An edifying, encouraging piece, I hope you are correct, and that we aren't seeing another Obama. I still think he was wrong in announcing immediately after the election he was keeping Jessica Tisch on as police commissioner. He should have let her and her and her behind-the-scenes Zionist power brokers twist in the wind until after the inauguration, and then thank her for her time as commissioner and announce somehow new. This country needs to be purged of Israeli/Zionists and apologists of important positions in government, especially those involved in surveillance. Had he done so I'd feel more confident in what he purports to represent.
A great article QR. What you feel has been felt by others in the past.
The times coming for the Mayor will be challenging. Make no mistake, he could help his critics live the best life they have ever had. Some of them will respond by saying it could have been better. There is no taking hate away from a racist individual. They live for the hate. Don’t listen to them. Just keep moving forward!!!
Thank you for covering this historic election. Mamdani has "moved the needle" that was stuck in the groove of same old same old politics. They said it couldn't be done and yet he did it! Congrats NY for your determination to change the narrative and bring politics into this century. I hope other city mayors have the courage to do so too.
That's a great picture of you that opens your essay. I can imagine the enthusiasm had no difficulty in overcoming that 4AM rising.
To your four points about getting involved, I would add that people should attend the debates that will come shortly for the primaries coming in March. Here in IL-9 an incredibly gerrymandered (by Dems) district there is a real choice and many running for the seat being vacated by Jan Schakowsky. At least one person, Laura Fine, is supported by AIPAC, with two others, Daniel Biss and Patrick Hanley (endorsed by Jan) silent to my request they stand for liberty and justice for all and pledge not to send money and weapons to Israel if elected.
Kat Abughazaleh is a dynamo appearing everywhere who expresses herself clearly and forcefully with enthusiasm. Bushra Amiwala is a progressive activist who stands proudly for all the people. Let no one say that we do not have a choice when we vote this time.
The most American thing for me is our motto - E Pluribus Unum - out of many, one. That there are so many different faces, languages and cultures right here among us is something to be proud of and who among them doesn't support liberty and justice for all? As a nationwide community we have to work together to escape the current nightmare of bigotry and punishment combined with bottomless wealth that is in power, embodying a frightful philosophy that even many supporters of it are now regretting that support. Is anyone not awake these days?
Let's get America back on track for we the people!
Why do you praise populist, opportunist and AIPAC paid traitor (Palestine) Alexandra Occasio Cortez?
Otherwise I congratulate you to a very fine commentary concentrating on the main political and human differences this authentic honest man Mamdami is offering.
This was a GREAT day for New York City, Mayor Mamdami, and incidentally for you too, Qasim.
Many dreams were realized this day, so Congratulations! Congratulation everyone! And Happy New Year! Of course, now the work begins to bring those dreams to full reality, but this opens the door. It won't be accomplished overnight by any means, and as you've pointed out there will be resistance from the vested interests and insular bigoted people.
Battle with joy in your hearts and STAND YOUR GROUND! This is a grand beginning.
Thank you, Qasim, for sharing your reflections on Mamdani’s inauguration today. I appreciate your directness and your challenges to us readers. May 2026 be a year of growing justice where injustice resides.
I’m so excited you went to New York to see Mamdani’s Inauguration!!
He’s a breath of fresh air, and I am looking forward to seeing what he does for NYC and beyond.
I am old enough to remember 9/11 and the horrible Islamophobia that followed (as well as the absurd hate thrown at the French—“freedom fries” 🙄). All unacceptable. My hope is that the voices of acceptance and love will drown out those of ignorance and hatred. Mamdani’s election gives me hope we’re heading in the right direction.
I do believe in you Qasim. I watched Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Inauguration tonight on the Joy Reid show. I live in California and I love California . I love Mamdani so much I wouldn’t mind living in New York City right now either. If Cuomo would have won I wouldn’t be saying this.
I refuse to listen to haters on this day. We give them power when we express our fears. I remember all the "He's gonna be assassinated!" five minutes after Obama was elected and sworn in. Two Terms! And still strong! As Zohran Mamdani will stay. He is here to show America that multiculturalism is what makes us who we are. Every time we bond with a person from another culture and learn what makes him different, we realize even more that--at heart--we are all one!
The people who write those ignorant and prejudiced comments should know that Thomas Jefferson owned a copy of the Qur'an. He was open-minded and curious about cultures other than his own.
Yes, we back you. Time to throw out the fascists and bankrupt the oligarchs.
What an event!!! I'm so glad for everyone who was able to attend!! The feelings of hope!
