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In the dramatic conclusion of Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged,” the protagonists find themselves soaring above New York City in an airplane as the city plunges into darkness. The collapse is the result of the departure of producers following a leftist takeover. As the city’s lights flicker off, Dagny Taggart, a powerful railroad executive, observes, “It’s the end.” Yet, John Galt, the central figure and inventor, offers a different perspective: “No. It’s the beginning.”
In a scenario echoing Rand’s narrative, Seattle’s new socialist mayor, Katie Wilson, seems to be unwittingly setting the stage for a similar economic downturn. Her policies appear to be driving the affluent out of the city, and her response to the exodus has been met with incredulity. To critics, her dismissive “Bye” signals a farewell not just to wealthy residents, but potentially to Seattle’s economic stability.
The state of Seattle under Wilson’s leadership has become a topic of heated debate. Observers note that the city appeared to be on a challenging trajectory even before she assumed office on January 1st, coincidentally the same day New York’s similarly aligned Mayor Mamdani took charge. Visits to Seattle, for those who venture there occasionally, reveal a city increasingly marred by litter and expanding homeless camps. Though efforts are underway to spruce up the city in anticipation of the World Cup, skeptics doubt these changes will endure.
Katie Wilson, Seattle’s new self-proclaimed socialist mayor, sparked a social media firestorm after she gave her take on reports that millionaires are fleeing Washington state due to taxes and various far-left policies.
While speaking at a forum at Seattle University earlier this month, the new Democratic mayor said, “I think the claims that millionaires are going to leave our state are like super overblown.”
“And the ones that leave, like, bye,” she continued, waving her hand and laughing. Though the line drew laughs and applause from those in the auditorium, it did not go over as well online, as conservatives quickly blasted the new Seattle mayor.
“Seattle’s Socialist Mayor responds to exodus of wealth from Washington State by saying “BYE” … then laughing. We’re doomed,” wrote Brandi Kruse.
Here, see for yourselves:
INSANE. Seattle’s Socialist Mayor responds to exodus of wealth from Washington state by saying “BYE” … then laughing. We’re doomed. pic.twitter.com/gP8CbPkqEl
— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) April 29, 2026
Let’s face it, Seattle was doomed from the moment Katie Wilson took office on January 1st, which is, interestingly enough, the same day New York’s communist Mayor Mamdani assumed that office. And, to be fair, it’s not like Seattle wasn’t already a mess. We travel (reluctantly) to Seattle once or twice a year so my wife can see a medical specialist there, and the city seems to be a little dirtier, a little more littered, and has a few more sprawling homeless enclaves every time. Oh, they’re cleaning it up for the World Cup, but we all know that won’t last.