Mayor Mamdani’s collectivist warmth is a lot like chilly Commie Bucharest

By James Bovard Published Jan. 10, 2026, 12:00 p.m. ET

Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised New Yorkers Jan. 1 he would “replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.”Luckily, psychiatrists have not yet classified “rugged individualism” as a mental illness. But Mamdani’s vision of cozy collectivism is tricky to reconcile with what I saw in Communist Romania in November 1987.

I arrived in Bucharest after taking the Orient Express from Budapest, Hungary. In pre-Communist times, that train epitomized capitalist decadence. In the Soviet era, the lavish cuisine was replaced by far more attentive service — more or less. Armed guards in Transylvania repeatedly searched my cabin and then locked me inside it so my Western ideas would not contaminate any devout Commies. The train arrived in Bucharest four or five hours behind schedule.Let’s hope Mamdani is not relying on Romanian refugee plannersto fulfill his promise to “make buses fast and free.”

When I checked into the only hotel permitted to offer rooms to Westerners,I was practically tackled by a beefy prostitute who was likely also a government spy. She kept nudging me to “go upstairs.” She cooed gutturally: “Why are you here in Bucharest?”“I’m a tourist,” I said. Actually, I was working as a journalist, but I hadn’t disclosed that on my visa application. OK, technically, I was in Romania illegally, but what are technicalities among friends? But it is so cold outside,” she said. “Let’s stay inside. Aren’t you lonely?”

Not a chance: This woman radiated “honey trap.”Besides, I had a strict rule to never tussle with any woman who had a better mustache than I did.

The Romanian regime when I asked the ornery hotel concierge for a map of the city, he glared hatefully at me: “We have no maps. If there is some place you want to go, you tell me what it is, and I will tell you how to get there.” My hunch was that guy didn’t make a living from tips.kek

In his inaugural speech, Mamdani touted an array of new subsidies such as free child care as linchpins for “the lives we fill with freedom.” But government handouts are often far more expensive than they first appear.

The Communist regime boasted of providing free health care to Romanians, but women were trapped in a real-life “Handmaid’s Tale.” Because boosting birth rates was part of the Five-Year Plan,the government outlawed contraception and abortion. It forced all women between the ages of 18 and 40 to have a monthly gynecological exam to ensure no one robbed the state by terminating a pregnancy.Ten thousand Romanian women died from illegal abortions, and far more were left maimed.In Romania, “warmth” was an abstraction that existed primarily in propaganda campaigns. To save energy,the government routinely cut off the electricity to hospitals, causing 1,000 deathsthe previous winter. Theinfant mortality rate was so high, the governmentrefused to register children as being born until they survived their first month.

On the streets, my canvas hat marked me as a foreigner. People stopped me and pleader packs cigarettes — the de facto second currency — they could use to bribe doctors to get health care for their sick children. Food shortages caused pervasive gauntness in this former “breadbasket of Europe.”The government responded to rising hunger with a publicity campaign on the danger of overeating.

In prior visits to Czechoslovakia, I had been hounded by the secret police so I knew not to pull out any notebook to jot down my observations as I walked the streets of Bucharest. Instead,I wrote single words on the palm of my hand I could later use as a fishhook to pull up a string of memories.

As I was walking across the airport tarmac to catch my Lufthansa flight out of Romania, a guard shouted for me to halt and came running up with his submachine gun bouncing off his ample belly. He grabbed my left arm and, pointing at my palm, demanded to know:“WHAT IS THIS?!?”I looked closely at my hand, then I looked at the guard.“It’s ink.”He paused, squinted, nodded his head knowingly, and then waved me on to the plane.

In his victory speech on election night, Mamdani declared his supporters “chose . . . hope over tyranny.” But giving boundless power to his own supposed good intentions will be a recipe for ruin for the new mayor.Will Mamdani speedily turbocharge the cynicism that he boasted of vanquishing?

https://nypost.com/2026/01/10/opinion/mamdanis-collectivist-warmth-is-a-lot-like-commmunist-chill/

>>24102517

I wonder if some of these leftists that are paid, have offered to be the next one killed by ICE, so their families can get a lot of money? Maybe they already have deadly cancer?

>>24102510

Lindsey only brings hatred to what Trump has done and has to do, His support is not an asset for Trump

>>24102487 Trump should not get involved in IRAN, this is another Israel trap. I read an article the Mossaed and other israel agents are embedded in the crowds to stir them up and push this,

>>24102480 I was talking to an Indian friend that came in the correct way and his parents and family did with Green cards many years ago. We talked about Modi and he said Modi was always a tyrant he just hid it really well, he's known by all the people, that he does absolutely nothing for the people. His whole supposedly respectfully walking Trump around the stadium was a farce (but almost all Indians love Trump). He said he will be in office till he dies. My friend said he has never helped poor Indians and many dies in the large districts and no one care. He said the real Modi came out when he started buying Russia, China and other countries fuels, etc. A Leader at DOS said Bodi agreed to call Trump, and Bodi never called him. They said they are still waiting, According to my friend he's always been evil. (but truthfully everyone in power are criminals and evil. Ghandi was the only person that fought against it.

