Heather MacDonald, a Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, warns Americans to pay close attention to what’s happening in Chicago. While Kamala Harris and Tim Walz champion their Democratic vision for America, the reality of their policies is already on full display in Chicago, MacDonald argues. She uses Chicago as a cautionary tale, illustrating the potential consequences of their agenda on a national scale.
MacDonald focuses on the plight of Chicago’s children, highlighting the abysmal educational outcomes despite increased funding. Barely 12% of elementary students are proficient in math, and only 16% in reading. These numbers barely improve by high school, demonstrating a system failing its students. This failure, MacDonald asserts, is not due to lack of funding but rather the influence of teachers’ unions, a key special interest group for the Democratic Party. The Chicago Teachers Union demands an extreme contract that prioritizes union demands over student needs, a pattern MacDonald claims will be repeated nationally if Democrats are in power.
Furthermore, Chicago’s struggling schools are not the only problem. The city faces an alarming rise in crime, with young people disproportionately affected. The city’s lenient crime policies, including cuts to police funding and support for ending cash bail and mandatory minimum sentences, have created an environment where criminals feel emboldened. The results are stark: Chicago has witnessed a 30% increase in crime, with murder rates exceeding those faced by active-duty soldiers during the Iraq War.
MacDonald also criticizes the Democrats’ economic policies, arguing that high taxes and burdensome regulations have driven businesses out of Chicago, leading to an economic decline. The city’s high sales and property taxes make it less attractive for residents and businesses alike, contributing to its dwindling population and economic stagnation. MacDonald contrasts Chicago’s decline with Florida, which she portrays as a haven for businesses and residents seeking a better quality of life, showcasing the potential negative consequences of the Democratic agenda.
In conclusion, MacDonald presents Chicago as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the potential impact of Democratic policies on education, crime, and the economy. She warns that a victory for Harris and Walz in November could lead to the spread of Chicago’s struggles nationwide, urging Americans to consider the consequences of their vote carefully.
