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No, DeSantis, America does NOT want to be Florida [1]

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Date: 2023-06-03

In recent years, Florida has become a hotbed of increasingly extremist policies under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and his Republican cronies. These policies, which veer towards far-right extremism, have raised concerns about the state's political trajectory and its implications for democracy.

DeSantis, once seen as a moderate Republican, has taken a hard-right turn after aligning himself with Trump in 2016. Since then, he's continued to embrace harmful and divisive policies. For instance, his administration's approach to education has been marked by a concerted effort to suppress discussions around race and gender in schools. The so-called "Stop WOKE Act," a law aimed at suppressing discussions around race and gender in schools, is a direct assault on academic freedom. It seeks to whitewash history and silence the voices of those who dare to speak about systemic racism and inequality. This is not education reform; it is intellectual censorship.

Moreover, DeSantis has shown an alarming disregard for the rights of LGBTQ+ students. His support for the "Don't Say Gay" bill, which prohibits discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in primary schools, has been met with widespread condemnation. Critics argue that this bill not only marginalizes LGBTQ+ students but also undermines the principles of inclusivity and diversity.

The attack on civil liberties doesn't stop at the school gates. DeSantis's support for the "Don't Say Gay" bill, which prohibits discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in primary schools, directly attacks the LGBTQ+ community. This law sends a harmful message to young people, suggesting that their identities are something to be ashamed of or hidden. It's a regressive policy with no place in a society that values diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance.

DeSantis's hardline stance extends to the most intimate aspects of personal life: reproductive rights. Following the U.S. Supreme Court's repeal of Roe v. Wade, DeSantis expressed support for additional restrictions on abortion. His endorsement of a six-week abortion ban is a chilling reminder of the lengths to which he is willing to go to strip women of their agency and civil liberties. They're even going after "no-fault" divorce, which would put more women at risk.

These policies are not just the work of DeSantis alone. They reflect a broader shift within the Florida Republican Party towards more extremist positions. The party's dominance in the Florida Legislature has enabled it to pass legislation that reflects its increasingly hard-right ideology. This has resulted in policies that, while perhaps popular among the party's base, are out of step with mainstream public opinion and threaten to undermine democratic norms.

The implications of this shift are not just local but national. Although he's had a few bumps on the road, DeSantis is widely seen as a potential contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. His hard-right turn made the direction of the Republican party loud and clear if there was ever any doubt.

However, there are signs that DeSantis's extremist policies may not be as electorally advantageous as he hopes. Recent polls suggest that his hard-right turn is not boosting his standing among moderate Republicans and independents, the kind of voters Republicans will need to win the White House. Moreover, his policies could prove damaging in a general election, particularly in swing states like Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Ron DeSantis and Florida Republicans are steering the state in a backward direction that could significantly impact the future landscape of politics. Their extremist policies are not just a Florida issue but a potential national concern, especially with DeSantis gaining national attention as the GOP primary nears. However, it's important to remember that we, as citizens, have the power to influence the course of our democracy. Through our voices and our votes, we can hold our elected officials accountable and demand policies that uphold our democratic values. The future of our democracy may depend on it.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/6/3/2173141/-No-DeSantis-America-does-NOT-want-to-be-Florida

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