To the editor: Contributing author Josh Hammer warns of “grave penalties” ought to Zohran Mamdani be elected mayor of New York Metropolis and lists all of the horrendous issues to be present in Mamdani’s platform (“Electing Mamdani can be an ominous flip for New York and the nation,” Oct. 31):
Publicly owned housing models (maybe Hammer is unaware of the greater than 3,300 public housing authorities within the U.S. alone).
“Free” grocery shops (the scare quotes are Hammer’s; what’s really proposed is a pilot venture of simply 5 publicly owned grocery shops on land already owned by town to supply meals at decrease value).
Common youngster care as much as kindergarten (Hammer should suppose issues are dire in New Mexico, the place such a program has been enacted state-wide, and actually dystopian in locations like Germany, Austria, Italy and far of the remainder of the industrialized world, which have common or extremely backed youngster care).
Free bus providers (once more, Hammer should not know that this service is already supplied to the residents of Alexandria, Va., and Olympia, Wash., amongst different communities).
A most 11.5% company tax charge (which might, based on an Empire Middle evaluation, have an effect on about 1,000 of the greater than 250,000 companies in New York Metropolis, and is similar high charge as charged in neighboring New Jersey).
Funding group security officers to cope with social issues (which would scale back prices whereas permitting law enforcement officials to deal with precise police work).
One would possibly focus on whether or not all or any of those concepts are value pursuing, although most of them have been efficiently applied in different places already. Nonetheless, claiming that they signify “fantasies of far-left utopianism,” which is able to trigger America to “lose its soul,” is just ludicrous.
John Hamilton Scott, Sherman Oaks
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To the editor: Hammer says Mamdani’s platform just isn’t reform. It’s social transformation. I say sure.
He goes on to say, “For higher or worse, New York stays the financial, cultural and modern engine of the US.” A minimum of he acknowledges the “for worse.” It’s time for society and, sure, the financial, cultural and modern engine of the US to supply extra assist for the least of us.
Probably the most obtrusive oversight in our present system is the dearth of common care for youngsters. If we would like folks to have youngsters, what do we are saying to those that have a baby with a extreme incapacity or who’re unable to earn a dwelling wage? “Don’t have youngsters except you may afford them”?
Dan Brumer, Encino
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To the editor: In Hammer’s latest op-ed, he presents inexpensive housing, meals stability and accessible youngster care and training as a nightmare. Don’t threaten us with a superb time!
A 4% company tax enhance and better tax on seven-figure earners just isn’t prone to crush New Yorkers. Capitalism will survive the surcharge. If these reforms could make it there (New York), they’ll make it wherever.
It’s as much as you, New York. We’re seeking to you with hope.
Suzanne Hambruch, Huntington Seaside
