It’s official. New York City has a new public enemy number one. And no, it’s not the skyrocketing crime rates or the out-of-control cost of living. It’s…rats. According to Mayor Eric Adams, rats are partly to blame for the mass exodus of New Yorkers. Alright, let’s get serious here. Last year alone, nearly 102,000 people left the Empire State. The reasons? Well, according to our dear Mayor, some families are seeking greener pastures—literally. They want open spaces where their children can play, not rat-infested parks. But hey, at least he’s doing something about it! He’s even appointed a “rat czar” to tackle the issue. Now that’s what I call taking matters into your own hands.

But let’s not forget the elephant—or should I say, rat—in the room. The high cost of living and the option of remote work during the pandemic have also contributed to the population decline. It seems like the Big Apple is losing its shine, and cities like New York are seeing a decrease in residents. But don’t worry, folks. Mayor Adams is optimistic. He believes that the continuous influx of migrants will help offset the declining population. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Meanwhile, the Census Bureau reports that New York is one of eight states facing a decline in residents. On the flip side, states like Texas and Florida are seeing significant population growth. So, what gives?

Some folks attribute the population decline to—you guessed it—crime, high cost of living, and the city’s odd penchant for prioritizing criminals and migrants over everyday New Yorkers. Hard to argue with that logic, isn’t it? These factors have led more and more people to pack up and leave the city. Can’t say I blame them.

So, there you have it. The rats are running amok, and the people are running away. But hey, at least we have a rat czar now. Maybe he can whip these rodents into shape and bring back the fleeing New Yorkers. Or maybe, just maybe, the city needs to address the real issues at hand—crime and the cost of living.

I think we all know what is really to blame for the exodus from New York City, but then again, that’s just my two cents.