An edifying, encouraging piece, I hope you are correct, and that we aren't seeing another Obama. I still think he was wrong in announcing immediately after the election he was keeping Jessica Tisch on as police commissioner. He should have let her and her and her behind-the-scenes Zionist power brokers twist in the wind until after the inauguration, and then thank her for her time as commissioner and announce somehow new. This country needs to be purged of Israeli/Zionists and apologists of important positions in government, especially those involved in surveillance. Had he done so I'd feel more confident in what he purports to represent.
A great article QR. What you feel has been felt by others in the past.
The times coming for the Mayor will be challenging. Make no mistake, he could help his critics live the best life they have ever had. Some of them will respond by saying it could have been better. There is no taking hate away from a racist individual. They live for the hate. Don’t listen to them. Just keep moving forward!!!
Thanks so much for this column. and for the quotes from Mayor Mamdani. I am thrilled with his words, his speechifying, I have hope now.
Thank you for covering this historic election. Mamdani has "moved the needle" that was stuck in the groove of same old same old politics. They said it couldn't be done and yet he did it! Congrats NY for your determination to change the narrative and bring politics into this century. I hope other city mayors have the courage to do so too.
That's a great picture of you that opens your essay. I can imagine the enthusiasm had no difficulty in overcoming that 4AM rising.
To your four points about getting involved, I would add that people should attend the debates that will come shortly for the primaries coming in March. Here in IL-9 an incredibly gerrymandered (by Dems) district there is a real choice and many running for the seat being vacated by Jan Schakowsky. At least one person, Laura Fine, is supported by AIPAC, with two others, Daniel Biss and Patrick Hanley (endorsed by Jan) silent to my request they stand for liberty and justice for all and pledge not to send money and weapons to Israel if elected.
Kat Abughazaleh is a dynamo appearing everywhere who expresses herself clearly and forcefully with enthusiasm. Bushra Amiwala is a progressive activist who stands proudly for all the people. Let no one say that we do not have a choice when we vote this time.
The most American thing for me is our motto - E Pluribus Unum - out of many, one. That there are so many different faces, languages and cultures right here among us is something to be proud of and who among them doesn't support liberty and justice for all? As a nationwide community we have to work together to escape the current nightmare of bigotry and punishment combined with bottomless wealth that is in power, embodying a frightful philosophy that even many supporters of it are now regretting that support. Is anyone not awake these days?
Let's get America back on track for we the people!
Why do you praise populist, opportunist and AIPAC paid traitor (Palestine) Alexandra Occasio Cortez?
Otherwise I congratulate you to a very fine commentary concentrating on the main political and human differences this authentic honest man Mamdami is offering.
So heartening!
This was a GREAT day for New York City, Mayor Mamdami, and incidentally for you too, Qasim.
Many dreams were realized this day, so Congratulations! Congratulation everyone! And Happy New Year! Of course, now the work begins to bring those dreams to full reality, but this opens the door. It won't be accomplished overnight by any means, and as you've pointed out there will be resistance from the vested interests and insular bigoted people.
Battle with joy in your hearts and STAND YOUR GROUND! This is a grand beginning.
Thank you, Qasim, for sharing your reflections on Mamdani’s inauguration today. I appreciate your directness and your challenges to us readers. May 2026 be a year of growing justice where injustice resides.
♥️
I’m so excited you went to New York to see Mamdani’s Inauguration!!
He’s a breath of fresh air, and I am looking forward to seeing what he does for NYC and beyond.
I am old enough to remember 9/11 and the horrible Islamophobia that followed (as well as the absurd hate thrown at the French—“freedom fries” 🙄). All unacceptable. My hope is that the voices of acceptance and love will drown out those of ignorance and hatred. Mamdani’s election gives me hope we’re heading in the right direction.
This is such a beautiful piece, Qasim. Your hope, Mamdani's hope and determination shine through it.
Hearing both Jack Smith and Zohran Mamdani speak these past couple of days feels unbelievably refreshing, even cleansing.
Thanks for all you do for your children and ours.
I do believe in you Qasim. I watched Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Inauguration tonight on the Joy Reid show. I live in California and I love California . I love Mamdani so much I wouldn’t mind living in New York City right now either. If Cuomo would have won I wouldn’t be saying this.
I refuse to listen to haters on this day. We give them power when we express our fears. I remember all the "He's gonna be assassinated!" five minutes after Obama was elected and sworn in. Two Terms! And still strong! As Zohran Mamdani will stay. He is here to show America that multiculturalism is what makes us who we are. Every time we bond with a person from another culture and learn what makes him different, we realize even more that--at heart--we are all one!
The people who write those ignorant and prejudiced comments should know that Thomas Jefferson owned a copy of the Qur'an. He was open-minded and curious about cultures other than his own.