Those of us who are schooled in the ways of the free market know that socialism and communism have never produced a functional, wealthy society and they never will. Both are based more on political ideology rather than economics, and when you listen to the rhetoric of the socialist/communist, you can easily spot that.
Capitalism is, of course, not without its warts. There is definitely an income inequality dynamic in America and other capitalist societies, but those exist in quasi-capitalist/quasi-communist societies too, like China, which has its fair share of billionaires among the hundreds of millions of common folk.
But it’s the rhetoric of the commie socialist that sells: “Free,” “social justice,” “community empowerment,” “societal betterment.” All of those lofty goals come with a price tag; someone has to pay for the ‘justice.’
Enter New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who ran on that platform. And was elected on that platform. His overarching promise was to ‘make New York more affordable for New Yorkers on the backs of the wealthy.’ Never mind that economic model has never survived and won’t survive in NYC, either. He just shocked many of his supporters with a new plan to ‘balance’ New York City’s $127 billion budget – which is more than the entire state of Florida’s budget: Hizzoner is coming after the wallets of ordinary New Yorkers, too:
The mayor is complaining that the budget isn’t fully funded, so he has to raid pension funds (Chicago!) and raise taxes.
It’s not that he genuinely wants to enhance city services. He appears indifferent to ensuring that garbage is collected or snow is cleared; his true aim is income redistribution. The most effective way to achieve this is by taking from those who have and giving to those who don’t. If some of his voters happen to be among the more affluent, they too will have to part with their share.
You might not realize it if you stick to Manhattan, but the city is home to a significant number of homeowners, many of whom are not particularly affluent. While real estate prices are certainly high, over 30% of residents actually own their homes, with many of these properties having been passed down through generations. Increasing property taxes could hit a portion of the working class quite hard.
I’m also quite convinced that the Mamdani approach to criminal justice will have a significant impact. While we often think of New York as a crime-ridden city, it’s actually not as bad compared to other large Blue cities. However, that may soon change. I’m not sure people will be pleased with what’s on the horizon.
Mamdani’s portrayal as a “man of the people” is, as is often the case with communists, a complete facade. Communism inevitably fosters a ruling elite, focuses on silencing so-called “enemies of the people,” and ultimately leaves destruction in its wake. Just ask the Cubans or Venezuelans about their experiences, or any of the Russian emigrants living in Brighton Beach—at least those who aren’t involved in organized crime.
CNN’s Abby Phillips cherry-picking data about New York gaining semi-wealthy residents since 2020 notwithstanding, the bigger point was actually made by panelist Ana Navarro: The super rich – $25, $50, $100 million in assets and cash – are moving out of the city. And that is the group that Mamdani was relying on to steal the most from.
As such, ordinary New Yorkers are about to see firsthand just how poorly things can be managed under communist leadership and what happens when capital is driven out. Ultimately, it’s the middle and working classes who pay the price. Many of them were aware of this even before Mamdani took office; he didn’t exactly win over the working-class vote.
Democrats tend to appeal to the morals of the upper non-entrepreneurial class and the lower classes who are looking for more handouts. However, those who actually roll up their sleeves and create wealth through hard work and investment understand the realities. Unfortunately, it’s mostly this latter group that has the option to vote with their feet.
President Donald Trump announced Friday evening that the United States military carried out what he described as one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East. The strikes targeted Iranian military facilities on Kharg Island.
Trump revealed the operation in a post on Truth Social. He said the strikes were conducted by U.S. Central Command.
“Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.”
Trump said the United States intentionally avoided striking key oil infrastructure on the island. He described the decision as an act of restraint.
“Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island.”
Trump also warned Iran against attempting to disrupt global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the most critical routes for international oil transport.
“However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” Trump said.
He also credited the strength of the U.S. military for the success of the operation. He said the armed forces have been rebuilt into what he called the most lethal military in the world.
“During my First Term, and currently, I rebuilt our Military into the Most Lethal, Powerful, and Effective Force, by far, anywhere in the World,” he noted, adding Iran lacks the capability to defend against U.S. military strikes.
“Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it!” he wrote.
He also reiterated his long-standing position that Iran will never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Trump warned Iranian military forces to stand down. “Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World,” said Trump.
“Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much!”
In a follow-up post, Trump said the strikes eliminated Iran’s broader ambitions in the region.
“Iran had plans of taking over the entire Middle East, and completely obliterating Israel. JUST LIKE IRAN ITSELF, THOSE PLANS ARE NOW DEAD!” he noted.
Later Friday, Trump released unclassified footage showing the bombing of Kharg Island. The footage appeared to show large explosions at several targets.
The president also spoke briefly with reporters at Joint Base Andrews as he departed for Palm Beach. He suggested the military campaign was unfolding successfully. “The situation in Iran is going very well. A lot of big hits today… We’re in very good control,” said the president.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that five U.S. Air Force refueling planes were struck and damaged during an Iranian drone attack in Saudi Arabia. The extent of the damage has not been publicly detailed.
Separately, a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq on Thursday. All six crew members aboard the aircraft were killed in the incident.