Twin terrors strike NYC, further eroding sense of safety

There have been shockingly violent days in modern New York that highlight the city’s decline and dysfunction.

Monday was one of those days. 

The murder of a young police officer during a routine traffic stop and the death of a commuter who was shoved in front of a subway train by a stranger add to the growing belief the city is speeding downhill. 

These twin horrors, along with the daily reports of crimes like robberies, assaults, and shoplifting, indicate that public safety is deteriorating, and criminals are operating with little fear of consequences. 

Cherry-picked statistics meant to defend politicians should be disregarded. 

As Mark Twain once said, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” 

NYers sense the crisis 

When it comes to public safety, the most important measure is how safe people feel.

According to a survey, the vast majority of New Yorkers believe the city is more dangerous than it was six years ago. 

The survey covered all boroughs, neighborhoods, income levels, racial and ethnic groups.

The negative responses from the survey should have been a major cause for concern at City Hall and in Albany. 

However, the findings were largely ignored, along with other issues that could shake up the ruling class. 

The lack of a political response indicates that city and state officials are not considering any significant changes.

Their apathy adds to the feeling of despair among residents. 

It also gives more reasons for those considering leaving the city to start packing their bags.

Without hope for substantial changes, why wait? 

The current situation is even more dire because the deaths of Police Officer Jonathan Diller and the commuter are a direct result of misguided policies that go against common sense. 

Some prosecutors would rather focus on Donald Trump than work with police to ensure safety on the streets and subways.

Others impose more restrictions on the NYPD, further perpetuating the negative attitudes towards law enforcement. 

This anti-police sentiment persists because the political class is shielded from public accountability by big donors and radical activists who aim to dismantle the legal system. 

Despite being a minority, these extreme ideologues often get their way due to low voter turnout in elections.

Mayoral election turnout has been consistently low for years.

Just 21% of registered voters participated in the 2021 citywide contest. 

Given this context, it’s not surprising that the suspect in Officer Diller’s murder is described as a “career criminal.”

Suspect Guy Rivera has spent much of his adult life in and out of prison. 

Some individuals pursue careers as law-abiding citizens in different professions, while others choose a life of crime. 

Previously, there were consequences for a life of crime, but now it often pays off due to lax punishments. 

In and out of prisons 

Rivera, who was shot by Officer Diller’s partner, has served at least two prison sentences.

The driver, Lindy Jones, has a long criminal record with 14 prior arrests and 10 years in prison. 

Despite their criminal backgrounds, they were armed and dangerous.

Now, a police officer – a married man with an infant son – will be laid to rest. 

A similar pattern emerges with the man who pushed a passenger in front of a subway train.

Carlton McPherson had previous arrests for assault and other charges in Brooklyn, released without bail, before committing this heinous act. 

Mayor Adams has made remarks about recidivism and mental illness following these incidents. 

However, his actions fall short of addressing the underlying issues, making him more of a talker than a problem-solver. 

Additionally, his policies have invited illegal border crossers to New York, adding strain to the city’s resources. 

Adams’ funny money 

City Hall’s claim that debit cards for migrant families will save money is questionable, especially considering the mayor’s excessive spending on emergency contracts. 

The mayor and Governor Hochul have ramped up efforts to improve transit safety, which may be more about protecting a congestion pricing plan than ensuring public safety.

The focus on fare-beaters and increased policing in the subways could be a response to the growing opposition to the congestion pricing plan. 

If the subways are not safe, the idea of incentivizing mass transit through taxation becomes counterproductive.

Local officials could have addressed financial challenges by cracking down on fare evasion, but their inaction has resulted in temporary, ineffective measures to scare people into paying fares.