Staff Reports
As the Fourth of July approaches, American patriots are gearing up to celebrate the nation’s birthday with firework displays, barbecues, and a whole lot of red, white, and blue. But this year, there’s a storm brewing in the Big Apple that might rain on the parade. The spotlight is on a controversial mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani, whose platform includes the polarizing demand to defund the police. While he claims he wants to work with law enforcement, his past statements and tweets paint a different picture.
Mamdani’s agenda raises eyebrows among New Yorkers who remember a time when the city was vibrant but felt the sting of violence and crime. Curtis Sliwa, running for mayor as a Republican, is no stranger to the streets of New York. He founded the Guardian Angels in the 1970s to tackle rising crime and protect communities that faced safety threats. With street smarts and a flair for the dramatic, Sliwa argues that defunding the police would result in chaos, a direction he does not wish to see his city head.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Curtis recalls a time when the city celebrated milestones like the bicentennial with great pride, and he questions Mamdani’s connection to New York’s unique history and culture. As the fireworks burst overhead, many hope to see leaders who value safety and community at the fore. Sliwa proudly identifies as a patriotic candidate who aims to bring back a spirit of resilience to a city that has faced its struggles.
One of the more curious aspects of Mamdani’s candidacy is his background. He identifies as a Muslim immigrant and claims his ethnicity is complex, having referred to himself as both Asian and African-American on a college application. While Sliwa respects Mamdani’s right to self-identify, he argues that such ambiguity does not provide a solid foundation for leadership in a city that requires clear, affirmative action to lead effectively.
In the realm of New York politics, alliances can shift like sand. When teased about potentially teaming up with rival Eric Adams—all in the name of defeating Mamdani—the banter became a humorous highlight. However, Sliwa quickly clarified that he is in it to win it, and has no intention of forming a “unity ticket” with opponents. After all, he feels the weight of responsibility to represent the true spirit of New Yorkers, especially those who want to rid the city of radical ideas that could lead to disaster.
As Independence Day celebrations loom, the battle lines are being drawn in New York City. The question resonates: what kind of leadership is needed to uphold the values of safety and tradition? Sliwa’s robust defense of law enforcement reflects the desires of many who cherish the freedom to celebrate without fear. With lively parades and festive gatherings expected, New Yorkers are left to ponder the importance of their choices in the coming election, especially as they raise their flags high and thank the brave men and women in blue who work tirelessly to maintain order.
