Photo courtesy of Bingjiefu He, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Zohran Mamdani: A Socialist or Just a Convenient Target?
Zohran Mamdani, a figure firmly rooted in the realm of democratic socialism, has found himself branded a communist by his opponents. Critics argue that the Democratic Socialists of America’s platform bears a striking resemblance to communist ideology, raising alarms about potential threats to individual freedoms and economic liberties.
The DSA’s Vision: A Blueprint for Socialism?
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) outlines a vision centered on collective control over resources and production, advocating for economic planning and equitable distribution. Their charter pushes for an end to exploitation, claiming that U.S. capitalism is steeped in the legacy of slavery and genocide against Indigenous peoples. As of 2023, the DSA boasted 78,000 members nationwide, with the New York City chapter—closely aligned with Mamdani—reporting over 7,000 members.
Rhetoric That Echoes History
Language used in the DSA charter, such as the need to overcome the “parasitic death-drive of capitalism,” reflects sentiments found in The Communist Manifesto, which famously calls for the unification of the working class. This rhetoric raises eyebrows about whether democratic socialism is merely a gateway to more extreme forms of collectivism.
Lessons from Venezuela and Cuba
The disastrous outcomes of socialist policies in Venezuela under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro serve as cautionary tales. Reports from the International Monetary Fund highlight a staggering 62% decline in GDP from 2013 to 2020, with hyperinflation reaching a mind-boggling 1.7 million percent by 2018, rendering the bolívar nearly worthless. As of 2023, over 7 million Venezuelans—20% of the population—had fled the country, according to the United Nations.
Opposition Voices: A Call to Action
Brandon Straka, founder of the #WalkAway movement, voiced his concerns, stating, “I’m fighting Zohran Mamdani and the rise of socialism in New York because this is about much more than politics — it’s about the survival of a free society.”
Historical Context and Current Implications
Cuba’s communist regime, established in 1959, has resulted in a GDP per capita of just $9,100 in 2022, starkly contrasting with the United States’ $70,600, as per World Bank data.
A Cautionary Tale from the Past
In a private discussion, legal scholar Alan Dershowitz noted that those who experienced the realities of Russian communism, Cuban socialism, or the Venezuelan collapse would likely not support Mamdani. Historical accounts reveal that the Soviet Union, for instance, saw 14.5 million deaths due to famine and purges under Stalin, emphasizing the grave consequences of authoritarianism linked to such ideologies.
A Warning for the Future
Straka warned, “History is very clear about what comes next. Socialism doesn’t stop with lofty promises — it moves into authoritarianism. The next step is communism.” This sentiment is echoed by many who have witnessed the decline of societies under similar regimes.
Controversial Statements and Interpretations
Mamdani’s discussion of the “globalizing Intifada” has sparked debate, as some interpret it as a call to violence against Jews. Dershowitz remarked, “He claims he doesn’t support violence, but he won’t condemn slogans that some interpret as calls to kill Jews.”
A Generational Divide in Perception
Both Straka and Dershowitz argue that Mamdani embodies a broader radicalization trend, especially among younger demographics. A 2025 YouGov poll revealed that 43% of Americans aged 18–29 view socialism favorably, compared to a mere 13% of those over 65. This generational divide highlights a concerning lack of awareness regarding socialism’s historical failures.
Voices from Experience
Dershowitz points out that survivors of oppressive regimes—like the 1.5 million Cuban Americans in the U.S.—overwhelmingly reject figures like Mamdani, having lived through the dangers of centralized control. Their perspectives serve as critical reminders of the potential consequences of embracing such ideologies.
A Call to Collective Action
As New Yorkers, the stakes are high. The question remains: can the city withstand a vision that leans towards top-down control, failed socialist policies, and anti-merit extremism? I stand with Straka and thousands of New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds to advocate for our city’s future. This is a fight that transcends race, religion, or political affiliation. If you care about New York and America, join us in our endeavor to #WalkAway from Mamdani’s vision.
