Liberating NYC, Street by Street

Mask-less and in direct contravention of distancing rules he once memorably set in a “message to the Jewish community, and to all communities,” de Blasio last week joined a few other pols suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome in front of Trump Tower. As is well known, they grabbed some rollers and proceeded to paint “Black Lives Matter” in huge block letters on the street.

Pandering to his Resistance base? Yes, but more. Using a cheap exploit to take a shot at a political rival? Yes, but more. Using taxpayer resources for a feel-good adventure? Yes, but more.

“We are liberating Fifth Avenue,” the mayor declared.

Fifth Avenue may or may not be in servitude, but one thing that is in desperate need of some liberating is the city de Blasio leads. From crime, perhaps, which has more than doubled in recent weeks. From debt, too: The $70 billion annual budget de Blasio inherited in 2013 has blown up to $96 billion in the seven years since. Now, with the coronavirus dealing a gut punch to the economy, the city is facing a loss of $9 billion in revenue. It’s hard to believe, but de Blasio is currently in the process of begging President Trump, the target of his street vandalism, to bail out New York City.