America’s cities are falling apart. Criminals are running rampant, and law-abiding citizens are often prevented from defending themselves. As Common Sense Society fellow Douglas Murray points out, it seems like politicians are more focused on defending the victimizers than the victims. Virginia’s capital city is no stranger to chaos — violent crime is on the rise, and sadly, it’s only one of the city’s worries. Richmond exists in a perpetual state of ruin. Its poor leadership and the population’s more radical segments that use municipal government’s levers to promote radical agendas are to blame.
My introduction to Richmond’s city government began in the first half of 2018 when I accepted the position of first district liaison for Councilman Andreas Addison. Having previously worked as a parliamentary staffer in the British Parliament, I was keen to make my home in one of the most historic and consequential cities in the United States. Any illusions I held about the city of Richmond, however, were shattered within weeks.
Let me preface what I am about to disclose by affirming that Richmond’s city government is staffed by many good people who work tirelessly to deliver city services despite constraints. And Richmonders themselves are beginning to stand up for their history and future through volunteer groups like The Virginia Council. But Richmond’s government is largely a farce.
Feckless City Councils
City Council meetings are a prime example. Many council members like to hear the sound of their own voices, if only to obscure their own
