As we all continue to struggle with the images of violence and rioting we witnessed in our nation’s capital this week, we are again confronted with what has become the pressing issue of our time—the tension between every American’s right to public protest, and the government’s absolute responsibility to protect and ensure the safety of its citizens.
My answer to this question has always been clear. The First Amendment does not provide an excuse or cover for crime or violence. As a military veteran who spent 30 years defending our Constitution and the freedoms it guarantees us as Americans, I can say unequivocally that violence, rioting and looting is not an exercise of the First Amendment, but an abomination of it. I can say unequivocally that the primary responsibility of government is to protect the safety of its citizens, and that anyone seeking to lead this country–or this
city–needs to be prepared to unequivocally assume that responsibility.
The Trump insurrectionists were not the only disturbing images on television recently. Last week, as New Yorkers tried at long last to send out 2020 with some hope and optimism for 2021, we got to watch in horror a video of a group of youths attacking a motorist with their bicycles. Can you imagine the terror experienced by the people trapped inside that car? Can you imagine the trepidation anyone watching that video would feel about coming to New York City?
How can we begin to reopen our economy—how can we expect people to live here, work here, play here, invest here—if we don’t first restore public safety to our city?
How can anyone proposing to lead our city look at the devastation wrought to our tourist and entertainment industries, our small business owners, or the direct victims of the city’s recent surge in violent crime –and call for the defunding of the police?
That’s not what New Yorkers want.
New Yorkers want a mayor who will do the job—not abdicate her prime responsibility for convenient politics. New Yorkers want a mayor with the courage and wisdom to make the difficult choices for the greater good of all.
Our campaign wants you. We want to be your voice. But, time is running out. Your contribution of just $10 will ensure I am on the ballot in June –and ensure you have the choice to vote for a mayor who will fight for you and the future of this city.
Times Square was empty this year due to the pandemic. Can you imagine Times Square empty next New Year’s Eve because law enforcement lacked the resources to provide adequate security? It’s easy to forget that New York City remains a top terror target—largely because of the job the NYPD does every day protecting us from that reality.
