MacKinnon: Far-left carpetbaggers destroying the Bay State
In a recent opinion piece, former White House official Douglas MacKinnon expresses his deep concern over what he perceives as the systematic decline of Boston and Massachusetts under the leadership of three prominent liberal figures: Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor Maura Healey, and Senator Elizabeth Warren. MacKinnon, who describes these leaders as “carpetbaggers” from other states—Wu from Illinois, Healey from New Hampshire, and Warren from Oklahoma—argues that their policies have contributed to a surge in crime and a deterioration of public safety in a city once known for its low crime rates. He highlights a striking statistic from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, indicating that Boston experienced a staggering 143% increase in homicides during the first half of 2025, contrasting sharply with a nationwide decline in homicides of nearly 20%.
MacKinnon attributes this rise in violence to what he calls “soft on crime” policies that prioritize the rights of criminals over those of law-abiding citizens. He cites legal analyst Wendy Murphy, who argues that the current leadership sends a message that accountability for criminal behavior is not a priority. The author paints a grim picture of Boston’s streets, particularly referencing the notorious Mass. and Cass corridor, which has become an open-air drug and homeless encampment. Here, even law enforcement officers are reportedly hesitant to act, fearing repercussions from the administration. MacKinnon warns that the policies enacted by Wu, Healey, and Warren not only enable criminal behavior but also foster a culture of lawlessness that could lead to more victims and increased despair among the city’s residents.
Despite these alarming trends, MacKinnon expresses a glimmer of hope that the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts can reclaim their city and state from what he views as misguided leadership. He urges voters to look beyond the “far-left rhetoric” and consider the implications of their choices at the ballot box. Drawing a parallel to the resilience of the Founding Fathers, he believes it is not too late for the citizens to take action and restore safety and accountability in their communities. As Boston faces challenges reminiscent of larger urban areas struggling with crime, the call to action is clear: the future of the city rests in the hands of its voters.
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: “Blue city’s homicide increase ‘flashing red warning light’ to soft-on-crime experiment: expert.” That deep blue city naturally being Boston.
The piece correctly echoed what is being reported with more frequency. That being that “soft on crime policies” are creating a “surge in homicides” 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 victims’ rights advocate, told Fox News Digital in part: “The data show the rest of the country getting safer. But in Boston, it’s getting deadlier because the message from the top is that accountability doesn’t matter.”
Unfortunately for the law-abiding citizens of Boston and the Bay State, it’s much worse than a lack of “accountability.” It’s 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 doesn’t 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 nation’s 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, — no matter what the mayor pretends — for an immediate shock to your senses and right of personal security, visit Boston’s now infamous Mass. and Cass corridor — the city’s 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: “Criminals 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.”
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 “woke” 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: “You’re creating a culture where laws don’t matter.”
It has often been quoted that “The government you elect is the government you deserve.” Maybe so. But as Boston tilts more towards “war zone” Chicago and Massachusetts more towards “bankrupt” California the voters may want to ignore the far-left rhetoric of Wu, Healey, and Warren for a change and actually think for themselves.
It’s 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 – Liberty Lessons from those who risked all to sign The Declaration of Independence. Follow him @DougOfSkye.
