Letter to the Editor

My response to local far-right codger Ross MacKenzie, and his recent screed.

“In the latest of his increasingly unhinged and laughable commentaries, Ross Mackenzie compared withdrawal from Vietnam with withdrawal from Iraq, as did Bush in his recent VFW speech. MacKenzie claims that we could have achieved ‘victory’ in Vietnam if only we had stayed a little longer. What was this ‘victory’ he insists we could have had? A stable Vietnam, economically viable with secure trading ties to the United States? A stopper on the spread of communism in Asia? Well, communism didn’t spread. Vietnam is now one of Goldman Sachs ‘Next-11′ group of upcoming economic powers, and the US has been steadily normalizing relations with them, including Bush’s recent visit. Mission accomplished.

“So what does MacKenzie think a ‘victory’ in Iraq would look like? Since he won’t say, perhaps the official reasons given for the war provide some clarity on this. WMDs? Done. There weren’t any. Victory. Regime change? Saddam’s gone. Victory. Liberation of Iraq? Once again, victory. Saddam’s links to al Qaeda? Turned out not particularly true (some might even say ‘lie’), so we can chalk up a victory there, too. In fact all of the concrete reasons given by the administration for the war have been met. As Bush himself clearly stated: ‘Mission Accomplished.’

“Bush and MacKenzie, who apparently operate off the same page of talking points, display enormous historical ignorance in their equation. That is nothing new. Truth is not the point with them. They can rely on such simplistic, fuzzy-headed analyses because their loyal supporters are not interested in hearing the truth. Sloganeering requires less work, less honesty, and is far more effective. Contrary to their assertions to the contrary, their ‘victory’ in Iraq is not to be found on the battlefield. No, the real ‘victory’ for them can be found lining the wallets of Bush’s corporate donors.”

Not included in the letter is the fact that Ross MacKenzie is an embarrassment to both himself and his entire city.  He has no business being in the profession of journalism, and his status is only a result of his willingness to carry water for corrupt degenerates.  That says all you really need to know about him.

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