New York’s new mayor a game changer
The people of New York City have elected a mayor who is unlike any of his more recent predecessors. In many ways, he is more like the City’s most famous mayor Fiorello LaGuardia. Mayor Eric Adams has the panache and flamboyance of LaGuardia – a snappy dressing populist. In his first days in office, Adams rode to work on public transportation – witnessing a crime from his elevated platform. On Another occasion, he rode to work on a bicycle.
Adams is a high-energy vegan who admittedly burns the candle at both ends – rises early to start his busy workday and likes to “hang out” with the boys on occasional evenings. But he is also a family man of the modern culture. He has a “domestic partner” – Tracey Collins, Senior Youth Development Director for the New York Department of Education – and one son.
Like La Guardia, Adams is an anti-establishment reformer. He is a departure from the stereotypical progressive types that have ruled over the Big Apple for more than 60 years — and who only see themselves as reformers. The progression toward radicalism from the left reached its apex with Adams’ predecessor Bill de Blasio. Adams is, in many ways, the anti-de Blasio.
To earn the right to move into Gracie Mansion, Adams had to defeat the progressive old guard. His opponents included such establishment and far-left personalities as New York Sanitary Commissioner Kathryn Garcia and former de Blasio aide and MSNBC panelist Maya Wiley. At the onset of the campaign, pundits gave Adams little chance to win the race. His tough on crime and pro-police positions were anathematic to the New York Intelligentsia and ruling class. His victory was a surprise if not a total shock to them.
Adams is a fresh departure from the angry scolding politicians who dominate the current environment. His almost constant broad smile beams confidence and trust. His speeches are filled with hope and optimism. The man has something sorely lacking in today’s political scene — charisma.
From his recent appearances on television, Adams is shaping up as one of the more effective and persuasive public speakers. He does not equivocate. He makes sense. When questioned – or even challenged — on his position of in-classroom learning, Adams clearly and persuasively makes his point. In New York City, the children will be in school – not only because of the damage done by keeping them out, but because the data shows that they are safer from Covid in school than at home.
Adams is one of those folks who seem to be able to disagree without being disagreeable. CNN Briana Taylor learned that in her interview with Adams. She tried to challenge his school position. Adams shot back that she was wrong … period. With his ever-present smile, he said that we have got to stop scaring the children with sensationalized reports.
There are probably no greater qualities that benefits a politician than credibility and instilling confidence – and Adams has both of those in abundance. Of course, he is new to the office, so we will have to see how he does in the long run.
Democrats may have a superstar in the making. His political magnetism is already influencing the orbits of the left-wing solar system. He has people like Al Sharpton talking more about the need for law enforcement than defunding or demeaning the profession. Adams is more in line with where America is trending and many Democrats know it – except for those on the far left who represent the center-of-gravity in the Party.
The only thing that could make me like this guy more is if he was a Republican. But I will take his mostly conservative “Republican” political philosophy even without an “R” after his name.
So, there ‘tis.
Agreed! He appears to be a breath of fresh air, a dewormer of the big rotten apple! He is an example of how to be reasonable. I hope he succeeds!
Larry, Mayor Eric Adams is a breath of fresh air in toxic polluted political environment, which is today’s America. Republicans and Democrats across the country share in polluting our lives with toxic political fighting and uncompromising spirits.
America as a whole may not follow NYC news or realize that a change in the mayor’s office happened. However, those in politics are following this story. Mayor Adam’s progress in the office is sure to be watched and scrutinized closely. His style is a departure from previous mayors’ conducting NYC business. Meaning, he purposes a change from a business as usual to less adversarial approach. Whether his politics align with some conservative doctrine or are people centered democratically oriented, only time will tell. As the value of a book should not be judged by its cover and title alone, it’s value comes through investigative discovery effort discerning the book’s message. Discernment happens when opinions previously held can be suspended for objectivity’s sake. Assuming the book in not the same old but promises a look into a different perspective.
Although, my roots happen to be four generations deep in Michigan’s western region fronting on beautiful Lake Michigan, my interest in NYC and environs dates back to the early 1060’s. It was the New York World’s Fair that drew me to the City initially. As a tourist from West Michigan and pre-teen young, I was impressed. Everything appeared over sized, buildings, bridges, traffic, shear noise volume loud, and people crowded everywhere. It surpassed Chicago’s several experiences of mine before visiting NY. Through the following years, over half a century and frequent experiences in the City, and this nation’s 2nd, 3rd, 4th and other largest cities, NYC continues that initial impression and more interest compounded.
NYC is arguably the most complex, diverse, densely concentrated, and historically important metropolitan entity in America. The mayor’s job must have responsibilities unimaginable even for mayors responsible for the next largest cities
He, His Honor The Mayor, assumes a position much in public attention’s eye. We, the public, are watching. Logically New Yorkers are especially interested, yet, Addams represents no ordinary politician in a culture highly charge in politics.
Political control equates with political power in all societies and economies through human history. Power has potential like a metaphorical double-edged sword. It may strike for the good and benefit of the majority. In the hands of another the same sword is employed for the intended benefit of a select minority. Today’s political climate presents democracy with unique challenges. When control shifts with majority gain and power rests in the other party’s hands, what then will another intend with newly granted authority and political power. The worst in human nature may see opportunity for revenge misapply power’s strength for vengeance seeking “an eye for an eye”.
Mayor Adams seems not the person looking to settle some score with his political opponents. Which is unknown in the political wrangling NY City Hall is accustomed to especially when it has a turn over in the Mayor’s Office.
Then, Washington DC and our federal legislative branch has itself at the most elemental crossroads a democracy can find itself. Fair and free elections are the bedrock on which a democratic government DGI said and ends. Placing elections at risk with attacks on legitimacy grounds puts the entire governing system at critical vulnerability..
In NYC’s case if Eric Addams had lost the mayoral election and in that city past elections have been questioned, would he not accept the results even after court after court decided the election was correct in its results. Of course, the rational man (person) test for sufficiency in finding established facts as true. Hate driven prejudice producing illogical impertinent judgement separates this irrational mentality from rational reality based facts a.k.a the whole truth.
Again, the matter of objectivity come into play. Objectivity is mocked and with the mocking the truth is mocked. Merely proclaiming one is right, no need of objectivity for certainty, does not prove that outcome in the least. Rock solid evidence of truth in facts shown is the one and only case with merit. Even so, the red team rallies around the former president and erroneously supports his delusional conspiracy theories. Truth be told his personality type does not ever consider an outcome other than winning. Loosing means failing, which is unacceptable at any price. Donald J Trump’s history shows multiple failure, business bankruptcy, marriages,
legal proceedings and political losses. Not ever in all those cases has he conceded and accepted reality in truth. Instead he reframed the facts with a spin like a roulette wheel and commanded the balls so they landed where he desired. If any fixing is needed for his benefit, he is the fixer or a minion will put in the fix. So, the wheel spins his whole existence he regards as a gamble. One where he owns “the house” and the house always wins. Indeed the house has not always won and he lost the house, a yacht, an airline, and a faux university. All of that is the short list. Each and everyone has two stories, one of Trump’s concoction repeat with lies he fabricated and the other case law reports underlining the truth with facts as evidence.
Best wishes go out to Mayor Addams in the coming years. May he lead the City well, justly, and democratically.
You have just proven that you’re a moron. And the “mayor “ will only be the champion of failed policies.