I used to think that America’s main political problem was due to us having only two political parties, then, I took a hard look at Germany and the UK, and changed my mind. I now think that the corrupting nature of the political parties themselves, at all levels, are closer to the root of the problem. Rome used to have the “Cursus Honorum”, whereby one would start out in a low level public position, and over time, rise (local mayor > congress > governor > senate > president) - which sounds real good, but apparently lost out to the power of politics.
So when I ask myself - why is HE likely to become of the world’s greatest city - I can only think it’s because a local political party, an artificial, money-driven cabal that has learned how to manipulate the electorate, and how to milk the municipal money-cow. I could be wrong. . . . We need better laws re political self-enrichment; and we need to be able to get rid of fools and/or crooks, in less than four years.
I used to revere the Constitution, and perhaps it is/was better than other prior governments and constitutions, but ultimately, I think our biggest mistake was not listening to our first instinct that creating a strong central government is a bad idea that will ultimately lead to the complete corruption we live under today.
Our first Constitution – the Articles of the Confederation - had term limits and free speech built in. Our first instinct was to not create a strong central government, but we didn’t listen to those who tried to warn us when ratifying the Constitution.
It is time! Thomas Jefferson said, “I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and Constitutions. But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.”
Most of these socialist/commie types live in the world of theory either within academia or ensconced in their wealthy (parents) lifestyle. It’s sad that a generation has been raised/educated without the threat or even knowledge of what these systems do.
Great piece. Loved especially this line: “Mamdani and his bride will not be shopping at the government-run grocery stores.” Do you think Trump will get involved? Or should we just let NYC sink of its own corrupt weight?
I’m no fan of federal overreach, but if NYC falls, it feels like the biggest domino going down. How can it not affect all of us? But, that said, the quality of NYC leadership and voters are dismal at best.
IDK. This might be the beginning of the end…but as they say, hard times create strong men.
For heaven's sake! The unattractive, overweight, tattooed woman in the first video - what an ignoramus. Thanks Liz for this insightful, yet frightening article. Your last sentence, "God help us!" is an appropriate plea.
NYC is about to FAFAO
Worse. They're about to FA and learn nothing.
Ugh...people need to WTFU!
I'm afraid you are right.
I used to think that America’s main political problem was due to us having only two political parties, then, I took a hard look at Germany and the UK, and changed my mind. I now think that the corrupting nature of the political parties themselves, at all levels, are closer to the root of the problem. Rome used to have the “Cursus Honorum”, whereby one would start out in a low level public position, and over time, rise (local mayor > congress > governor > senate > president) - which sounds real good, but apparently lost out to the power of politics.
So when I ask myself - why is HE likely to become of the world’s greatest city - I can only think it’s because a local political party, an artificial, money-driven cabal that has learned how to manipulate the electorate, and how to milk the municipal money-cow. I could be wrong. . . . We need better laws re political self-enrichment; and we need to be able to get rid of fools and/or crooks, in less than four years.
Agreed.
I used to revere the Constitution, and perhaps it is/was better than other prior governments and constitutions, but ultimately, I think our biggest mistake was not listening to our first instinct that creating a strong central government is a bad idea that will ultimately lead to the complete corruption we live under today.
Our first Constitution – the Articles of the Confederation - had term limits and free speech built in. Our first instinct was to not create a strong central government, but we didn’t listen to those who tried to warn us when ratifying the Constitution.
And here we are.
It’s been almost 250 years, perhaps it’s time to give it another try.
It is time! Thomas Jefferson said, “I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and Constitutions. But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.”
Most of these socialist/commie types live in the world of theory either within academia or ensconced in their wealthy (parents) lifestyle. It’s sad that a generation has been raised/educated without the threat or even knowledge of what these systems do.
It is sad. Who is a fan of irony?
Great piece. Loved especially this line: “Mamdani and his bride will not be shopping at the government-run grocery stores.” Do you think Trump will get involved? Or should we just let NYC sink of its own corrupt weight?
Thank you, Johanna.
I’m no fan of federal overreach, but if NYC falls, it feels like the biggest domino going down. How can it not affect all of us? But, that said, the quality of NYC leadership and voters are dismal at best.
IDK. This might be the beginning of the end…but as they say, hard times create strong men.
For heaven's sake! The unattractive, overweight, tattooed woman in the first video - what an ignoramus. Thanks Liz for this insightful, yet frightening article. Your last sentence, "God help us!" is an appropriate plea.
Please add the plea: Lord have mercy,