To President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,

The people of the United States owe you an apology. You’ve led your nation with courage, dignity, and unwavering resolve in the face of immense adversity. And yet, instead of the steadfast support and respect you deserve, you were subjected to humiliation, manipulation, and betrayal at the hands of an American president unworthy of his office.

Donald Trump does not represent the values of the American people. He does not embody our commitment to democracy, our dedication to justice, or our belief in the power of alliances.

Instead, he represents the worst of us: the corruption, ignorance, greed, cruelty, and cowardice we as a nation have struggled to overcome. His actions have not only disgraced our country but have also undermined those who stand on the front lines defending democracy—including you and the brave people of Ukraine.

His treatment of you, from his extortion attempt in 2019 to his most recent in front of Vladimir Putin was appalling. Instead of standing beside you as a true ally, he sought to use you as a political pawn, prioritizing his own interests over the security of your nation and principles of international law.

And now, he’s gone even further, publicly diminishing Ukraine’s struggle, parroting Kremlin propaganda, cutting off desperately needed aid and showing the world once again his loyalty lies not with the free world, but with its adversaries.

For this, we are deeply sorry. We are sorry for the disgraceful way you were treated. We are sorry America failed, in that moment, to be the ally you needed. We are sorry you were forced to navigate not only a brutal war, but also the reckless whims of a man who has no understanding of honor or sacrifice.

And we are sorry for those in our country who continue to empower him, despite the damage he has done and continues to do.

But please know this: millions of Americans stand with you. We see Ukraine’s fight as our fight. We respect your leadership, admire your resilience, and remain committed to supporting your nation’s struggle for freedom. The America that values its allies, defends democracy, seeks justice—that America is still here, and we will not let the monumental failures of one small, vile, ignorant man define us.

We pledge to continue standing with Ukraine. And we pledge to ensure our nation never again abandons its allies in their time of need. Slava Ukraine.

With deepest respect and regret, The American People Who Believe in Honor and Democracy.

An agency by any other name

A few weeks ago, , an article in the online edition of Adweek called Why Today’s Ad Agencies Are Reluctant To Call Themselves ‘Ad Agencies’ attempted to explain why agencies are now opting for more relevant and contemporary descriptors.

Like new-model, multidisciplinary marketing communications firm. Strategic content innovation partners. New media integration facilitators. And the ever popular, rarely true, agents of disruption (Great band, saw them at the Roxy in '08. You're welcome Rich Siegel).

The argument is that they feel being called an ‘ad agency’ is too limiting, and connotes all that mid to late '60s, Mad Men hijinks and buzzword whammy jammy they've tried hard to separate themselves from. More than anything, they'd like current and potential clients to think of them as jacks of all trades, everything to everyone.

I of course would like people to think of me as Chris Hemsworth's body double, but that isn't happening either.

This agency identity crisis is nothing new in the ad world. There isn’t an agency new business person worth their weight in cold calls who doesn’t know how to give a hearty handshake, pick up the lunch tab and bark "yes" when the question is “Can you guys handle that?”

Digital? We’re all bits and bites baby.

Social? This rather lengthy sentence you’re reading right now is exactly 140 characters – how many “ad agencies” do you know that can pull that off? (Go ahead, I’ll wait while you fire up character count).

Traditional? We haven’t forgotten our roots, even though we’d like you to.

Experiential? It’s an experience in itself just working with us.

I understand the thinking behind offering one-stop shopping for clients: agencies don’t want pieces of the new media pie going other places that specialize, have expertise and a track record in it—especially if those places are going do a better job of it.

The other thing is when it comes to new business, pride has never been a quality that's run rampant in agencies. They'll gladly over-represent capabilities, say they can when they can't and for the most part let clients slap 'em silly and call them Sally if it means more business.

Part of the problem is consumers don't draw a distinction between the "ad agency" that created, say, the legendary Apple 1984 spot, and the one that does local ads for Empire Carpets. All they see are good ads and bad ads.

Another reason none of these companies want to be called an ad agency is that in almost every survey of least popular occupations, advertising professional comes in right behind used car dealer and prostitutes, both of whom work with considerably higher margins and know how not to leave money on the table. Or the dresser.

Maybe next time they do a survey, they can ask about a name that might command more respect, like Communication Response Alliance Partners.

Or they can just use the acronym.