Tax the motherf–king rich!’ Elected socialists privately threaten Hochul if she doesn’t fall in line

By

Gabrielle Fahmy Published Jan. 10, 2026, 1:43 p.m. ET

Even as New York Mayor Mamdani and Gov. Hochul appeared cozy in a photo op this week, other DSA elected officials are escalating attacks – and threats – on the governor behind closed doors.

Mamdani and Hochul were all smiles as they jointly announced a multi-billion-dollar socialist plan to fund free childcare – even raising their clasped hands in a show of unity.But in a private party meeting Thursday night, the Empire State’s other elected socialists used much different rhetoric.

“I’m so excited to fight with y’all in Albany to get them to tax the motherf–g rich,” said Brooklyn state Assemblywoman Phara Souffrant Forrest.

“I’m here to tell you about the three goons that we need to get to tax the rich,” she started off, before slamming Hochul as a “multimillionaire” who “started off cool but then went south.” The other two “goons,” as per the former nurse, were State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins.

In the DSA’s sights this session is a trio of bills to raise taxes – the progressive state income tax bill that would raise tax brackets for those making over $450,000, the fair share act that would levy an additional 2% city tax on those making more than $1 million, and a corporate tax bill that would impact companies with more than $2.5 million in profits.

Lawmakers then began making threats at the meeting, which was held on video.“If she’s not doing s–t, we have to make that a serious threat,” raged Brooklyn state Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher about Hochul.

Hochul, who is up for re-election this year, is facing a primary challenge from her “No Show” Lt. Gov. Anthony Delgado. “This is an opportunity,” continued Gallagher, who called Hochul’s unwillingness to tax the rich “ridiculous.” “She thinks she only has to worry about the right.”

Gallagher also slammed Hochul, saying, “She thinks she only has to worry about the right.”

Under mounting pressure from socialists,Hochul has warmed up on the idea of hiking corporate taxes, but personal income tax is a line she said she won’t cross.

But with the DSA feeling emboldened with Mamdani in office, they urged members to do whatever it takes to get their agenda passed.

“So just as we were responsible for electing Mayor Mamdani to the mayoralty, we are responsible for delivering on his agenda,” said one DSA leader

https://nypost.com/2026/01/10/us-news/tax-the-motherf-king-rich-elected-socialists-privately-threaten-hochul-if-she-doesnt-fall-in-line/

how come I can't post pictures?I cleared my cache and history

Doesn't that third picture that Mandami and his Admin are smiling because these people and citizens are taking the hook, line and sinker of their lies. They are shaming the person with their smiles and eyes,

Tax the motherf–king rich!’ Elected socialists privately threaten Hochul if she doesn’t fall in line

By

Gabrielle Fahmy Published Jan. 10, 2026, 1:43 p.m. ET

Even as New York Mayor Mamdani and Gov. Hochul appeared cozy in a photo op this week, other DSA elected officials are escalating attacks – and threats – on the governor behind closed doors.

Mamdani and Hochul were all smiles as they jointly announced a multi-billion-dollar socialist plan to fund free childcare – even raising their clasped hands in a show of unity.But in a private party meeting Thursday night, the Empire State’s other elected socialists used much different rhetoric.

“I’m so excited to fight with y’all in Albany to get them to tax the motherf–g rich,” said Brooklyn state Assemblywoman Phara Souffrant Forrest.

“I’m here to tell you about the three goons that we need to get to tax the rich,” she started off, before slamming Hochul as a “multimillionaire” who “started off cool but then went south.” The other two “goons,” as per the former nurse, were State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins.

In the DSA’s sights this session is a trio of bills to raise taxes – the progressive state income tax bill that would raise tax brackets for those making over $450,000, the fair share act that would levy an additional 2% city tax on those making more than $1 million, and a corporate tax bill that would impact companies with more than $2.5 million in profits.

Lawmakers then began making threats at the meeting, which was held on video.“If she’s not doing s–t, we have to make that a serious threat,” raged Brooklyn state Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher about Hochul.

Hochul, who is up for re-election this year, is facing a primary challenge from her “No Show” Lt. Gov. Anthony Delgado. “This is an opportunity,” continued Gallagher, who called Hochul’s unwillingness to tax the rich “ridiculous.” “She thinks she only has to worry about the right.”

Gallagher also slammed Hochul, saying, “She thinks she only has to worry about the right.”

