving those goals, is what is needed. Please, no more empty rhetoric about staying the course, completing the mission or achieving victory.