The Policy Lens

Welcome to The Policy Lens

Beyond the Headlines

  • Abuse of Eminent Domain in New York & the Decline of the “Blue Wall”

    New York Supreme Court

    New York’s ongoing abuse of eminent domain remains a critical issue, with the state continuing to seize property without sufficient reforms, even after the 2005 Kelo vs New London decision. This unchecked power undermines property rights and may soon face more scrutiny in the courts.

    At the same time, the Democratic Party is losing ground as population shifts away from traditional blue states like New York, California, and Illinois, while red states like Florida and Texas are experiencing growth. The “Blue Wall” of Democratic strongholds is crumbling, and this demographic change is likely to have consequences in the 2026 and 2028 elections.

    For everyday people, especially young future voters like me, these issues are important. When the government takes property unfairly, it harms individual rights. The decline of the “Blue Wall” shows the Democratic Party is losing touch with working-class families. As a future voter, I care about how the party deals with education, jobs, and affordable living. If they ignore these, it will impact my future. Young voters like me need a party that understands our challenges and find reasonable solutions.

  • Uncertainty Isn’t Just a Feeling—It’s a Policy Problem

    Times of economic uncertainty are nothing new, but the current landscape feels particularly unstable, and the political choices made today will have lasting consequences. Economic volatility is growing, and it’s not just due to global events like inflation or the wars around the globe. Domestic policies, like changes in tax laws, government spending, and economic regulation, have all contributed to this unstable environment. These shifts are causing issues, especially for young people who are currently trying to enter the job market.

    At the heart of this uncertainty is a lack of leadership on economic policy. While some argue for further deregulation and tax cuts to stimulate growth, others call for far more stronger, more intensive social programs to fight inequality. With the lack of a unified front against these issues means that policy decisions are often reactive rather than proactive, which is making it harder for people to plan for their financial future.

    For future voters, including myself, this economic unpredictability is deeply concerning. We’re faced with an unpredictable job market, high education costs, and concerns over rising housing prices, and all of these are created by our current foolish policy decisions. If we want a stable future, we desperately need policies that offer more than just short-term fixes. We need long-term strategies that ensure economic stability, and access to affordable education. As a future voter, these are the issues I, and many others, will be watching closely in upcoming elections. The direction the government chooses now will impact our lives for years to come.

    April 13th, 2025