New York (Washington Insider Magazine)-Eric Adams, the incoming mayor of New York City, met last week with Hawk Newsome, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter (BLM) of Greater New York
Mr. Newsome threatened “riots, fire and bloodshed” if Mr. Adams reinstated the NYPD’s controversial anti-crime unit. The unit had caused considerable controversy over the years, specifically in 2020 following the slew of protests in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The unit was disbanded last year due to rioting that followed the murder of George Floyd in the summer of 2020.
Rather than adopt a neutra approach, Mr. Adams reacted by saying he won’t stand for inflammatory language or threats in this way. This assertive approach attracted the attention of several outlets and the local residents experienced mixed reactions.
Mr. Adams adopted this approach after experiencing intimidation from groups that have never held public office or been held accountable for their actions – such as the movements that came to life over 2020 and beyond. Intimidation-based groups of the recent past include the Proud Boys, followers of QAnon, and the riotous MAGA crowd that stormed our Capitol on Jan. 6.
Looting and destruction of property seem to have become the norm in major cities, especially following periods of controversy, death, judicial decision, or a mass tragedy.
Many believe that the thought that holds criminals as victims of society’s main ills — racism, poverty, ignorance; are incorrect. The folks who share this belief think that society seem to care less about the “real” victims, who are business owners and law-abiding citizens.
It may be argued that there is no true determination of victimhood, as violence affects everyone.
Further controversy ensued when groups accused other groups of open engagement in virtue signaling by putting the group’s logo on their social media pages and their signs in their front yards.
There is further argument that there is virtually no representation of any other mindset shown in the media. This was discovered and evaluated afterThe Heritage Foundation, a conservative Washington, D.C., think tank found a 2015 interview with BLM leaders Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi in which Cullors said, “Myself and Alicia, in particular, are trained organizers. We are trained Marxists.”
Going forward with this knowledge, Mr. Adams has expressed a promise for any people that are considering breaking the law. Any type of property destruction or looting activities, or accessory behavior to these activities, will be met with reimbursement to the business, along with fines, arrests, or jail.
Mr. Adams did note that if violators are on government assistance, their payments will be reduced or eliminated entirely until any debt accrued by the business due to the damage is satisfied. This is a first to be said by any authority who has held office, and has showcased Mr. Adams’ commitment to maintaining a peaceful society.
The tensions are causing many to reconsider gun ownership regulations, as this could make business owners and private citizens feel more protected in the wake of the ongoing violence.