Is sanity finally returning to America’s blue cities? The places that incubated inept policies such as “defund the police” and “sanctuary cities”, but welcomed open-air drug use, are beginning to have second thoughts. In Seattle, Portland and San Francisco (which featured in a recent UnHerd special), lawmakers are looking at ways to curb public drug use — a move that has been symptomatic of a wider pushback against progressive policies.

Take Houston as a different example. This week, progressives lost two-to-one in the mayor’s race, electing a moderate Democrat, John Whitmire, and rejecting Sheila Jackson Lee, one of the reliably far-Left Democrats in Congress. In addition, the city elected more conservatives and moderates to the city council.

In Houston, as elsewhere, crime was cited as by far the city’s biggest issue. It was also behind the defeat last month of a Soros-backed prosecutor candidate in Pittsburgh’s district attorney race and in Seattle’s contest for city attorney, which a Republican won. Meanwhile in Dallas, another city with a serious crime problem, Mayor Eric Johnson, an African American, felt compelled to change parties, becoming the second major city (after Miami) to go to what many urbanistas call “the dark side”.

None of this suggests that Republicans will inherit the cities. The demographic shifts in recent years have eroded the party’s potential base of middle- and working-class white ethnic groups, who are being replaced by both minorities and millennials, both of whom vote heavily Democratic.

The key here is a potential coalition of moderate Democrats with conservatives and family-oriented multi-racial groups. This is the formula that two decades ago helped elect reformist mayors from both parties across the country, ranging from Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg in New York, to Richard Riordan in Los Angeles, to Ed Rendell in Philadelphia. Their elections played a critical role in the reduction of crime and economic resurgence in all these cities.

Like now, progressive politics, lax law enforcement and stupefying regulations brought these cities close to bankruptcy and decay. But today, the problem is arguably worse: an influx of undocumented immigrants and soaring real estate prices have made the situation near untenable for Democratic leaders.

Read the rest of this piece at UnHerd.

Joel Kotkin is the author of The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class. He is the Roger Hobbs Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University and Executive Director for Urban Reform Institute. Learn more at joelkotkin.com and follow him on Twitter @joelkotkin.

Our latest episode featuring Walter Russell Mead, foreign affairs expert, is an eye-opener that transcends typical narratives, providing a profound understanding of how this conflict influences the Middle East. We also unveil American energy independence’s under-appreciated significance and how it shapes the region’s geopolitics.

No foreign affairs conversation is complete without delving into the complex dynamics of the Middle East. This episode takes an unflinching look at Iran’s power plays and the Biden administration’s strategies to negotiate these precarious waters. We spotlight the potential benefits and pitfalls of forging a strategic alliance with Israel and Saudi Arabia and hint at the economic rewards that a partnership between Israel and its Sunni Arab neighbors could yield.

Listen on Apple Podcast
More podcast episodes & show notes at JoelKotkin.com

Watch this Episode

Support Our Work

The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism‘

Sign Up For News & Alerts

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Immerse yourself in a profound conversation with Sam Abrams and Danielle Struppa as we set sail into the stormy seas of cancel culture on American campuses. Ponder on the essence of freedom of expression, the intricacies of offensive language, and the implications of a trending phenomenon that is reshaping societal narratives. We dissect the potential hazards of a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion worldview that's propagated within our educational institutions.

Our discourse takes a turn towards academic freedom, a principle that could be endangered by personal biases. We underscore the urgency for developing critical thinking skills amongst students, fostering a sense of media literacy from an early age to discern divergent viewpoints. Striking a balance in presenting varying perspectives during classroom discussions is deemed crucial, as we delve into the role of administrators in ensuring this practice.

As we navigate the contemporary education landscape, we confront the challenges posed by decreased student attention spans, attributed to the allure of social media, and the need for instilling factual groundwork within the classrooms. A noticeable shift from a traditional academic standpoint to advocacy is scrutinized, with a focus on teaching students to think independently rather than spoon-feeding viewpoints. Listen in as we explore the role of technology in enhancing student engagement, the necessity of including historical context in the curriculum, and expressing gratitude for the enlightening insights gained through these conversations.

