Saturday, August 8, 2020

Thoughts on the New York Post's Piece on Moms Fleeing The Upper West Side

Today, The New York Post ran a piece titled "NYC moms fleeing Upper West Side amid crime and chaos".

Well, the article only focused on two mothers who have plans to leave the city because homeless shelters have been set up in the Hotel Belleclaire and The Lucerne. Some of the residents include sex offenders. Naturally this is a cause for concern. Yet I think its better that these establishments are being put to good use instead of standing empty. As a resident of the UWS, I can tell you that homeless have been here for a long time. That fellow who is pictured in the article has been at his spot at Broadway and 79th for years. But that doesn't stop the Laura Ingrahams of the world from tweeting things about which she knows nothing.

It is true that a large number of people have left New York City, but there is this thing known as COVID-19. Perhaps you've heard of it. Of course, COVID-19 has brought about massive job losses and people now not in a position to pay expensive rents. This matter has been further complicated by the refusal of President Trump and the Republicans to extend the $600 a week enhanced unemployment benefits. 

If I leave New York City it will be because I have found opportunity elsewhere. Jobs are scarce and one must go to where they can be found. So it's entirely possible I could end up leaving New York City. But it won't be because I'm afraid to shop at Fairway or Zabar's. 

Now I don't question the right of a New York City mother being concerned about her child attending a school when it is known that a sex offender is living nearby. But that New York City mother should be aware she could end up moving to a jurisdiction like Georgia where she must send her child to a school that does not properly observe masks and social distancing protocols and ends up getting COVID-19 as a result. 

The point is there is danger everywhere in the United States - a danger compounded by COVID-19.

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