Kensington: a Glimpse of America’s Cities in a Future Run by the Left

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Once a bustling industrial hub, Kensington, located in the northeastern part of Philadelphia, was home to a multitude of factories and working-class families. Textile mills, breweries, and shipyards provided stable jobs for the community, making it a thriving part of the city. However, the latter half of the 20th century saw a decline in manufacturing jobs, leading to economic degradation and widespread unemployment.

Kensington, from a political standpoint represents what happens when a city gives up on a community and enforcing laws is beyond their capacity, but Democrat policies have led Kensington to where it is today.

Anti-business climate, the left’s attack against manufacturing in the twentieth century, relaxed drug enforcement and criminal enforcement changed the game for the city. Now it appears to have simply been written off by city leaders.

How Kensington Deteriorated

The loss of industrial jobs had a domino effect on the community. As opportunities diminished, businesses shut down and residents moved away in search of better prospects, leading to urban decay. The once-vibrant neighborhood became a hotspot for criminal activity, including drug trafficking. 

The Emergence of the Drug Endemic

The economic void left in the community became fertile ground for drug dealers and suppliers. The area became synonymous with open-air drug markets, attracting users from all walks of life. The widespread use of narcotics like heroin, methamphetamines, and fentanyl contributed to an increase in violent crimes and overdoses. The easy accessibility of drugs and the lack of effective intervention allowed this problem to balloon into an endemic.

Present Day: A Harrowing Reality

Today, Kensington is often referred to as one of the largest drug-infested communities on the U.S. East Coast. The streets are filled with discarded needles, and public spaces have become consumption sites for addicts. Outreach programs and law enforcement initiatives have made some inroads, but the situation remains dire. 

Understanding the drug epidemic in Kensington is not merely about labeling it as a problem area. It’s essential to grasp how systemic issues like economic decline and unemployment can lead to social challenges that spiral out of control. While various efforts are being made to rehabilitate the area and its residents, Kensington serves as a grim reminder that we must address the root causes to find long-term solutions. 

Through public policy, community engagement, and effective drug intervention programs, there is hope that Kensington can be pulled back from the brink. But for now, it stands as a testament to how quickly a community can fall when left unsupported.