Listen on Apple Podcast
More podcast episodes & show notes at JoelKotkin.com

Listen:

Watch this episode:

The Telos-Paul Piccone Institute, in cooperation with the journal Telos, announces a series of events and publications designed to explore the place of critical theory in the response within the American university to the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

When: the online conference will take place January 12-13, 2024, and an in-person conference will in the late spring, organized by Prof. Gabriel Noah Brahm.

For more information about the conference, please visit telosinstitute.net.

Riverhead town in eastern Long Island is the last major growth center in this gilded region. But a significant, subsidized project to redevelop a former aerospace property was rejected after neighbors protested. https://timwferguson.com/2023/10/25/ambitious-riverhead-is-back-to-squar...

Ready to uncover the startling contradictions in the green energy movement? Promising a journey into the intricate ecosystem of sustainable power, our episode with Jennifer Shaigec and Robert Bryce will have you questioning what you thought you knew about the transition to alternative energy sources. We discuss the irony of advocating for green energy while simultaneously obstructing the very processes that make it possible - the mining and extraction of essential minerals. We also look at how this power shift is impacting economies globally, from the First Nations protests in the Ring of Fire to coal-dependent nations like Indonesia.

Listen on Apple Podcast
More podcast episodes & show notes at JoelKotkin.com

Watch the Video

Support Our Work

The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism‘

Sign Up For News & Alerts

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

According to Urbanize Austin:

“An apartment complex marketed to middle-income downtown workers, especially those interested in reducing or eliminating their personal vehicle use, has been repossessed. Capitol Quarters was returned to its lender due to a low occupancy rate that made it unsustainable, developer Weaver Buildings announced this week. The property at 1108 Nueces Street underwent a deed-in-lieu transfer to North Carolina's Churchill Real Estate Holdings.”

Wendell Cox is principal of Demographia, an international public policy firm located in the St. Louis metropolitan area. He is a founding senior fellow at the Urban Reform Institute, Houston, a Senior Fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy in Winnipeg and a member of the Advisory Board of the Center for Demographics and Policy at Chapman University in Orange, California. He has served as a visiting professor at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers in Paris. His principal interests are economics, poverty alleviation, demographics, urban policy and transport. He is co-author of the annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey and author of Demographia World Urban Areas.

Mayor Tom Bradley appointed him to three terms on the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (1977-1985) and Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich appointed him to the Amtrak Reform Council, to complete the unexpired term of New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman (1999-2002). He is author of War on the Dream: How Anti-Sprawl Policy Threatens the Quality of Life and Toward More Prosperous Cities: A Framing Essay on Urban Areas, Transport, Planning and the Dimensions of Sustainability.

Pure evil has been unleashed against the people of Israel. So many were brutally murdered, including babies who were beheaded in their cribs in one kibbutz! Children were butchered or kidnapped. Women were raped and then kidnapped or murdered and defiled. 260 young people were slaughtered at a music festival, and dozens more butchered or hauled away to Gaza. Holocaust survivors and other elderly met the same fates. The Hamas terrorists who did this are beneath the most vicious animals.

There is no “both sides” to this story.

No one can bring back the lost lives or even comprehend the horrific traumas, like those found on Instagram but often sanitized elsewhere. However, giving up is not an option. Following is a list of some of organizations that are actively Israel’s response to these catastrophes and greatly need support.

I am very involved in Jewish National Fund-USA (the first organization on the list) and can personally recommend the organization for its programs all across Israel for people of all faiths.

I am not intimately familiar with the other listed groups but have heard good things from friends and colleagues. You may want to review their websites for more information. (Note that the descriptions of these organizations comes from a Jerusalem-based source.)

Thank you for considering a donation at this very difficult time.

Paul Driessen

ORGANIZATIONS THAT NEED

Addressing Current Needs in Southern Israel

Jewish National Fund - USA – Emergency “Resilience Campaign. Every dollar raised by this JNF campaign goes to addressing critical, current needs: evacuation, transportation and emergency housing for hardest hit communities on the border; firefighting and protective equipment to combat ongoing rocket fire that’s destroying homes, buildings and livelihoods; bedding and hygiene supplies for those displaced from their homes; psychological treatment; and the promise to rebuild communities devastated by attacks, to keep their spirits and hope strong.

