Hey, Zohan Mamdani, surprise us.
It’d be something if you said something outrageous regarding 9/11. The mayor might appreciate it, along with Times Square’s Elmo.
But really, we don’t want just a straightforward condemnation of the 9/11 attackers that somehow doesn’t implicate America, George W. Bush, capitalism, “neocolonialism,” Israel, or Zionism.
Mamdani is leading in the polls, yet many New Yorkers perceive him as someone always in waiting. Maybe that’s because they either don’t quite grasp or choose to overlook how troubling his views are.
Reflect on his background, recent actions included, and it’s hard not to see parallels with some of the worst extremist supporters. Take, for instance, his friendly acknowledgment of Hasan Pike in April, who stated that the U.S. “deserved” the 9/11 attacks.
This democratic socialist mayoral candidate hasn’t uttered a word—nothing—about the upcoming anniversary of New York City’s darkest day in his campaign.
New Yorkers might fidget over school systems or property taxes, but they aren’t quizzed on 9/11.
It seems unlikely for Mamdani to turn his ire towards those responsible for terrorist acts without some ideological caveat. It’s as if he suddenly switched gears on “progressive” economics in favor of capitalism.
The events resulting in 2,996 deaths, the loss of 30 million square feet of downtown property, and the crippling of transit and broadcasting facilities aren’t mere historical footnotes.
The consequences continue to haunt us today.
Nearly 50,000 first responders and others near ground zero are now battling multiple forms of cancer.
Even after 24 years, the World Trade Center area remains incomplete. The lackluster skyline mirrors the unfinished healing from that tragedy.
I felt a sense of pride supporting the reconstruction of the New York Post during times that ran against the prevailing political currents.
Had we not kept pressure on City Hall and Albany, and highlighted the resistance from some media and politicians to rebuilding efforts, that 16-acre site might still be desolate.
Mamdani seems disinterested in the World Trade Center’s significance and is more focused on his vision for the city.
His past comments about Islamic terrorism provide little solace. He has avoided condemning phrases like “globalization of intifadas,” often associated with anti-Israel sentiment.
He has connections with academicians, like As’ad Abu Khalil, who have criticized the U.S. for its actions on 9/11.
He’s also taken issue with the surveillance of Anwar al-Aulaki, an al-Qaeda member.
Now is the moment for Mamdani to distance himself from his previous stances and address 9/11 appropriately. Will he step up?
