'The “Big Apple” rotting to its core' by Vincent

 
I invite you to take a nightly stroll through what used to be the bustling streets of New York City if you dare.  New York (my hometown) was once a beacon of hope and prosperity, with its bustling streets, high-end stores, and vibrant nightlife; it was appropriately dubbed “the city that never sleeps” for numerous reasons.  
 
I remember growing up near the city and enthusiastically taking the train through Manhattan on a somewhat routine basis.  During that time period New York’s transportation systems were second to none.  We would cut classes from school, frequent various sporting events or concerts, visit museums, or just to hang out in any of New York’s magnificent parks.  This was the New York that I grew up in; and was also known as the Rudy Guiliani years.
 
Sadly, what was once the crown jewel of urban vibrancy has been turned into a breeding ground for violence and lawlessness, and guess who’s to blame?  This is most definitely, and I told you so moment, because the villains have never changed; and it’s a biproduct of progressive policies that were designed to make life more diverse, more equitable and of course, more inclusive (DEI).  And if you’re looking for the architects of this disaster, they’re hiding in plain sight, smirking as they capitalize on the community’s misery. 
 
These are the same folks that championed defunding the police, cashless bail, criminal justice reform and sanctuary cities.  It’s truly an astonishing act of self-sabotage, all in the name of “social justice.”  According to FBI data, since 2021, New York City has witnessed a staggering increase in violent crimes; murder rates have soared, and misdemeanor crimes have become rampant as thieves realized they could operate with impunity in progressive led cities. 
 
Cash bail reform was initially touted as a method to ensure that low-income individuals wouldn’t be stuck in jail for minor offenses, simply because they lack financial resources.  This sounds noble, but in practice, it morphed into an open invitation for repeat offenders, extending a warm welcome mat for recidivists to exploit the system.  These same criminals now walk the streets of New York, and travel through its subway systems unencumbered by the prospect of facing any real consequences for their actions.
 
After having to deploy the national guard to assist in New York’s subways, Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul decided to give herself a pat on the back during a press conference for what she deemed “improved rider safety” in New York’s subway system. Meanwhile, only two hours prior, two people were stabbed in the face and chest on a Queens subway, and another woman was barbarically set on fire by an illegal immigrant in midtown Manhattan.  How’s that for a tone-deaf victory lap?   
 
It's utterly disheartening to see the once vibrant city of lights swamped with fear.  Citizens deserve to feel safe, but New York’s leadership continues to operate under a misguided philosophy that emphasizes reform over accountability.  Instead of admitting that these reforms come at a grave price, progressives push forward without pause or consideration, leaving a trail of death and devastation in their wake.      
 
Unfortunately, the progressive assault doesn’t stop at public safety.  In their incessant quest to provide equity and inclusion, policymakers have once again failed to recognize the basic need for order.  Open-air drug markets and homeless encampments have become fixtures in the big apple, while sanctuary city polices simply add another delightful nuance to the mess. 
 
Sadly, these violent events have become commonplace as residents take their lives into their own hands every time, they walk the streets or utilize public transportation.  The progressive policies have shifted the burden of public safety to the citizens, essentially turning them into vigilante hostages in their own neighborhoods.  Meanwhile, those that created these conditions hide behind guarded walls, whilst armed police and security chauffeurs them around the city. 
 
And to the politicians and policymakers advocating for these disastrous policies; your experiments have led to real-world consequences, and the blood of innocent civilians is on your hands.  You’ve failed to deliver on the one mandate that every elected leader is required to carry out, and that’s the security of your people.  Shame on all of you.