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 truly proposed is a pilot undertaking of simply 5 publicly owned grocery shops on land already owned by the town to offer meals at decrease price).
Common little one 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 sponsored little one 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 fee (which might, in line with an Empire Heart evaluation, have an effect on about 1,000 of the greater than 250,000 companies in New York Metropolis, and is identical high fee as charged in neighboring New Jersey).
Funding neighborhood security officers to cope with social issues (which would scale back prices whereas permitting law enforcement officials to give attention to precise police work).
One may focus on whether or not all or any of those concepts are price pursuing, although most of them have been efficiently carried out somewhere else already. Nonetheless, claiming that they signify “fantasies of far-left utopianism,” which is able to trigger America to “lose its soul,” is solely 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 america.” At the least he acknowledges the “for worse.” It’s time for society and, sure, the financial, cultural and modern engine of america to offer extra assist for the least of us.
Essentially the most evident oversight in our present system is the shortage of common care for kids. If we wish folks to have youngsters, what do we are saying to those that have a toddler with a extreme incapacity or who’re unable to earn a dwelling wage? “Don’t have youngsters until 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 little one care and training as a nightmare. Don’t threaten us with a superb time!
A 4% company tax improve 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 anyplace.
It’s as much as you, New York. We’re seeking to you with hope.
Suzanne Hambruch, Huntington Seashore
