NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's official video message to New Yorkers on the 25th anniversary of 9/11

911

u/iconoclastic_glow 1d ago edited 1d ago

This man is a class act. Lord, I miss the days when I was a new immigrant to the US (in the early 2000s) and there were multiple politicians, mostly Democrats but also quite a few Republicans, who I respected and admired. It’s almost impossible to believe how badly things have devolved since then.

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u/Stefan988 1d ago edited 1d ago

So jealous of NYC residents having a mayor like him

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u/ohmosdefinitely lea michele’s reading coach 1d ago

you can join us, if you're cool! loving our mayor is a good start 🤗

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u/Stefan988 1d ago

I’d LOVE that. The big apple has been on my bucket list forever. Never been, but one can dream.

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u/Moppy6686 1d ago

I emigrated in 2008 right before the election. What a fucking time to be alive.

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u/iconoclastic_glow 1d ago edited 1d ago

I know, it was so exciting! I became a citizen just in time to vote for Obama in 2012, but when he won in 2008 I was so incredibly excited for the future, and I still go back sometimes on crazy days to footage from the Obama/Biden years to remember how good they were - such a great president/VP team. If I ever need a good cry I watch Obama surprising Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom - my god, both those men were great speakers and so genuine about their friendship and families - or to Aretha Franklin singing ‘Natural Woman’ at the Kennedy Centre when Carole King (the songwriter) was being honoured and the Obamas were just the coolest as Aretha absolutely blew the roof off with one of the most incredible live performances I’ve ever seen.

If anyone else needs some memories of more civil times, Aretha Franklin at the Kennedy Centre (no, I will not call it the Trump centre!): https://youtu.be/8cF0tf35Mbo?si=MYscZgWkePG1k8FB

Obama surprises Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom: https://youtu.be/d3UCW_AV93M?si=bZMzc1083YkV-XW2

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u/Moppy6686 1d ago

Same! I got Obama's signature on my naturalization certifcate ♥️

Before emigrating my Norwegian housemate and I would get high and watch Obama speeches 🥹

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u/michellemustudy women supporting women (Taylor’s version) 1d ago

I started following Obama when he first got on Twitter and he followed me back! It’s the only reason why I haven’t deleted my account.

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u/velvetblue929 1d ago

I went to a high school that was mostly black. Everyone was SO excited and we were all shouting "Obama '08, let's go!" all day in the halls.

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u/Moppy6686 1d ago

I was in Berkeley, CA the night he was elected. One friend got arrested (drunk and disorderly) and another almost got arrested and escaped on the top of a public bus lol. Hippies were dancing in the streets the next day and black people were high fiving each other. I remember my black bus driver being so hyped up.

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u/carolinagypsy the pet psychic for the Sun told me so 8h ago

I’m in the south, and I think one of my best memories from that time period is how the next morning, I saw how much joy there was and a difference in body language of the black men and women I worked with and even just passed on the street. It’s hard to explain. How much his winning meant to normal people. I lived in a city where there’s a lot still just under the surface because of the history of what took place in it; it was the first stop for so many kidnapped souls during slavery, and I knew several people who could point to which of the area’s plantations their families were freed from. Maybe that’s why it had such an effect on me. There were a lot of hugs and tears.

A lot of us worked (and still work) really hard to keep plugging away at things, but I wish we had managed to hold on to more of that feeling of possibility and accomplishment. I grew up in a really small southern town where the KKK was quite comfortable being out and about, and sometimes it feels like we are backsliding back to that being ok.

I actually got to see Obama speak at what was still a smallish rally when he first started really making waves in the election, and you just knew you were seeing someone and something really special come along.

I know he didn’t live up to everything we wanted, and there’s plenty there to be disappointed about looking back on his presidency, but for those of us who worked really hard for it in areas that were still plenty racist, seeing him win and accept the nomination that night was truly something else. It really brought home why people (kids especially) need to be able to see people that look like them in positions of leadership and achievement.

I am really happy to see a Muslim man being elected mayor of NYC in light of that 25 years after 9/11. It doesn’t seem like that long ago. I know that anti-Muslim sentiment is still there, of course, but I think that’s why it’s so important. People need to see people that look like and worship like them in those big positions.

Because it should be possible for everyone. We have to keep concentrating on that and working towards it being a normal thing.

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u/Crafty-Judge-896 19h ago

I’m crying just thinking about the hope I felt in 08 it truly was a time to be alive

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u/hondactx16i 1d ago

Totally agree, wish he was prez over....

