Contrasts of new York

I was last in New York 20 years ago, and comparing the city from then to now, it “feels” like a safer place. One of my reference points in this observation is the increased presence of the NYPD. The boys in blue are everywhere, and have an obvious “protector” role, secondary however to the fire crews who are lauded and hailed as heroes whenever they surface on the streets. 

9/11 still permeates this city with a vengeance, and if increased security and the protection of your fellow man is an inherent behavior as a result, then this has to make the world a better place.

 

Some other interesting current facts about New York that reinforcesthis “safeness” (But fly’s in the face of it’s perceived reputation) is a campaign called “Unshackle New York”.

 

Interestingly, restrictive “nanny” policies, make it the least free state in the US. New York has by far the highest taxes in the country with steep levies on property, income and corporations compared with the rest of the country. The high taxes in turn fuel massive spending on public welfare, hospitals, transit and employee retirement, which are well above the national norms. Ranking worst in the categories of economic freedom, and fiscal policy New York also lands near the bottom in the category of personal freedom andregulatory policy.

On the plus side, and to show how crazy this place is,  NY State has recently relaxed its laws on the personal use of marijuana, but not its law on legalizing same sex or gay marriages.

I was of course contemplating all of this when we spent a large part of yesterday, cycling and walking through the 250 acres of the majestic central park, thinking what a contrast this city was.

To illustrate this more precisely, and as the pictures show, I found a monument with the most beautiful 400 year old tiles, a place of history andfortitude. A place where I should show respect, when I glanced again through my lens and found my darling Marty clinging to a lingerie shoot of young models being photographed in this haven of history. A Japanese wedding in progress and a fashion shoot for a S&M magazine, plus my 400 year old tiles……. this is not “nanny” state, not by a long shot.

So long New York, the last week has been a blast, with very little sleep and many many OMG moments. We arrive in London in about 3 hours to transit to Dublin, and find a quiet spot on this planet to shake off the hangover of New York, and pick up the adventure of Ireland. Don’t be so fekking stupid J (say it in an Irish accent). The hangover I am sure is about to begin.