I have lived in Florida for a little over 3 years now and Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have failed to carry out their primary job as elected officials. They have failed to protect their citizens from harm. Tens of thousands of Floridians have died needlessly because of their failure to act against COVID.
Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have suppressed and limited the most important right in any democracy – the right to vote. Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have restricted the right to engage in peaceful public protest. Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have engaged in the gerrymandering of congressional districts for the purpose of making it more difficult to elect African-American candidates. Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have restricted the ability of women to have any say in their own reproductive healthcare rights.
Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have restricted the ability of local government to protect their own citizens from diseases. Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have restricted the ability of local governments to reform their police forces. Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have restricted the ability of local governments to select their own energy sources.
Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have restricted the ability of local Boards of Education to protect their school children, teachers, and staff from diseases. Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have created a chilling effect on the teaching of US history by lying to the public about the teaching of university/law school critical race theory in K-12 public schools. Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have created an environment where LGBQT students are more likely to be threatened, intimidated, and discriminated against. Governor DeSantis and the Republicans publicly bullied and intimidated school children who chose to wear a mask.
Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have restricted the ability of private businesses to protect the health of their workers. Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have restricted the ability of private businesses to engage in activities that teach their workers about discrimination. Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have vindictively passed legislation against private businesses who have engaged in free speech against their policies. In the case of Disney, this vindictiveness may cost the local people a tremendous increase in taxes.
These restrictions and limitations are not a reflection of conservatism, rather they reflect a self-serving populism that does nothing but divide Floridians, restrict individual freedoms and rights, and centralize power at the state level.
Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have failed to address the most important problem facing Florida – the complete lack of affordable housing. Florida has the distinction of being ranked the number one state in the lack of affordable housing. Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have done nothing to address the affordability of home owners insurance.
Governor DeSantis and the Republicans have failed Florida.
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