Damage of leftist policies

OPINION:

It seems that the pendulum of society is finally starting to swing away from progressive politics and toward mainstream values.

Why? Because grassroots voters and parents are getting engaged with local levels of public policy — and we’ve finally discovered that when good people don’t step up, bad things can prevail.

We‘ve learned that some damage to society can’t be undone. For example, lost businesses can’t be easily restored. Recently, my local Walmart closed its doors. There were many reasons given for the store’s underperformance, not the least of which were theft and attacks on and robberies of customers in the parking lot. The area is one that was previously known as a “food desert.”

I’m not a Walmart fan, but I give the company credit for investing in a lower-income neighborhood when other grocery store chains refused to do so.

But just like other businesses across this nation in states that choose not to prosecute petty crimes, Walmart’s only resort was to shut down and relocate. Businesses can’t thrive amid crime. For those of us who volunteer to seek business development in our neighborhoods, it is disheartening to see nearly 25 years of economic progress end due to progressive policies.

This is the first stage of any neighborhood falling into economic and criminal chaos.

To wit, the local professional sports management organization for the Wizards, Capitals and Mystics is considering hiring off-duty police officers to protect and secure its business interests. The surrounding local restaurants have shut down owing in large part to criminal activity.

Progressives never seem to see the long-term damage of their policies. I recall hearing a Black Lives Matter activist express support for looting and/or shoplifting of businesses because “they have insurance.” Thanks to Walmart’s departure, many seniors in my neighborhood will now be without a grocery store and pharmacy. Job training and opportunities for our inner-city youth will plummet.

If the pendulum continues to swing back to mainstream values, we can stop the runaway train of our cities’ business exodus and get back to providing economic opportunities for everyone.

GREG RALEIGH

Washington