This is an excerpt from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s speech after being sworn into office (source here):

Many of these people have been betrayed by the established order. But in our administration, their needs will be met. Their hopes and dreams and interests will be reflected transparently in government. They will shape our future.

And if for too long these communities have existed as distinct from one another, we will draw this city closer together. We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism. If our campaign demonstrated that the people of New York yearn for solidarity, then let this government foster it. Because no matter what you eat, how you pray, or where you come from — the words that most define us are the two we all share: New Yorkers.

Rugged individualism is what built America. Rugged individualism is what settled and civilized the west. Collectivism almost destroyed America’s original settlers at Jamestown and Plymouth. The original charters of both settlements required collectivism. In both cases, the colonists nearly starved to death. Collectivism does not work as long as human nature exists. In Massachusetts in 1623, a decision was made to do a second planting to avoid starvation. Part of that decision was to parcel out individual lots for the planting. Before this all crops had been communal and the produce given to each according to his needs rather than according to his effort. When the individual parcels were given out, much more corn was planted, and the free market took over. The free market prevented the starvation of the Pilgrims.

In 1905 George Santayana stated, “Those who do not learn from the experience of history are doomed to repeat it.”

Recently I posted an article about the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) passed by the New York City Council (article here). Mayor Adam’s vetoed the bill on New Year’s Eve. It will be interesting to see if the bill is reintroduced, because Mayor Mamdani will sign it. The bill interferes with property owners’ ability to sell their property.

I wish New York City well, but I am seriously concerned about the future of the city.