Are We Starting The Inevitable Decline?

This article is going to be a bit different from the others I've written so far. Because frankly? I've had enough. And I'm calling it out. Welcome to America does the opposite of common sense. So grab a fainting couch, a thermos of something strong, and maybe a notebook, because 2025 has just delivered some electoral nightmares you cannot un-see.

Yes, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and now California are apparently competing for the gold medal in How quickly can the government control your life. They have handed victories - both recent and continued - to candidates whose policies would make Karl Marx nod approvingly, and anyone with a functioning sense of self-preservation scream into the void. If you've been hoping for sanity, this is your cue to run… Fast.

America's slipping into some kind of collectivist nightmare we used to mock in history books - and 2025's elections just poured gasoline on the fire. From New York's socialist exxperiments to Virginia's one-party rule and California's descent under Newsom's mismanagement, the warning signs are flashing bright red. Big government's growing, freedom's shrinking, and the so-called "progress" looks a lot like control.

A Quick History Lesson: Communism 101

Communism – in case you've been busy binge-watching something on Netflix instead of reading history – is that charming system where the government owns everything, decides who gets what, and ensures that you submit to the “collective good.” Historically, it kills entrepreneurship, personal initiative, and anything resembling choice.

America isn't there yet – the Statue of Liberty is still standing thank God – but with the election results this year, the scent of collectivist chaos is wafting through the air like someone microwaving socialism-flavored popcorn. And the buttery flavor comes with a side of confiscated liberty.

Some will object to the comparison, arguing that America remains a democracy with elections, private enterprise, and constitutional protections. That's true – for now. But ideology isn't always revealed in overt statements; it is reflected in policy, in the expansion of government control, and in the way political leaders centralize authority under the guise of “fairness" or “equity.” When policies consistently prioritize government intervention over personal responsibility and private enterprise, the pattern mirrors early stages of communist systems: collectivization, dependency on the state, and the gradual erosion of individual rights.

New York: Mamdani's Magical Mystery Tour

Zohran Mamdani, NYC's newly appointed, self-proclaimed democratic socialist mayor, is all set and ready to micro-manage your life. In his campaign, he offered the world to his constituents: Rent freezes, free transit (subway and busses), a dramatic minimum wage increase, steep tax hikes on the wealthy and corporations to pay for it, city-run grocery stores, universal childcare, de-funding the NYPD, and shutting down prisons. Those are some pretty ambitious, crowd-pleasing sounding ideas, but they also sound like a fever dream from Hot Fuzz, “For the greater good.” Right?

Wrong. These ideas can also be a recipe for serious budget pressure, business flight, and unintended consequences if revenue or legal authority doesn’t match the promises. Critics point out the consequences: freezing rents discourages property investment and maintenance, city-run grocery stores compete directly with private businesses, and massive redistribution efforts can only be sustained through ever-increasing taxation. These are textbook examples of collectivist economic planning: the government decides who gets what, how it's priced, and how it's delivered. So when the one million who voted for him gets to stand in line for their weekly loaf of bread, they can talk about how “for the people" he really is. And the universal childcare? Free for everyone! Because who needs personal responsibility when the government can micro-manage your children.

Even more concerning is Mamdani's rhetoric and policy focus. While advocating for marginalized communities and defending civil rights is commendable, his sharp criticisms of foreign governments and alignment with progressive activist movements suggest an ideological lens that prioritizes collective identity and political ideology over individual rights and free-market principles. A city dependent on commerce, investment, and property must balance these policies carefully. Mamnadi's agenda tips the scales toward state control in ways that, if unchecked, mirror early socialist frameworks – the precursor to the centralized power seen in communist regimes.

Because the more the government interferes, the less reason there is for landlords, businesses, or entrepreneurs to do anything other than gnash their teeth and move to Florida. But don't worry, because as stated, his vision is for the “greater good.” Who needs incentives anyway? Clearly supply and demand are just capitalist myths, like unicorns or polite drivers in Manhattan.

But that's just the appetizer. Because Mamdani's entrée, which should include law and order to keep this potential chaotic downfall under control includes:

Anti-police rhetoric:

Yes, he’s openly critical of law enforcement in the city that arguably needs it most. New Yorkers can breathe easier knowing their mayor is committed to “rethinking" policing. Translation: Crime? Optional. Consequences? Optional. Because the people that protect your life and property are, also apparently optional. And if you're thinking crime might spike…good guess.