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u/MetaStressed 13h ago

Exactly, I remember when John McCain running against Obama wouldn’t let his supporters believe the lies about his opponent, and actually set them straight at his own event. Such a class act. What happened? Republicans no longer have decorum apparently. Instead, they decided to roll over for a cult leader that turned the Republican Party completely on its head.

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u/iconoclastic_glow 12h ago

Absolutely, I was thinking of McCain when I wrote that there were Republicans I respected and admired. His major flaw was bringing Sarah Palin to national prominence, but otherwise I think he had a stellar record and was known to be a reasonable centrist who would work with the Dems to get things done. His famous ‘thumbs down’ on the Obamacare repeal secured his legacy.

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u/SunkinnBow 1d ago

I miss Condoleezza

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u/JenningsWigService secretly gay and the son of fidel castro 22h ago

Are you the ghost of Gaddafi?

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u/CleverCarrot999 chris pine’s flip phone 21h ago

💀

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u/carolinagypsy the pet psychic for the Sun told me so 9h ago

I think that’s one of the things I reflect on the most about 9/11. I was 21 and fresh out of college and in my first real job. Engaged to my ex-husband who was just out of the active army. Feels like it fucked up so much for so many people. In my 40s now and I can really understand now how it affected the families and friends left behind in a way I couldn’t in my 20s.

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u/brobastian0227 1d ago

A city where we run towards one another is a great fucking line.

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u/ChingaSue 12h ago

He had me at sacred obligation, what a well written speech.

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u/babywitch1980 1d ago

It saddens me that he can't run for President

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u/Dominant_Genes 1d ago

If they force Trump 3 fuck their rules

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u/antrage 1d ago

Trust me, there is nothing they want more than someone setting the precedent of not respecting the constitutional rules. They will use that shit harder and faster than Democrats ever could.

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u/ibupupfren 1d ago

they don’t need someone else to set a precedent. if they wanna do it, they absolutely will.

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u/antrage 1d ago

Of course they want to do it, they have been pushing it since he came into office, they haven't found a way in yet.

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u/InternationalFact464 22h ago

Respectfully, they have already found countless ways to successfully do unconstitutional things. We need to stop pretending like we're at the precipice of losing our democracy. No, look around, it's already happened.

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u/TrickySnicky distraught Christian tomato 23h ago

All they really have to do at this point is ask SCOTUS nicely, at the right time. They would have done it sooner if they were more confident it wouldn't backfire

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u/MoogOfTheWisp 1d ago

He can probably get a lot more done as a mayor than he could as president when it comes to things that actually impact people day to day. I know people talk about him going to congress or the senate, but those are positions where you’re having to endlessly compromise and negotiate, and you end up with a watered down version of what you wanted. As Mayor he can make changes that are actually felt at grass roots level, and get it done quickly. It’s like the mayor of London, it’s a MUCH better job than prime minister in terms of getting what you want done actually done.

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u/09997512 1d ago

We need to change the rules so bad.

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u/sharktoucher 1d ago

Nah, changing the rules mean musk has a chance for eligibility

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u/repalec 1d ago

Yeah, I'll gladly take Zohran capping out at Governor or a congressional position if it means the closest Musk gets to the Oval is awkwardly standing around with his legion of children.

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u/10HungryGhosts 1d ago

I think even though he can't he's inspiring a new generation of politicians who care

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u/JohnBrine The Tortured Juggalo's Department 1d ago

9/11 is in grad school fuck I’m old.

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u/-bubblepop 1d ago

I WORK with people who don’t remember it.

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

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u/files2trials 1d ago

I was in eighth grade Spanish class and it was on the TV.

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u/Big_tim18 1d ago

They didn't get the memo?

"Never forget" wtf

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u/-bubblepop 1d ago

Vaguely related but one of my favorite tumblr memes was someone wondering how the wildfire smoke from a couple years ago was the worst air quality in NYC in 20 years

9/11: sometimes forget

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u/Spiffy_Tiffyy 1d ago

I work with people who weren’t born when it happened.

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u/squeakycheetah Pink is the Amy Schumer of pop stars 18h ago

My youngest coworker was born 5 years after 9/11. I was 5 years old when it happened.

Just wild to think about.

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u/Weekly_Ad675 23h ago

I work with someone who wasn’t even born yet!

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u/whatthefrok 1d ago

I don't remember it. I was 4, almost 5.

