From the Newsroom: Common Sense Vs. Crazy

There comes a time when New Yorkers and families across the South Shore must decide what kind of state we want to call home.

A state that respects hardworking taxpayers, protects law-abiding families, supports police officers and rewards people who play by the rules? Or one increasingly influenced by a radical socialist movement that wants to abolish prisons, dismantle immigration enforcement and tear down our democracy?

This November, those competing visions deserve serious scrutiny.

I've heard Western New York Congressman Nick Langworthy describe the battle for the soul of our state "Common Sense vs. Crazy."

Don't take my word for it. Just read the DSA's progressive platform on how they want to dismantle the United States of America and replace it with a platform that would make Karl Marx proud.

The Democratic Socialists of America's (DSA) platform calls for abolishing ICE detention and deportations, granting amnesty to illegal immigrants and eliminating visa caps. Its criminal justice agenda envisions fully abolishing police and prisons, while its proposals include reducing police budgets toward zero and closing local jails.

Let this sink in: these radicals want to eliminate PRISONS.

These are not imaginary positions. They come from the DSA's own published agenda.

At a time when families are demanding safer streets, lower utility bills, housing they can afford, and relief from crushing taxes, these proposals raise fundamental questions about public safety and accountability.

New York has already spent billions responding to the migrant crisis. Bruce Blakeman said the bill is $8 billion and climbing. It's absolutely bananas that Kathy Hochul's very first Executive Order was cementing NYS as a Sanctuary State.

The rise of New York City Mayor Zohran "Commie" Mamdani has also intensified questions about the Democratic Socialists' influence within the Democratic Party.

Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul, who bent the knee and takes marching orders from Mamdani, must answer for her own record. Don't forget: Hochul proudly campaigned with the Big Apple Mayor. She's "all in" on his anti-American agenda.

Her administration has advanced banning gas stoves in new homes and new businesses. This will cause the cost of new builds to skyrocket. New Yorkers also face high taxes, expensive utilities, population losses and burdensome business regulations.

Four years ago, William Floyd High School graduate Lee Zeldin, now administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, came within approximately six percentage points of defeating Hochul.

That election demonstrated how competitive New York can become.

This November, voters will decide between Hochul and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for Governor, Letitia James and Saritha Komatireddy for Attorney general, and Thomas DiNapoli and Joseph Hernandez for Comptroller.

The South Shore Press strongly endorsed Blakeman, Komatireddy, and Hernandez in their respective elections.

These are consequential offices with enormous influence over public safety, economic policy, government accountability and taxpayer dollars.

Thomas Paine warned during the American Revolution about the “summer soldier and the sunshine patriot,” those who retreat when their country needs them most.

His warning remains relevant today right here in the People's Republic of New York.

Keyboard warriors need not apply. Posting complaints on Facebook or Twitter about Albany is easy. Understanding the issues, holding politicians accountable and participating in elections requires commitment. Most important; it requires showing up and voting.

For the past month, the South Shore Press has provided extensive election coverage, including candidate profiles, biographies, endorsements and examinations of the issues.

You have had the opportunity to become among Suffolk County's most politically educated voters.

Republicans and Democrats alike should demand practical solutions, responsible spending, public safety and respect for working families.

The next four years will be shaped by the decisions made this November. Our great state is teetering on the precipice of peril or prosperity.

Now the responsibility belongs to YOU.

Common sense or crazy? You decide. Please choose wisely.