New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is taking heat (pun intended) for telling residents to turn up their thermostats during a blistering July heat wave.

With temperatures climbing toward 100 degrees, Mamdani has urged New Yorkers to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees, switch off unnecessary lights and appliances, and reduce electricity use to ease pressure on the power grid. City buildings were also directed to follow the same guidance, which apparently was already in place (what a great place to work!)

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The internet’s response was about what you’d expect.

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Yes, social media quickly filled with jokes, memes and accusations that the self- described democratic socialist (communist) was trying to dictate how people live inside their own homes.

To be fair, the mayor didn’t order anyone to change their thermostat. It was a request, not a mandate. At least not yet. But many of you willingly signed up to get “smart” meters installed (not me) so yes, someday (soon), they’ll be controlling your thermostat and setting it to the temperature they deem appropriate.

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How soon that future arrives remains to be seen, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be sooner than everyone thinks. For now, New Yorkers can still choose their own thermostat settings – and they shouldn’t feel guilty about it. After all, the coming holiday is all about freedom, and we all should enjoy what little of it we have left.