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u/NotAQueefAKhaleesi does this woman ever rest (derogatory) 23h ago

I’d just turned 4 and remember it, but it’s probably because my mom got a call from a friend to flip to the news and the second plane hit while they were talking, which resulted in my mom screaming / flipping out.

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u/Scary_Teens1996 1d ago

I just turned 30 and it was not a significant event for me. I was 5 and most significantly, not American

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u/suzzface 1d ago

I'm a few years older than you, and it was a big deal all around the globe, so I think being 5 has more to do with it! The whole world was watching, and the whole world was changed by the event.

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u/anonacct_ 1d ago

Agree. I'm not American either, and I was in elementary school back then, thousands of miles away in the Philippines. But I still remember waking up earlier than usual, hearing the TV, and seeing my father glued to the news. “America was attacked.” I still remember how quiet my class was when I walked in. Very eerie.

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u/eatpastagophasta 1d ago

I was 8 when it happened half the world away from me. If you had any sense of awareness at the time you know it was a significant moment just by how much the news covered it.

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u/TrickySnicky distraught Christian tomato 23h ago

I was getting ready to graduate college. Every one in my family decided not working that day would probably be a good idea.

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u/Fay-control 1d ago

That is what has further infuriated his detractors, they want to paint a picture of the "evil Muslim" who hates America, so when they see an empathetic Muslim working to make America better, their narrative falls apart.

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u/TrickySnicky distraught Christian tomato 23h ago

The worst thing we can do to them is live by the rules they claim to live by

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u/WhyBeAFool 15h ago

I mean.. he associates with people who believe that America deserved 9/11. Not to mention that is practically the party position of the DSA. I think he genuinely does care, but the fact that he isn't denouncing those people because of their political affiliation is bad enough. I see why people criticize him for it.

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u/sappydark 13h ago

I haven't heard of a single DSA member claim that "America deserved 9/11". The repubs are making a big deal out of that stupid comment this Hasan Piker guy, who's not even part of the DSA, and is nothing but a "shock jock" podcaster who says dumb shit to get attention---made about 9/11 back about seven years ago, and which he apologized for. And, no, the DSA's party position is not even about 9/11.

I don't know where you're hearing that stupid BS from other than fox news. DSA candidates are winning because they are talking directly about bringing solutions to the important issues people are concerned about now----the economy, high inflation, accessible child care, affordable health care. This administration hasn't addressed anything about those issues, and neither have the repubs.

And it's ridiculous how both Mamdani and El-Sayed get demonized and called "terrorists" simply because they're Muslims, they're both non-white, and because some people don't like their positions on Israel. That's some really dumb shit, and it's really tiring. People always seem to forget that they're Americans just like the rest of us.

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u/carolinagypsy the pet psychic for the Sun told me so 8h ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/l3q2Hy66w1hpDSWUE

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u/GILERMITOS 16h ago

When in reality he hates muslims. Crazy mentioning so much people while ignoring the millions of innocent people killed by USA and NATO as response to this

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u/AbsolutelyIris confused but here for the drama 1d ago

He is a far better person than the people attacking him.

RIP to those murdered today 25 years ago, peace to those who lost loved ones, and RIP, peace and deepest apologies to the millions around the world who have had to pay for this day for no reason whatsoever.

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u/mpr1011 1d ago edited 1d ago

I’m sorry for the rampant Islamophobia that came from this day. How can you have a majority of people prop up Rudy G and Trump while preventing this man from honoring his hometown?

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u/Beginning-Passion676 1d ago

Remembering Mohammad Salman Hamdani is Pakistani American responder who saved many lives

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u/AroundInTheSnow 1d ago

The music sounds like a piano riff on the Disintegration Loops. I recommend anyone mourning or grieving on this day to find that album and listen to it. Learn about the circumstances that led to its creation. It is a dirge that was born on that day.

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u/09997512 1d ago

This is MY president.

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u/FarPomegranate7437 1d ago

He’s such a class act. He manages to remember those who passed while also celebrating those who lived without making it about him, unlike somebody we all know would have…

Bless all those who lost someone on that tragic day and RIP to the lives lost.

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u/overpregnant 1d ago

Watching a politician with genuine empathy, who follows through on his campaign promises, who enjoys making life better for people no matter how big or small the task, is like seeing a unicorn

he's magic in this modern world of proud ignorance

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u/AmericaShinault_85 1d ago

i love my mayor!!!

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u/Dreams-Visions 1d ago

Strong message. Very strong.

