McCabe does Koster no favors

Published 2:43 pm Friday, December 26, 2014

I felt that there were persuasive arguments both for and against retaining John Koster. After he acknowledged his error and apologized though, I hoped he’d be reappointed. That being said, I don’t know exactly how the job description reads or what standards were established and agreed upon. Thus, I have no valid basis for challenging a decision made by those who did have the necessary information. I feel that it’s as plausible as not that their choice was made, not because of Koster’s political “views,” but because of negative impact his “activism” had on the credibility of the ombudsman position.

An unfortunate thing about our form of government (and life in general) is that we don’t always get out way. The guest commentary by Tom McCabe, chief executive of Freedom Foundation, views the issue somewhat differently. (“Double-standard cost John Koster his job.”) Absolving Koster of all accountability, he casts him as a blameless political victim whose constitutional rights have been trampled. Apparently, in his little world, conjecture, denial and misguided anger for those of different political persuasions, are suitable substitutes for fact; no proof was provided to support his assertions. It’s hard to see how an endorsement from this gentleman benefits Koster in any way. Fair or not, we are judged by those with whom we associate. This is not to imply that Koster is in total agreement with McCabe on every issue. It would be understandable, however, if people jumped to that conclusion after reading McCabe’s childish rant. Of course, Mr. McCabe, I could be very wrong.

Dan Postema

Everett