MacKinnon: Far-left carpetbaggers destroying the Bay State
In a recent opinion piece, Douglas MacKinnon expresses his deep concern over the leadership of three prominent political figures in Massachusetts: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor Maura Healey, and Senator Elizabeth Warren. MacKinnon, a former White House and Pentagon official, criticizes these leaders as “liberal carpetbaggers” who hail from outside the state yet have taken on significant roles in shaping the future of Boston and Massachusetts. He argues that their policies, particularly those related to crime and public safety, have led to a dramatic increase in violence and disorder in a city that was once considered one of the safest in the nation. Citing alarming statistics, he notes that Boston experienced a staggering 143% increase in homicides during the first half of 2025, while the national homicide rate fell nearly 20% during the same period.
MacKinnon attributes this surge in crime to what he describes as “soft on crime” policies that prioritize the rights of criminals over those of victims. He points to the influence of Harvard University, where all three leaders were educated, suggesting that their liberal ideologies have contributed to a culture of enabling criminal behavior. The article references Wendy Murphy, a legal analyst and victims’ rights advocate, who emphasizes that Boston’s leadership sends a message that accountability for crime is lacking. This environment, according to MacKinnon, not only emboldens criminal activity but also places law enforcement in a precarious position, where they fear repercussions for enforcing the law. He paints a grim picture of the city’s streets, particularly highlighting the infamous Mass. and Cass corridor, which has become a hub for drug use and homelessness, further illustrating the deterioration of public safety.
Despite the troubling trends, MacKinnon warns that these leaders may continue to be reelected due to a growing culture that seems to disregard the rule of law. He urges citizens to reconsider their support for these policies that have led to increased danger and instability. Drawing on historical references, he expresses hope that the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts can reclaim their city from the brink of chaos, echoing the sentiment that it is not too late to effect change. Ultimately, MacKinnon calls for a shift in thinking among voters, encouraging them to prioritize public safety and accountability over the far-left rhetoric that has dominated the political landscape.
For the last number of years, I have watched in growing despair as three liberal carpetbaggers have purposefully and systematically destroyed my hometown of Boston and my home state of Massachusetts. Those far-left carpetbaggers being Boston Mayor Michelle Wu; Gov. Maura Healey; and Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Wu being from the Chicago, Illinois area; Healey from New Hampshire; and Warren from Oklahoma. Surely there are a number of elected positions all three could have aspired to and attained in their respective home states. But no. All three independently decided they wanted to lay waste to Boston and Massachusetts.
Of course, if one just barely scratches the surface one can find the far-left incubator which connects them all. That being Harvard University. All three attended and were seemingly indoctrinated at that once great institution.
I was reminded of these three pushers of woke doctrine when reading an article on Fox News digital titled: âBlue cityâs homicide increase âflashing red warning lightâ to soft-on-crime experiment: expert.â That deep blue city naturally being Boston.
The piece correctly echoed what is being reported with more frequency. That being that âsoft on crime policiesâ are creating a âsurge in homicidesâ in what was once considered to be one of the safest cities in the United States. True, until carpetbagger Wu decided to settle in Boston, became its Mayor, and passionately put the rights of criminals before victims and illegal aliens before citizens.
Just how bad is it getting in Boston? As reported and according to newly released data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, for the first half of 2025, Boston recorded a shocking 143% increase in murders. That while nationwide, homicides fell nearly 20% during the same time span.
Wendy Murphy, a Massachusetts-based legal analyst, former prosecutor and nationally recognized victimsâ rights advocate, told Fox News Digital in part: âThe data show the rest of the country getting safer. But in Boston, itâs getting deadlier because the message from the top is that accountability doesnât matter.â
Unfortunately for the law-abiding citizens of Boston and the Bay State, itâs much worse than a lack of âaccountability.â Itâs also about enabling. City and state wreckers Wu, Healey, and Warren continually enable criminals and illegal aliens by deliberately weakening the laws of the city and state while handcuffing law enforcement instead of lawbreakers.
Sadly, one doesnât need statistics to know that Boston is becoming increasingly more dangerous by the year. Simply visit the city every six months or so, walk the streets of one of our nationâs most iconic and historic cities, and you will personally witness the rapid decline while the rights of the tax-paying citizens of Boston and Massachusetts are being weakened or outright ignored by the likes of Wu, Healey, and Warren.
Or, â no matter what the mayor pretends â for an immediate shock to your senses and right of personal security, visit Bostonâs now infamous Mass. and Cass corridor â the cityâs open-air drug and homeless encampment. An area even the Boston Police fear to tread because of both the danger it represents and because they could be punished by Wu if they chose to enforce the law.
To that greater point, Murphy also correctly stated: âCriminals love coming to Massachusetts because they can expect not to be held accountable for almost anything they do, short of homicide. We are the go-to state.â
Worse than that, like the failed leadership of so many deep blue cities and states, Wu, Healey, and Warren seem to embrace the policy of continually releasing criminals and even violent repeat offenders back into the communities in which they committed their heinous crimes. A decidedly âwokeâ tactic which is guaranteed only to create more victims and misery.
And yet, carpetbaggers Wu, Healey, and Warren may all be easily reelected. Why? As Murphy correctly pointed out: âYouâre creating a culture where laws donât matter.â
It has often been quoted that âThe government you elect is the government you deserve.â Maybe so. But as Boston tilts more towards âwar zoneâ Chicago and Massachusetts more towards âbankruptâ California the voters may want to ignore the far-left rhetoric of Wu, Healey, and Warren for a change and actually think for themselves.
Itâs still not too late to save Boston and Massachusetts. Our Founding Fathers did it once. The citizens can do it again.
Douglas MacKinnon is a former White House and Pentagon official and author of the book: The 56 â Liberty Lessons from those who risked all to sign The Declaration of Independence.  Follow him @DougOfSkye.