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u/Sleepsfuriously 1d ago

As a New Yorker this made me tear up. This really encapsulates what makes this city special, strangers looking out for each other and working together to help neighbors they have never even met.

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u/SatoruGojo232 1d ago

Video source link: https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/911-25th-anniversary-ceremony-updates-families-gather-world-trade-center-pentagon-shanksville-pennsylvania/19811366/entry/19819164/

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u/Starlight_XPress 1d ago

Our king, an angel in the flesh. Not a bad bone in that man’s body

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u/Pastabakeforlife 1d ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/ie2QuQ7YYvrayHdU4N

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u/taketotheforest 1d ago

this is a brilliant message. dignified and respectful and inspiring, even with the ridiculous detractors he’s had to face over the past weeks.

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u/daveydesigner Lacks voice or vision. Pedestrian. 1d ago

Goddamn.

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u/fractious_kitty 23h ago edited 23h ago

As a stroke nurse, I want to relate to my fellow healthcare providers the life we are restoring by providing life saving care:

Every year is 1095 meals.

730 sunrises and sunsets.

A dozen holidays.

Countless birthday and milestone celebrations.

This is the connection we have to protect.

Rest in power 9/11 victims. And we stand with the current victims of the Ukrainian and Palestinian genocide.

There is more to life than power and money.

CONNECTION IS THE POINT.

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u/magdalenmaybe 19h ago

Hard agree. The only antidote for the current fuckery is to engage with community, with neighbors, with those who are struggling, bringing the gifts we've been given whether talent or treasure. Yeah, it shouldn't have to be this way in the first place, but while it is, we can make life better for all in our own universes.

Also, Mamdani ... goosebumps.

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u/GrayHairLikeClaire here it is, our American culture 1d ago

Describing people as "universes" really got to me. It's so eloquent and beautiful.

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u/pricelessmoments 1d ago

Our public discourse, not just politics, really lacks rationality and empathy. I’m thankful that he’s unwavering in bringing both, no matter the situation.

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u/imaparkguy 1d ago

FUCKING CHILLS

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u/unoum 21h ago

the attackers don't represent the Muslims

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u/kriosjan 12h ago

Just like mr rogers said. "Look for the helpers" i was pretty young in the area at the time but i remember the school teachers freaking out and later seeing it on the television. It was crazy to suddenly lose antena signal because the actual broadcast signal was being bounced off the towers.

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u/Dry-Yak5277 23h ago

A racist Italian from Staten Island is watching this with absolute rage rn

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u/thermalexposure 22h ago

MAGA is threatened by empathy.

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u/andrestou 21h ago

he even shook Giuliani’s hand.

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u/ExtremeDay1043 8h ago

He is my mayor and i live several thousand kms away! What a guy! Crazy how he is able to make the issue the center and not him. Very very few can do that and can do so only when they genuinely care about what they speak! This guys should absolutely be the president someday! Sad that he can't!

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u/bimfcle 8h ago

Which one of your family was flying? Mayor terrorist.

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u/sappydark 1h ago

STFU, troll.

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u/GenesisStar7 1d ago

I've heard of a concept called "Blowback" where it is described how this attack was a direct consequence of medding in the middle east

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u/BabyYodaX 23h ago

My President.

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u/Unfair-Bowler1623 23h ago

I’m not crying, you’re crying

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u/trislee23 23h ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/fteNbvjJqbtCZi7iqZ

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u/bluehoag 11h ago

Okay, this is real jumping the shark energy. Roughly 3.5 - 4 million global citizens died as a result of wars this empire initiated in the wake of 9/11. Even if he "has" to do this as mayor, this is such a big turnoff for Mamdani.

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u/sappydark 1h ago

Uh, what? As mayor of N.Y., he was required to do this----it came with the job. You are not making any sense whatsoever.

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u/Imaginary-Claim4996 15h ago

9/11 the reason I told my Indian employer today I need a $10 raise or I’m out.
ON 9/11 BITCH YOU NETTER GIVE MY MONEY

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u/DonaldBurrus78 20h ago

Well he did say more than, "some people did something."

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u/Frijoles4ever 1d ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/pyYFH6kRsaQTrtFxh1

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u/AdmirableMap1519 19h ago

Oh something bad’s coming! Mamdan Zohrani accepting it was an act of terror!

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

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u/kandocalrissian Kathryn don’t criticize him he needs confidence 22h ago

What a weird thing to comment on this post of all things

🕊️ IN MEMORIAM 🕊️ NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's official video message to New Yorkers on the 25th anniversary of 9/11

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