Einstein said that if he had one hour to save the world, he would spend 55 minutes defining the problem. Well, after years of studying it from all angles, all indications are that Michael Bloomberg is the problem. That’s not to say that no one shares his particular prejudices, but when there is no room for differences in a city that thrives on differences, that’s a problem.

To put things in perspective, it is safe to say that if Ed Koch were the Mayor in 2001-2002, the Twin Towers would be open today and the remains of thousands of fellow citizens would not be lying in a city dump. Mayor Koch supported Mayor Bloomberg’s reelection, but their governing styles could not be farther apart. Where Ed Koch was famous for asking “How am I doing,” and really wanting to know, Michael Bloomberg is just as famous for using himself as the reference for everything and that’s that.

For instance, he is going to give his body to science and never visits his father’s grave. In other words, he can’t “relate” with the urgency of a “proper burial” for the 9/11 remains. And he has clearly been an archenemy of the Twin Towers since the day they were destroyed. The question today is why a man who barely “won” re-election after having spent more of his own money running for office than anyone in America ever has, outspending his opponent by at least 10-to-1, would be so dismissive of public opinion.

The Mayor pledged in his conciliatory inaugural speech to start listening to the people. While it is unlikely that he will suddenly find the humility of an Ed Koch, the matter of the victims’ remains would be the perfect place to signal a real change of heart.

Mayor Bloomberg was recently heard saying that New York will always be a target because it represents democracy to the world. The irony wasn’t lost on those who think he has done more to hijack the democratic process than any other national politician in memory. To help people make up their own minds, the following links provide a close up view of a disturbing conglomeration of power. We may add others from time to time:

New York Magazine | “Mike Bloomberg Owns This Town”

The Weekly Standard | “France on the Hudson”

The Huffington Post | “Mayor Bloomberg and the Arrogance of Power”

The Economist | “Money Can’t Buy You Love”