Despite the harsh and demeaning rhetoric of his opponents, it appears likely that Zohran Mamdani, an avowed Democratic Socialist, will be elected Mayor of New York City. His supporters, primarily from the middle class, are not focused on political labels; rather, they want fairness and an affordable life in that very expensive city.
Of course, New York could not function without their services and Mamdani has proposed changes that will at least put a dent in the hideous discrepancy between their lives and those of the rich and famous. One of his proposals, free child care, is something I supported in a post back in December, 2021. Others include free bus service, a four-year moratorium on rising rents and a relatively small bump in the corporate tax rate.
One can argue about any or all of his proposals but it is clear that they are receiving broad support among working class citizens. Unbridled capitalism has failed them and the cruel, undemocratic policies of Trump and his cronies have only increased their anxiety and discontent. Though I am a fiscal conservative, I do believe that fairness and empathy must infuse capitalism if it is to truly meet the needs of all American citizens.