Under mounting pressure from socialists,Hochul has warmed up on the idea of hiking corporate taxes, but personal income tax is a line she said she won’t cross.

But with the DSA feeling emboldened with Mamdani in office, they urged members to do whatever it takes to get their agenda passed.

“So just as we were responsible for electing Mayor Mamdani to the mayoralty, we are responsible for delivering on his agenda,” said one DSA leader

https://nypost.com/2026/01/10/us-news/tax-the-motherf-king-rich-elected-socialists-privately-threaten-hochul-if-she-doesnt-fall-in-line/

how come I can't post pictures?I cleared my cache and history

Doesn't that third picture that Mandami and his Admin are smiling because these people and citizens are taking the hook, line and sinker of their lies. They are shaming the person with their smiles and eyes,

>>24102637 FREE TINA PETERS - Colorado Gov Jared Polis considers clemency for Tina Peterspn

Bullshit, he heard Bennett and others that fingered CO to be the next state to be investigated for fraud. Also two weeks ago, for the first time went on FOX and he gave glorious praise for Trump on individual investments in the schools. He is shitting his pants and there's a lot more he doesn't know about.

Baldwin Hamptons: The departed No one wants to buy Alec Baldwin’s Hamptons mansion — again

The modern farmhouse spread in Amagansett has bounced on and off the market since 2022.

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin’s historic Hamptons home just got a lot cheaper — again.

The modern farmhouse in Amagansett, which dates back to 1740, received a $1 million discount this week, Realtor.com reported. The couple brought the property back to market in December, marking its fourth appearance on the market in almost as many years.

Hilaria and Alec Baldwin recently shared their hesitance to quit the beloved home after years of listings.( I bet the place has ghosts there, we had ghosts in our house from the 1920’s, when my parents bought it in 1960)

The classic Hamptons home spans 10,000 square feet, with seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. It offers the usual array of luxe amenities, including a wood-paneled library, a movie theater, a wine room, a pool and a spa. Scott Bradley of Saunders & Associates holds the listing.

This most recent sale attempt came as a surprise to those that follow the Baldwin clan. (What’s the surprise? Everyone know that he killed a director with a gun a couple of feet away. No one wants his karma of the ghost following him and his family)

Alec, 67, told the New York Times in August that his brood of seven children are “very happy” at the 8-acre property. Its wide-open fields offer the clan and their many pets far more elbow room than their home base in New York City.

“When I go up to the kids and go, ‘Want to sell the house?,’ they go crazy,” Alec told the outlet. Baldwin purchased the seven-bedroom home in 1995 for $1.75 million. Saunders & Associates

The summer home is furnished in a breezy farmhouse style. Saunders & Associates Despite their kids’ disinclination to part with the home, the Baldwins have certainly tried.

The farmhouse has oscillated on and off the market since first listing for $29 million in November 2022, nearly a year after the tragic shooting on the set of “Rust.” An involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec was dismissed in July 2024 during a widely anticipated trial in New Mexico. (It wasn’t tragic is was first degree murder.)

The couple reentered the limelight in early 2025 with the premier of their reality show, “The Baldwins.” The show gave a window into the busy parents’ lives with seven children under 12, with the Amagansett home as its backdrop.

Hilaria, 42, called the home “Alec’s safe place for a long time before he met me.”

He purchased the dwelling in for $1.75 million in 1995. It’s since seen one divorce and multiple renovations. The star’s attachment to the property was clear in a personal video he made for the listing last year, in which he wistfully said “I’m always happiest when I come here.”

The circa-1740 property’s age adds to its charm, but may turn off well-heeled buyers. Saunders & Associates.

Multiple local agents told Realtor.com in 2024 that the listing’sfailure to launch was largely due to its age and price— luxury buyers shelling out seven figures often want something a little less lived-in. (BS, everyone knows his karma and it's bad)

Jenny Lenz, managing director of Dolly Lenz Real Estate, pointed out that the property’s location north of the highway is also far from the prime streets of East Hampton and Southampton.

“The house is quite dated for the current market,” Lenz told Realtor.com. (all of these things sound like excuses, but the rich want the most expensive and newest shit too)

“Buyers in this area are looking for more modern styles and either new construction or recently renovated homes.” The swimming pool and hot tub area is secluded behind lush greenery. Saunders & Associates

The massive property includes a 3.2-acre agricultural reserve. Saunders & Associates. A 3.2-acre swath of the property is also reserved for agricultural use — a perk for buyers looking for a single-family sanctuary, but a complete turn-off for developers. This recent price cut may bring the $20 million listing more in line with buyer expectations, but a sale would be a bittersweet success for the Baldwin brood.

https://nypost.com/2026/01/09/real-estate/no-one-wants-to-buy-alec-baldwins-hamptons-mansion/