A Socialist America

Zohran Mamdani has just won the New York City mayoral election. His platform included city-run grocery stores—one in each borough—free bus fare, a rent freeze in rent-stabilized housing, and a $30 minimum wage within four years. He is a well-known Democratic Socialist and a practicing Muslim. He was elected with a 39.9% voter turnout, 75% of which consisted of voters under 30.

Mamdani’s agenda appears to represent a deliberate push toward the systematic equalization of New York City residents, relying on the tax dollars of the working and upper classes to support a dependent population through the historically ineffective model of socialism. Socialism often appears attractive at first glance—initial improvements and surface-level upgrades conceal an internal framework that eventually decays and fails those depending on it. And while the United States was founded on capitalism, a free-market economy, and the right to pursue happiness, socialism has made its way into the national conversation through what many consider the Trojan Horse of “diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

According to The Federalist, “Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist, pro-Islamist, and naturalized U.S. citizen from Uganda, is the new face of leadership in NYC. Additionally, Mamdani has posted a picture of himself with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, whom he called ‘one of the nation’s foremost Muslim leaders.’ Wahhaj, at one point, was suggested as a co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six New Yorkers. Wahhaj has also urged ‘jihad’ upon New York City, and still, Mamdani called Wahhaj a ‘pillar of the Bed-Stuy community.’”

At the most basic level, Mamdani’s positions stand in opposition to core American values and the principles of a functioning republic. He frequently emphasizes his connection to Islam. Just last week, he referenced his “aunt” as a victim in the wake of the 9/11 attacks due to fears of anti-Muslim backlash. In a recent mayoral debate, Mamdani argued that his opponent, Andrew Cuomo, should not be mayor because “he couldn’t name a single mosque he visited.” Although Mamdani has not spoken directly about Sharia law, it is understandable that some Americans express concern when leaders with ideological ties to regions associated with past extremist actions assume political power.

New York City is considered one of the most economically influential cities in the world and the most economically powerful city in the United States. Many voters appear to have selected Mamdani as a rejection of Cuomo, who faces numerous scandals, including allegations of sexual harassment, mismanagement of COVID-19 nursing home data, ethics violations, and reports of a toxic management style. While the desire to vote against Cuomo is understandable, the result was the election of a Democratic Socialist whose policies risk pushing the city toward economic crisis in the name of “equality.”

Far too many Americans refuse to vote because they dislike the options presented. But a distaste for candidates does not stop the electoral process—it only amplifies the votes of those who do participate. Perhaps this is what happened in New York City when 60% of eligible voters stayed home. Whatever the reason, the city is now led by someone whose background includes almost no real-world work experience, an unusual résumé for a mayor governing the nation’s financial capital.

On the surface, socialism looks appealing. It promises benefits that sound ideal: free healthcare, free transportation, and a high minimum wage. But applying this ideology at its most basic level reveals its flaws.

Imagine a teacher with a classroom of 20 students who take a chapter test. Scores range from 45 to 97. Under a socialist model, every student receives a 73%—an average intended to elevate lower-performing students while minimally discouraging high-achievers. The result is predictable: struggling students feel no incentive to improve, and high-performing students stop putting in effort because their work is not reflected in their grades. Eventually, top students leave for schools that reward hard work, and overall standards decline.

A similar situation unfolds when school districts artificially elevate failing grades to avoid negative reporting. These students ultimately struggle with reading exams, driver’s tests, or workplace competency. A system that allows people to “float” forward without meeting requirements eventually justifies lowering standards elsewhere—sometimes with dangerous consequences.

Children are taught to share and include others, values that are healthy when applied in moderation. But children also quickly recognize the unfairness of shared rewards and shared punishments. The same principle applies to adults. Socialism and capitalism cannot both dominate a society. Capitalist systems, historically, produce higher wealth, better health, technological innovation, greater comfort, and more access to goods and services. Capitalism also guards against monopolies, protects workers, encourages competition, and provides safety nets.

America was not built on socialism; it was built on capitalism and the free market. Yet the central issue is not just the risk of socialism—it is understanding why voters chose it. Socialist policies are funded by taxpayers, particularly higher earners who carry the largest burden. Those who elected Mamdani are not the ones who will bear the brunt of the cost.

Take free bus fare as one example. Eliminating fare collection is estimated to reduce revenue by over $600 million annually. The MTA already requires massive subsidies; its bus and subway operations cost over $9.6 billion in 2023 alone. If taxpayers responsible for sustaining the system relocate, New York City will face both reduced revenue and increased financial obligations.

It is not difficult to see that a severe financial crisis will be imminent if Mamdani’s proposals are implemented. The question is not if, but how soon. In five years, New York City could face conditions similar to Detroit: shrinking industry, rising welfare dependency, soaring costs for goods and services, and widespread unemployment caused by an unsustainable $30 minimum wage. Investors may flee, technology firms may relocate, and the city could see unprecedented economic decline.

Some may say, “This is what New York voted for.” But a reasonable question remains: Was the collapse of New York the intended outcome all along? If the financial capital of the nation falters, the ripple effects will be felt everywhere. The current state is made even more complex by the fact that the leader poised to direct these policies is a foreign-born Muslim whose views differ sharply from traditional American governance and will take the capital of New York in a very ugly direction, but I’m sure that’s just a coincidence.

If you believe this will not affect you, it’s time to reconsider. This toxic ideology will grow and spread like a cancer in our nation unless the voting majority shows up. If we don’t change the way we demonstrate our rights and responsibilities as citizens of this free nation, our country will not be free, the face of the nation will change radically, and we will only have ourselves to blame. And for New York City, that day may have already arrived.