Shutting down prisons:

Because beyond the revolving door concept of no-cash bail and promise to appear policies, the criminals that are released are just misunderstood and need counseling, right? Apparently, Mamdani thinks incarceration should also be optional. Good luck explaining that to the neighbors who just got hit by a repeat-offender burglary. Because who needs consequences when you have good intentions and spread sheets?

Supporters call all of this “standing up for justice.” And critics, myself included, are left asking, “Are they running a city or auditioning for a Stalin's Paradise documentary?”

New Jersey: High Taxes, Big Government, And Your Lost Autonomy

In New Jersey, Democrats secured another gubernatorial victory, ensuring continued control of a state already known for high taxes and expensive government programs. Governor Mikie Sherrill's platform emphasizes infrastructure spending, public education expansion, and regulatory growth. Sounds nice right? But while she frames these initiatives as solutions for ordinary families, the effect is the same: more centralized state authority, higher costs for taxpayers, and diminished private-sector autonomy.

More spending, more regulation, more government babysitting of your daily life. Housing, education, infrastructure - don't worry about making choices, the state has you covered. Parents hoping to have a say in their kids' education? Cute. Small businesses hoping to thrive without being suffocated by red tape? Adorable. Welcome to New Jersey, where “freedom" is mostly measured in how many new forms you have to fill out to live your life.

Virginia: Spanberger And The One-Party Spectacle

Virginia's elections delivered a similar message. Abigail Spanberger's gubernatorial victory, combined with Democratic dominance in statewide offices, gives one party nearly complete control over the executive, legislature, and legal apparatus. This level of political consolidation is exactly what makes rapid, expansive policy changes possible – and dangerous.

Spanberger's platform emphasizes increasing funding for public education, expanding healthcare access, and workforce development programs. While framed as practical governance, these policies expand the reach of the state into nearly every aspect of citizens' lives. Centralized oversight of education and labor markets diminishes local control and individual autonomy – hallmarks of collectivist policy.

When one party controls all levers of power, the checks and balances that prevent overreach begin to erode. In a society where government is in charge of defining what is “fair,” “adequate,” or “necessary,” citizens become increasingly dependent on the state – a dependency that mirrors communist systems where the state is an arbiter of opportunity and access.

And why shouldn't she have complete control of statewide offices? Centralized power is so convenient when you want to tell citizens what they can eat, what schools can teach, and how much their taxes should be. Spanberger's platform is basically: “Let the government handle it all - we'll figure out how to make it fair.” Education? State-controlled. Healthcare? State-managed. Workforce? Don't worry, the government has a plan. Autonomy? Optional. It’s like handing your keys to a very polite, very controlling stranger who insists they know what’s best for your life.

And The AG…Oh The AG

Introducing Jay Jones, Virginia's new Attorney General. Remember when politics felt like civility was a thing? Yeah, me neither. Screenshots of his texts surfaced showing fantasies about harming political opponents – including their children. That's not satire, or alleged “fake news", that's factual report. Yes, the same guy who just told the people:

“I will protect our jobs, our healthcare, and our economy from Donald Trump's attacks.”

Is the same man who three years ago, texted his colleague:

“If those guys die before me, I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves. Send them out awash in something.”

“Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.”

“Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time.”

He was speaking about Todd Gilbert, the Republican who was then-speaker (2022) of the Virginia house; talking about pissing on the graves of Republican officeholders if they predeceased him; and expressed his belief that republicans would only change their views if they experienced personal pain, and allegedly gave as an example the wife of Todd Gilbert watching her child die in her arms. And also yes, Spanberger endorsed him anyway. She may have not done so publicly, even taking his name off her bus adds, but she didn't outright abhor these statements either. Because apparently party loyalty trumps common sense, decency, and basic human empathy. If you were worried about the rule of law, consider this your “I told you so" moment.

California: Prop 50 And Newsom's Decline Parade

Meanwhile, out west in Califonia, Governor Gavin Newsom and the state electorate added another entry to the “government takes everything and leaves you wondering why you bothered” playbook.

Ah, Gavin. California's golden boy of big government and overpromising, under-delivering. The man's political résumé reads like a horror-comedy blooper reel. Want examples? Buckle up.

First, there's the housing crisis. California has one of the highest rent and home prices in the country, and yet Newsom's signature policies – including endless expansions of rent control and zoning restrictions – have done little except make developers throw up their hands and leave. The result? Fewer homes, higher prices and the kind of frustration that turns Instagram into a scrolling nightmare of “I can't afford this state" posts.

