We're About to Experience Another First



Whether you are someone who likes it or does not like it, we are all about to experience quite a big event, That is the election of Zohran Mamdani to be the Mayor of New York City. Mamdani is a Muslim and is opposed by many Democrats in the city as well as many across the country. 

All of the handwringing by both liberals and conservatives about him made me reminisce about the "firsts" I have experienced in my long life. A few that come to mind are Jackie Robinson, 1st black pro baseball player, Jack Kennedy, 1st Catholic President, Obama, 1st black President, Pete Buttigieg, 1st out gay cabinet member, 1st female VP candidate and 1st female Presidential candidate, 1st person to walk on the moon. etc., etc. 

The link was written by a MAGA columnist who thinks the U.S. should have limited immigration so the likes of Mamdani would not have gained traction. The "mistake" was made 30 years ago, the author says, when lots of immigration started. Of course, this is a misreading of history. My grandfather came here with boat loads of Swedes and other Europeans when the borders were completely open. These were Europeans, the author notes, and were good immigrants. Now immigrants come from everywhere including "bad" countries with bad religions and bad "values."

The link says Mamdani ridiculed Columbus and Columbus Day a few years back. Praising all things European included making Columbus a hero is the only acceptable view. Mamdani was born into a culture different than the Christian European one and has been in a sense outside of it his whole life. It turns out that a big swath of NYC voters feels they, too, are living outside the prevailing culture and see nothing wrong with Mamdani to represent them.

A few decades ago, a conservative columnist, Pat Buchanan ran for President on a platform of preserving "U. S. values."  He would say things like, "What is wrong with women staying home and raising children?" Or, "What is wrong with beginning meetings with a prayer to God?"   

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