Michael,

     Why would others measure themselves against men who are not beyond redemption? Because we place our own physical and mental limitations on top of them? Then we reduce men to what is not a man or is by 21st Century expectations? Going back to before statehood, trainers of animals etched out the future of land and sought to seek dominion over other ,weaker men. Mackey is far from being physically or mentally desirable from any white or blue collar standards. But, he can run a fine race, combat the environment and seemingly control the outcome of The Last Great Race. He would be useless elsewhere. We should not engage in this thinking as wallflowers. Sure he may be an inglorious b------ but surviving off your wits, facing death, and exploitation by the unforgiving, makes others far less than his equal.