In one case, “JNF-USA purchased advanced security cameras that were installed on the roof of Bnei Netzarim Synagogue in Halutza. Last Saturday the cameras spotted 13 Hamas vehicles headed to Israel for an attack. With encrypted radios (also supplied by JNF), the local security teams coordinated an interception and guided IDF forces to cut the terrorists off, saving countless lives. www.JNF.org/SupportIsrael

Emergency Responders

Magen David Adom: MDA is Israel's national emergency medical service. It plays a vital role in saving lives, especially during times of crisis. MDA provides ambulance services, blood donations and medical support to those in need. Your contribution can help MDA continue their essential work. https://www.MDAIS.org/en or its American Friends US site https://www.AFMDA.

United Hatzolah: This volunteer-based organization operates a network of first responders throughout Israel and is the largest volunteer ambulance service in the world. It provide rapid medical assistance during emergencies, often on motorcycles. (I’ve seen them in action.) Contribute to their lifesaving efforts at United Hatzolah. https://IsraelRescue.org/

Support for Trauma Victims and Their Families:

Eran: Eran offers emotional support through a helpline to people experiencing crisis, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Your donation will help them continue this vital work. https://en.eran.org.il/donate-online/

Natal: Natal provides comprehensive support for Israeli victims of trauma and terror. Their programs offer psychological help and healing for individuals and families affected by violence. https://www.natal.org.il/en/

One Family: This organization provides assistance to victims of terror attacks: financial aid, therapy, and support networks for affected families. You can contribute to their mission at https://OneFamilytogether.org/

Trauma for Good: This organization uses innovative methods to help trauma survivors rebuild their lives. Its professionals empower survivors to turn their pain into strength and resilience. https://www.Trauma4Good.org/en/home2/

Zaka: This volunteer-based organization specializes in search, rescue and recovery operations during emergencies and terror attacks. It also provides emotional support to victims and their families. Its website is only in Hebrew, but any translation app can automatically translate the page. https://zaka.org.il/

Supporting IDF Soldiers

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces: FIDF offers programs and services to support IDF soldiers and their families, helping to improve the lives of these brave individuals. https://www.fidf.org/

Brothers for Life: This organization supports wounded soldiers, including those who have lost limbs or been paralyzed, providing them with care, rehabilitation and resources to lead fulfilling lives. https://www.BrothersForLife.com/

Chayal el Chayal: This organization provides housing and support to “lone soldiers” (soldiers without family in the country) serving in the IDF. Your support ensures these soldiers have a home away from home. https://www.chayalelchayal.com/

Lone Soldier Center: The Center offers a wide range of services to lone soldiers, including financial support, social activities and mentorship programs. https://LoneSoldierCenter.com/

The Michael Levin Base: This organization also supports lone soldiers, by providing them with a sense of community and the resources to make their service in the IDF more manageable far from home. https://themichaellevinbase.org/

Bezri: This group is dedicated to improving the welfare of all IDF soldiers, by providing them with essential items and support. https://www.bezri.org/program_info.php?program_id=58

For an uplifting story of a young heroine who led her kibbutz in battling and killing two dozen Hamas terrorists, see https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12616229/Israeli-woman-Inbar-Lieberman-kibbutz-Nir-Hamas.html

For a article about the despicable elements running Harvard and Harvard Law School publications and organizations, see https://townhall.com/tipsheet/john-hasson/2023/10/10/meet-the-harvard-students-supporting-hamas-invasion-of-israel-n2629626

Are you aware that the decline in marriage rates could be silently and profoundly shaping our society? Today, we're joined by Sam Abrams and Brad Wilcox, esteemed visiting fellows at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect this pressing issue. We deliberate on how the health of marriage could determine the economic mobility of less fortunate children and how the increasing sense of loneliness in society could be linked to this very decline.

Listen on Apple Podcast
More podcast episodes & show notes at JoelKotkin.com

Watch the Video

Support Our Work

The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism‘

Sign Up For News & Alerts

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Ever marveled at the staggering trends of youth unemployment and labor participation across the globe? Each region presents its own set of challenges; on this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by John Russo of Georgetown University and Rob Koepp of Chapman's Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business Initiative, bring their insights to the table.

Listen on Apple Podcast
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
More podcast episodes & show notes at JoelKotkin.com

Watch the Video

Support Our Work

The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism‘

Sign Up For News & Alerts

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.