Then there's crime and public safety. Newsom has flirted with progressive criminal justice “reform" programs that, surprise surprise, often leaves criminals back on the streets faster than you can say “recidivism.” Combine that with weak enforcement policies and an anti-police rhetoric streak, and suddenly California feels like the horror film where the monster doesn't even bother hiding.

Oh, and taxes. Newsom's tax hikes are so creative they make accountants cry in their sleep. High-income taxes, corporate taxes, and a slew of fees to make California a state where the government is the ultimate roommate – the one who eats your food, rearranges your furniture, and still expects rent on time. Entrepreneurs flee, businesses shrink, and the middle class is squeezed harder than ever.

Then there's infrastructure and disaster management – because apparently, the government can throw money at problems without actually fixing them. Wildfires rage, roads crumble, and Newsom's budget priorities often look like a game of “spin the bottle" where the bottle lands on whatever looks good for PR this week.

Finally, the COVID fiasco. Mask mandates, business closures, and mixed messages from Sacramento turned California into a case study in bureaucratic overreach. Restaurants, small businesses, and families suffered, while the political class patted themselves on the back for “saving lives.” Sure. If by saving lives you mean guaranteeing a recession and endless frustration, then yes, very heroic.

In short, Newsom has a knack for policy theater without the results. California's residents pay the price, while he continues to smile and dance through the chaos like he's starring in his own personal reality show. And now, with Prop 50, and more state oversight on the horizon, the nightmare isn't ending anytime soon - it's expanding.

Prop 50 passed, promising to expand state oversight of budgeting and allocations in ways that make your wallet tremble. Every taxpayer dollar is now subject to more layers of bureaucracy than a failed sci-fi plot. Newsom continues to embrace policies that weaken economic growth and individual autonomy , all while maintaining a smug grin and a penchant for flashy PR stunts.

What These Elections Really Tell Us

Looking at NY, NJ, VA, and CA, the pattern is painfully obvious:

Centralized Control:

City-run markets, rent freezes, state-managed programs. Uncle Sam wants in on your life – and he brought a clipboard.

Redistribution:

Your taxes, their playground. Wealth transfer is now marketed as “justice.”

Erosion of Autonomy:

Parental influence? Optional. Business direction? Optional. Common sense? Optional.

Political Consolidation:

One-party dominance means rapid-fire policies, minimal opposition, and surprise! Your choices are shrinking.

Sound familiar? That's because it's the pilot episode of a collectivist dystopian series: centralization, redistribution, dependence on the state, and steadily shrinking freedom for everyone else.

Why We Should Be Seriously Concerned:

Let's break it down:

Economy:

Entrepreneurs and investors? Scared. Taxes and regulations? Higher. Incentives? Gone.

Freedom:

Choices in housing, schooling, work, and daily life are increasingly dictated by bureaucrats who believe they know what's best.

Safety:

Anti-police rhetoric plus shutting down prisons equals a perfect storm where criminals can operate on government time. Think of it as “choose-your-own-adventure" but with, you know, mugging.

Political Power:

Consolidated in fewer hands, making dissent harder, slower, and often ignored.

Let's be real: when government gets bigger and stronger, liberty gets smaller and quieter. Economic growth slows because entrepreneurs can't thrive in a swamp of regulation. Taxes rise because every “free" program has to be paid for somehow. Individual autonomy? Slowly evaporating. Political power? Concentrated in fewer hands, with less accountability. America isn't full-blown communist yet. But the trajectory is alarming, and these elections are waving red flags - the kind you'd usually find in history textbooks about societies that traded freedom for government “care.” These are not random hiccups - they're a warning that liberty is at risk.

The Sarcastic, Scary Bottom Line:

New York is experimenting with city-run markets and optional prisons. New Jersey is micro-managing your wallet. Virginia has one-party control, and an AG texting violent fantasies. California is passing Prop 50 while Newsom grins at the wreckage. America is on a path toward bigger government, less individual control, and redistribution on steroids.

Call To Action:

Engage Locally:

School boards, city councils, and state legislatures are the new frontlines.

Scrutinize budgets:

Every “free" program comes with a price – hint: it's yours.

Protect Autonomy:

Defend parental rights, business freedoms, and property rights.

Vote Informed:

Slogans don't pay bills. Know the candidates and the policies.

The path to liberty is through vigilance. The path to collectivism is through complacency. The 2025 elections are a neon sign flashing: Wake up, or the government will bake your life into a casserole and serve it ice cold.

And trust me, it tastes horrible.