Nov. 4, 2025 8 AM PT
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 would be an ominous turn for New York and the nation,” Oct. 31):
Publicly owned housing items (maybe Hammer is unaware of the more than 3,300 public housing authorities within the U.S. alone).
“Free” grocery shops (the scare quotes are Hammer’s; what’s actually proposed is a pilot venture of simply 5 publicly owned grocery shops on land already owned by the town to supply meals at decrease price).
Common youngster 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 backed youngster care).
Free bus companies (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 charge (which might, in response to an Empire Center evaluation, have an effect on about 1,000 of the greater than 250,000 companies in New York Metropolis, and is identical prime charge 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 deal with precise police work).
One may talk about whether or not all or any of those concepts are price pursuing, although most of them have been efficiently applied elsewhere already. Nevertheless, claiming that they signify “fantasies of far-left utopianism,” which can trigger America to “lose its soul,” is just ludicrous.
John Hamilton Scott, Sherman Oaks
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To the editor: Hammer says Mamdani’s platform shouldn’t be reform. It’s social transformation. I say sure.
He goes on to say, “For higher or worse, New York stays the financial, cultural and progressive engine of america.” At the least he acknowledges the “for worse.” It’s time for society and, sure, the financial, cultural and progressive engine of america to supply extra assist for the least of us.
Probably the most obvious oversight in our present system is the shortage of common care for youngsters. If we would like individuals to have kids, what do we are saying to those that have a baby with a extreme incapacity or who’re unable to earn a dwelling wage? “Don’t have kids except you possibly can afford them”?
Dan Brumer, Encino
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To the editor: In Hammer’s latest op-ed, he presents reasonably priced housing, meals stability and accessible youngster care and training as a nightmare. Don’t threaten us with an excellent time!
A 4% company tax enhance and better tax on seven-figure earners shouldn’t be prone to crush New Yorkers. Capitalism will survive the surcharge. If these reforms could make it there (New York), they’ll make it wherever.
It’s as much as you, New York. We’re seeking to you with hope.
Suzanne Hambruch, Huntington Seashore
