Staff Reports
When it comes to handling life-and-death situations, one might assume that qualifications, experience, and a cool head under pressure are what really matter. But in New York City, there’s a new game in town, and it’s about as useful as a wet fire hose. The latest alarming episode unfolded in the largest fire department in America’s biggest city, where decisions are being influenced more by identity politics than by practical considerations.
The minds behind this farce have decided that the best person to lead the charge in emergencies isn’t the one with the most experience or the proven skills, but someone who makes their sexual orientation the headline of their resume. Now, loving who you love is all fine and dandy, but it doesn’t answer the question of when did that become a life-saving skill? Imagine the real-life consequences, where you don’t want a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer deciding who leads when towers are burning to the ground.
For your average American, this is as transparent as window glass. Everyday folks are pretty peeved—and understandably so. The message is that a job requiring you to kick down doors and haul people to safety lined with soot and flame is now influenced by which checkbox you tick on the DEI form. The affront here isn’t about someone’s identity; it’s about assuming that identity trumps all practical job qualifications.
Even in the political universe, there’s something bizarrely satisfying about figures like Chuck Schumer being unable to crawl out from under a dismal approval rating. The man, bless his heart, has somehow unified 72% of survey participants in shared bewilderment over his performance. When was the last time so many people agreed on anything—outside of voting on whether pineapple belongs on pizza?
Meanwhile, there’s hope—or so some believe—among the youth. Recent gatherings show promising engagement from young people which sparks optimism for a future not shaded by the current absurdities of political priorities. But as far as the Democratic Party is concerned, some things are crystal clear. When the bar is set at being able to confidently declare men can’t get pregnant and you fail at that, one wishes them luck next election cycle. Or perhaps, just a reality check.
