Terry Newman: Mamdani's 'warmth of collectivism' doesn't include Jews or 9/11 victims

The very individualistic people of New York are by no means frigid or lacking in warmth for their fellow citizens

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New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, rang in the New Year and his term at city hall by saying in his inauguration speech that his administration will “draw this city closer together” and “replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.” But “rugged individualism” is the characteristic trait of Americans, especially New Yorkers. It’s this nature of individualism that makes the United States the most innovative country in the world.

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The very individualistic people of New York are by no means frigid or lacking in warmth for their fellow citizens. New Yorkers regularly support each other in times of crisis. During the COVID pandemic, residents cheered frontline workers from their balconies. Ordinary citizens became heroes pulling together aid to help their neighbours any way they could.

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Likewise, during hurricane Sandy, the city’s residents

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