The Fifth Column #512 - Escape from New York
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Jun 27, 2025 The conversation kicks off with a humorous take on a chaotic New York exit, likening it to a disaster film. They dive into the political future of Andrew Cuomo, examining the implications of his legacy. The critique of nepotism in the arts takes center stage, highlighting flaws in meritocracy within the rap industry. Discussions on cultural nuances reveal tensions in contemporary politics and housing woes in NYC. They tackle youth unemployment in Spain, segueing into complex global tensions over Iran, and finish with exhilarating insights from the basketball playoffs.
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Challenges of Mamdani's Socialism Win
- Zoran Mamdani's socialism win in New York signals a disconnect between progressive policies and effective city governance.
- His policies like free buses and housing for homeless in subways face practical challenges and skepticism.
Rent Control Backfires in NYC
- Rent control and banning brokers' fees in NYC have caused rent to spike, illustrating flawed economic interventions.
- Freezing rents without addressing supply and demand leads to higher prices and reduced housing quality.
Unexpected Coalition for Socialism
- Wealthy, educated voters and Asians favored Mamdani, despite his policies that threaten gifted programs and raise taxes.
- This shows an unusual coalition backing socialism in urban enclaves, diverging from working-class preferences.
