City Steam in Hartford, Connecticut, once a premier spot on the stand-up comedy circuit, has unfortunately closed its doors. Known for its amazing food—free to comedians—and electrifying weekend shows, this venue was a highlight for many. However, the decline of downtown Hartford over the years has taken its toll, exacerbated by misguided policies and responses to crises.
The venue, located in a deteriorating downtown Hartford, faced worsening conditions since 1996. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent lockdowns implemented by leftist officials, were the final nail in the coffin. When City Steam reopened, it could no longer afford its renowned menu, reduced to basic offerings like hamburgers and hotdogs. The club couldn’t survive in an environment where people, scared off by the Democrat-run city’s crime wave, chose to stay in safer suburbs.
However, not everyone had the luxury to leave. Many peaceful residents of downtown Hartford, particularly in the north, were trapped in a cycle of violence and fear. The city saw 40 murders in 2022 and 36 in 2023, numbers that would be staggering if scaled to New York City’s population. The failure of woke politicians to address these issues led Archbishop Dexter Burke to take action.
Burke formed a legally armed “self-defense brigade” to patrol Hartford’s northern neighborhoods. This group, consisting of around 40 citizens armed with guns, body cameras, and supported by drones, represents a nightmare for liberal Marxists. These ordinary Americans, mostly black residents, are fed up with the crime and violence and have decided to protect themselves. Democrats, who despise self-reliance, have predictably opposed this initiative.
Cornel Lewis, a founder of the self-defense brigade, told Fox News, “The Democratic machine in Hartford is either unwilling or unable to protect its citizens. People pay their taxes but get no real services in return. Self-defense is not a dirty word.” As expected, liberal leaders, who pretend to care about black people, have criticized the brigade.
Hartford’s Democrat mayor, Arunan Arulampalam, attacked the brigade, saying the community needs to “heal” instead of taking the law into their own hands. Similarly, New Haven’s mayor, Justin Elicker, opposed the idea, claiming, “We need fewer guns on our street, not more.” These statements underscore the Democrats’ failure to protect their constituents, prompting black voters to support President Trump in record numbers as they seek real solutions to their communities’ problems.
