Reflections on Arrival and Change

Every July 20th, my family commemorates our journey to America. Back in 1978, my mother and I stepped off the plane, greeted by my father, grandmother, and great-aunt, who had arrived from the Soviet Union before us. It was a moment of joy, but the reality of life in America at that time cast a shadow over our newfound freedom. Jimmy Carter was in the White House, and soon he would deliver his infamous “malaise” speech. New York, our new home, was turbulent; crime rates surged, and summer blackouts became notorious as the “Night of Terror,” revealing deep-seated corruption in the city.

Still, despite the chaos, our family held on tight to the value of freedom. My parents often reminisced about how they could finally express themselves openly for the first time. My grandmother and her sister had never dared to practice their Jewish faith without fear.

Yet, even in that early stage of our American experience, we realized that cities and, indeed, countries faced real threats.

Does Zohran Mamdani Protect All New Yorkers?

Two years after our arrival, Ronald Reagan took office, and signs of improvement began to emerge. New York’s turnaround, though, took longer. In 1994, when Rudy Giuliani became mayor, the city was a mess with over 1,500 murders that year. Looking back, I was finishing high school then, living in a city where subway fare went unpaid by many.

Eventually, our family left New York during the pandemic when the city again fell into sharp decline. We had to think of the kids. A common question we fielded was how we managed to get so far. Honestly, eight years under Giuliani and twelve under Michael Bloomberg were periods of effective governance.

The New York Socialism Challenge

The blackout in 2003 mirrored the one from 1977, yet this time, it brought people together, a spirit of community emerging. Even after Bill de Blasio’s election, it took time to unwind the positive changes set in motion over the last two decades. The city seemed unshakeable.

But poor policies crept in, leading to substantial setbacks. Failing to prosecute offenders led to a rise in petty crimes. Legalizing marijuana meant the smell lingered everywhere, while public drug use became increasingly visible. Some of the best public schools ended student screening for entry, opting for a lottery system that yielded predictable outcomes.

Currently, Zohran Mamdani, who identifies as a socialist, is eyeing the mayor’s office. His ideas seem misguided, like suggesting government-run grocery stores could cut prices, a notion only those unfamiliar with business could entertain.

The very concept of a state-run store feels like a bad joke. I come from a country that tried it, only to face massive food shortages. Udemandani’s vision seems unrealistic, far removed from achieving the utopia he seeks.

Divisions and Fears

His stance on taxing white people is also all too familiar. The socialist agenda often paints the picture of more people being unfairly benefited. This means creating enemies, and Mamdani seems ready to pit New Yorkers against one another, much like what happened in places like the Soviet Union.

Furthermore, the endorsement of radical messages targeting groups like Jews risks undermining societal cohesion, warning of possible unrest. It’s significant to remember that during the second Intifada, many more than just Jews suffered. Numerous Christians and Muslims lost their lives, too.

The continuous cycle of violence never seems to deter those who propagate it. This global mindset poses a severe risk.

Americans should genuinely be wary of socialism and its advocates. The philosophical underpinnings clash with our freedoms, and its promises of equality consistently yield failure when applied. America thrives on ideas that uplift and unite.

With the upcoming election, there’s a sense of optimism reminiscent of my family’s early days in America. Yet, a lesson from our past is clear: if we become complacent, all that we cherish could be undone.

Although there’s hope, we must remain vigilant, guarding our cherished values against detrimental ideas and individuals intent on dismantling them.