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Ross Mackenzie applies the lens of historical significance to today's headlines in his weekly nationally syndicated column. The veteran newspaper writer and editorial page editor for the Richmond Times-Dispatch offers insightful commentary about current events, exploring topical subjects in areas ranging from foreign affairs and class-action lawsuits to culture and family.
Mackenzie joined The Richmond News Leader in 1965, and four years later was named editor of the paper's editorial page -- a position previously held by both James J. Kilpatrick and Douglas Southall Freeman. After the 1992 merger of the News Leader and the Richmond Times-Dispatch he became the editorial page editor at the latter, overseeing the editorial and op-ed pages and the paper's Sunday commentary section. He is the only person to have directed the editorial pages of both Richmond dailies.
Mackenzie was runner-up for the 1982 Pulitzer Prize in commentary, and in a long page-one story around that time, The Washington Post termed him "the most feared journalist in Virginia" possessing "one of the most ferocious styles in American journalism." He is also the recipient of Sigma Delta Chi's first Eugene Pulliam fellowship for editorial writers.
Mackenzie received a bachelor's degree in history from Yale and a master of arts in political philosophy from the University of Chicago. He has written several books, including Brief Points: An Almanac for Parents and Friends of U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen (1993 and 1996) and Eyewitness: Writings from the Ordeal of Communism (1992), which he co-wrote with Todd Culbertson. He also produced a syndicated history feature with editorial cartoonist Jeff MacNelly.
Mackenzie lives with his wife and Labrador retriever in the woods west of Richmond, Virginia. They have two grown sons, both Naval officers.
By Ross Mackenzie (Apr 28, 2011)
With key institutions grown effete, standards of right and wrong descend into a moral miasma of relativistic goo.
So today, with more Americans knowing about Miley Cyrus... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Apr 21, 2011)
What are some principal developments and changes witnessed during a 30-year career in syndication -- indeed, a 46-year career in the newspaper business?
Man on the... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Apr 19, 2011)
The catalyst for a career in writing may have been Miss Krenwinkel -- my 8th-grade teacher at Skokie School in Winnetka, Ill. Along about November, she informed my parents I... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Mar 31, 2011)
Comments on issues currently in the news....--At stake in November were 472 congressional seats (37 Senate seats and all 435 House seats). A record 42 doctors were candidates... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Mar 24, 2011)
A selection of quotations about issues in the news....
Johns Hopkins University professor Fouad Ajami: "(In Ronald Reagan) there was never narcissism or a bloated sense of... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Mar 17, 2011)
Takes on items in the news -- mostly about Barack Obama and his administration....
--Will the President's passivity regarding Libya -- his refusal at least to declare a... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Mar 10, 2011)
Suddenly, the Libyan turmoil and its subsequent Obamian abdication of leadership have led -- again -- to heightened fears about America's energy future. The national average... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Mar 03, 2011)
A March mixture of comments about items in the news....
OK, so you voted for Barack Obama and still support him. If you like his over-the-top enthusiasm for... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Feb 17, 2011)
On Egypt et al. let us be very clear.
Joy at the expansion of liberty -- maybe even of democracy -- is the only defensible sentiment. Any policy based on regime... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Feb 03, 2011)
The week has brought two potentially future-altering stories -- one out of Florida, the other out of the Middle East.
In Pensacola, Federal District Judge Roger Vinson... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Jan 27, 2011)
Didn't you think the president gave a marvelous State of the Union address? He was so, you know, civil.
Americans may crave civility, but they crave honesty more.
Are... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Jan 13, 2011)
How's it going in the new year? Let's see....
--Defense Secretary Robert Gates ventured to China for strategic negotiations. But the Chinese largely stiffed him. They... more
By Ross Mackenzie (Jan 06, 2011)
Quotes on the economy as the new year begins.....
David Malpass, global economist: "In its first days, the new Congress has to act on the understanding that this is... more