The capital of the most dominant and prosperous country in history, has unfortunately become an inhospitable and undesirable place to reside. Over the past decade, Washington, DC, has undergone a dismal transformation from a lively and vibrant metropolis into a city resembling Batman’s infamous Gotham. In 2013-2019, the city recorded an annual average of 104-166 homicides. Shockingly, in the past three years alone, the numbers have skyrocketed, reaching 198, 223, and 203 murders respectively. This year, the city is projected to reach a staggering 256 murders. Alongside this alarming trend, crime rates in Washington, DC have experienced an astronomical surge, surpassing previous records for carjackings in just a single year. Troublingly, only 80 arrests have been made so far in connection with the 606 carjackings that have occurred in 2023.
In light of these abysmal circumstances, Trayon White Sr., a Democratic city councilman who initially supported reducing criminal penalties for serious infractions, including carjacking, has now called for the intervention of the National Guard. It’s hard to imagine that just a little over three years ago, amidst the heated debates surrounding Senator Tom Cotton’s proposal to deploy the National Guard, Democrats would now be advocating for the same measure. “I am tired of burying our children,” White expressed to the press, reflecting the growing concerns for public safety.
This disconcerting violence and the liberal backlash it has generated extends far beyond the confines of the capital. Oakland is currently on track to double the number of assaults and triple the number of carjacking cases compared to 2019. The local chapter of the NAACP has explicitly assigned blame for the dire state of affairs, pointing fingers at failed leadership, the movement to defund the police, leniency in charging and prosecuting violent offenders, and the proliferation of anti-police rhetoric. The consequences of this crime wave include a mass exodus of residents who live with a constant fear of leaving their homes to work, shop, or dine.
Even figures like Al Sharpton, known for their progressive ideals, have criticized their fellow progressives for their failure to address this crime epidemic seriously. Sharpton emphasized that anyone who claims to be progressive but does not prioritize tackling violent crime cannot be truly labeled as such. The urgency of the situation has prompted a change of heart among some progressives who previously dismissed the severity of the issue.
Recent examples include Eric Adams’ electoral victory in New York City in 2021, campaigned on a tough-on-crime platform, and the removal of progressive prosecutor Chesa Boudin in San Francisco last year. Mayor London Breed of San Francisco passionately expressed her desire to put an end to “the reign of criminals who are destroying our city” and advocated for a crackdown on lawlessness. While this newfound vigilance is a cause for optimism, it is important to hold these progressive leaders accountable and ensure that their actions align with their rhetoric.
Urban electorates have historically favored Democratic candidates, leaving Democrats with the responsibility of rejuvenating cities that have fallen into disarray. It is encouraging to see progressives acknowledge the reality of the dire situation in their streets. However, city dwellers should remain cautiously optimistic, as Mayor Adams’ example has shown that tough talk alone cannot effectively address the issue. Recent polling data reveals that 70% of New Yorkers continue to express concerns about becoming victims of crime, with nearly one in ten residents reporting incidents of assault or robbery within the past year.
Therefore, while it is commendable to applaud the intentions expressed by the new wave of liberal crime fighters, it is essential to hold them accountable for their actions and ensure that their policies and initiatives effectively combat the rising crime rates. The well-being and safety of urban communities must remain the top priority, even if it means challenging existing political affiliations. Progressives must deliver on their promises and prove that their commitment to public safety goes beyond mere rhetoric.
Isaac Schorr is a skilled writer at Mediaite, offering valuable insights into current affairs and pressing societal issues.
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