Benchmarks and history

By John B. Dwyer

There is much discussion and debate about Iraq meeting its congressionally mandated benchmarks. Our own history contains its own roster of milestones, such as the one we observe today.

On September 3, 1783 the Peace of Paris was signed by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Jay and French and British ministers. Eight years after the first shots were fired, the Revolution was officially ended with Britain's recognition of America's independence. However, the fledgling country was operating under the flawed Articles of Confederation, which prompted ongoing debates about the nature and structure of an effective government entity.

Those contentious issues were not settled until 1789 when that magnificent document, the U.S. Constitution was ratified. The debate over key issues did not end there; it continues to this day Nor did the Peace of Paris end our confrontation with England. The War of 1812, sometimes called "America's Second War of Independence," still had to be fought.

So when we speak of Iraq meeting its benchmarks after only four years since liberation and two years with an elected government , it might be good idea to look at our own history for context and perspective, for insightful lessons and perhaps some wisdom.