A GATED COMMUNITY IN NYC WHERE TRUMP FLAGS FLY
BREEZY POINT, A PRIVATE ENCLAVE IN QUEENS, IS A BASTION OF TRUMP SUPPORTERS
Jane and Ed Deacy, who both contracted the coronavirus this summer, say their support for President Trump has only been bolstered by the way he has handled the pandemic, and even by his own battle with Covid- 19. Their loyalty has also not been shaken by the president’s style in his combative debate with Joe Biden or at his recent rallies.
“I think he has done a phenomenal job dealing with an unknown virus,” Jane Deacy said. “His record of the past three and a half years stands, and his accomplishments have not changed.”
Like most of their neighbours in their predominantly white, middle- class community, the Deacys voted for Trump in 2016, and enthusiastically intend to do so again on November 3. But the Deacys do not live in a solidly red state.
Conservative politics
They occupy an unusual slice of Trump country in New York City — Breezy Point, a private beach community in Queens where residents enjoy glimpses of the Manhattan skyline and display banners with slogans like, “Yes, I’m a Trump girl. Get over it!”
The community has long been home to police officers, firefighters and other first responders, many of whom own modest houses that have been in their families for generations. They embrace Trump, who hails from a wealthier part of the borough, and hold fast to local traditions that include conservative politics and outspoken support for the police and the military.
Their fealty to the president stems in part from a prevalent view that the city outside their gates is being driven into the ground by hopelessly progressive Democrats under whose leadership crime is rising and respect for law enforcement is dropping. The enclave has few residents of colour, and scepticism of the Black Lives Matter movement is widespread.
Contrasting views
While Trump’s claim that New York City has fallen prey to anarchy may be greeted with scorn by many New Yorkers, it resonates in Breezy Point.
The few liberals in the community say they love the gorgeous setting, but can grow weary of an insularity that at times has provoked claims of hostility to outsiders or even prejudice. Still, residents like the Deacys, who are both retired from the New York Police Department and have lived in Breezy Point since 1984, said they were disgusted with New York’s leadership. The Deacys said they would likely move to Florida soon for this very reason.
“What’s happened to New York is a crying shame, and they should be held accountable for it,” said Ed Deacy, referring to Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo, who are both Democrats.
Trump’s followers
Many of their neighbours agree. Tom Long, 74, said he appreciated that Trump had remained as aggressive as ever in recent weeks.
“That’s what got him elected,” said Long, who leads the Queens Conservative Party. “I’m not voting for his hairstyle, his personality or his warmth and charm. I like what he’s done and what he’ll do the next four years.”
He added, “We’re watching the Democratic Party move more to the left all the time.”
While much of the city has become more liberal, he said, “Breezy Point is what NewYork City used to be.”
And so when residents turn out to vote in November at their local polling place — traditionally the St. Thomas More Catholic Church — it seems highly likely that most will again cast their ballots for Trump.
“I don’t know anyone who voted for Trump in 2016 who would not do it again,” said Bob Turner, a former Republican congressman who has lived in Breezy Point for 40 years.
Breezy Point is a private community, with roughly 2,800 homes on land managed by a cooperative that also furnishes services typically provided by the city. In the 2016 presidential election, Trump garnered 77.5 per cent of the vote in Breezy Point. Hillary Clinton swept the city overall with 78.4 per cent.
Banners in the sky
Breezy Point has often kept a low profile, but this summer its political leanings became more visible thanks to banners towed by planes above city beaches in the Rockaways.
“Rockaway and Breezy Pt Support the NYPD,” read one banner, which was paid for by local community fund- raising and caused division in the Rockaways, an oceanfront section of Queens that has become increasingly popular withmore liberal newcomers.
While some locals cheered the banner, others criticised it as a divisive attack on the Black Lives Matter movement, whose demonstrations across New York City helped galvanise support in Breezy Point for Trump.
As the protests raged, Blue Lives Matter flags flew proudly in Breezy Point, where many residents either have police officers in their family or know someone who does.
Sebastian Danese, 42, a police officer, dismissed the notion that local support for Trump was born out of racism. “When we run into a burning building or help a victim of a crime, we’re not thinking about race,” he said.
While Trump’s claim that New York City has fallen prey to anarchy may be greeted with scorn by many New Yorkers, it resonates in Breezy Point.