Socialism is often criticized for taking once-prosperous regions and leading them into decline within a generation. It typically begins with ambitious promises but can end up creating scarcity. New York City has now elected a Democratic Socialist as mayor, raising concerns about whether the city is heading down a similar path. Zohran Mamdani, stepping into the role, is poised to make a significant impact, potentially overshadowing figures like Bernie Sanders with his policies. In line with socialist principles, his inaugural block party set a tone of shared experience, though it notably lacked basic amenities such as food and restrooms.

New Yorkers may need to brace themselves for change.

This shift in leadership has drawn comparisons to a Soviet-era environment, where citizens’ needs are often secondary to political agendas—figuratively speaking, for now.

For a detailed account of the block party’s shortcomings, the NY Post offers further insights.

To those like Shane Turner who supported this change, some might argue that the scarcity of essential services was predictable. After all, it’s a reflection of the political choice made.

Critics argue that this is a typical outcome of socialist policies.

Backers of Mamdani stood outside City Hall during the inauguration without access to bathrooms and with no food concession stands as they crammed into barricade pens during the New Year’s Day festivities.

Revelers watched the inauguration on a series of big television screens as 4,000 invited guests sat in City Hall’s plaza to take the oath of office. 

“It’s not exactly what I was expecting,” said Brooklyn resident Shane Turner, 30. “I was expecting food and music.” 

“I could’ve watched this from home,” a 25-year-old Queens woman added. 

To Shane Turner and her ilk, I could say this: “Why didn’t you expect it? The lack of food, the lack of drink, the lack of toilets? It’s what you voted for!”

This is how socialism always turns out.