Escape From New York, Or Fight On?

Change is inevitable, and we can hope when it happens that it is positive and peaceful, but history has revealed otherwise. This is especially true when the change involves someone in power, the leader of a nation, state, or a city. It is several days before the November 4 (2025) election for mayor of New York City. In last week’s article, I described the candidates, paying particular attention to the Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, and the existential threat he poses to the City.

Before what could be a turning point, I thought I’d walk the streets of Manhattan, as I have many times before, to once again get that special flavor of life in the big city, before what could be the inevitable. I took the subway for the one-hour trip, always vigilant and aware of the surroundings; one can never be too sure on the city’s subway system, as it has a life of its own.

Upon arriving, as I made my way up the steps, it had been a while since my last visit, and I became immersed in the sights and sounds, the teeming crowds, traffic, blaring horns, and occasional siren. It has always been awe-inspiring to walk among the towering giants of glass and steel, so that even a native New Yorker can look with wonder at what man has achieved, with all its warts, scares, and scandals.

I walked down Broadway, the Canyon of Heroes, and the theater district. The playbills outside covered the façade, some of the cast of characters I was familiar with. I made my way south to Times Square, where there were peddlers lining the street selling their wares, though it’s illegal. I headed further south to Herald Square and Macy's, the largest department store in America; I stopped by for a brief visit, and it was crowded with shoppers.

I continued further south to Lower Manhattan and the Freedom Tower, where the World Trade Center once stood. Thoughts of September 11 were fresh on my mind as I paid respects to those who lost their lives. It was a moving experience.

I walked north, then east to 5th Avenue, and headed uptown and stopped by an antique store, where I know the owners, a husband and wife. We exchanged greetings, and they were glad to see me; however, I sensed there might be something wrong. They weren’t as gregarious and outgoing as in the past. I asked how things were going, and how business was. They said business was good, but the future uncertain. They hinted that if the election turned out the way they feared it might, they would consider leaving New York. I said to give it a little time; let’s see how things work out. We hugged, said our goodbyes, and that we’d stay in touch.

Rockefeller Center has always held a certain fascination, a long corridor off 5th Avenue with a garden in the center running its length, and ending at the ice skating rink. Beyond the rink and above is the Prometheus sculpture. This is a popular tourist attraction, and they were out there today in large numbers with their cameras and shopping bags filled with souvenirs and trinkets, and big smiles. In another week or so, the Center’s Christmas tree will arrive, welcoming in the holiday season.

Across from Rockefeller Center is St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a sparkling gem amid the towering giants, which welcomes thousands of tourists, and office workers each day from the surrounding buildings. The Cathedral holds a special place; it is considered by many the heart of the city. I often visit, especially in times of adversity and distress, like these. I visited each of the shrines and said a prayer.

It was getting late; I stood outside the Cathedral and looked around, wondering how things might change. Can an inexperienced, unaccomplished, radical Islamic, 34-year-old socialist-communist destroy this storied historic city? Will Zohran Mamdani and his mind-numbed disciples destroy the quality of life and run roughshod over the residents who have lived here for generations?

As I write these last few sentences, the election is over, and our worst fears have been realized. Hundreds of thousands of people have moved out of New York City over the last 5 years. The word is that many more will follow. As for me, I’ll stick around, and with fist raised, will ‘’Fight, Fight, Fight.’’