Why is this always the battle the republicans take up.
See new GOP Speaker of the House statements on social security, medicare, and Medicaid at the link below. We must fight to keep these folks out of office.
What Mike Johnson Has Said About Cutting Social Security (newsweek.com)
As a progressive, I am deeply concerned about the prospect of Ron DeSantis becoming president. While some may view him as a rising star in the Republican Party, I believe his policies and actions as governor of Florida demonstrate that he is not fit to lead the country.
One of the biggest concerns I have about DeSantis is his approach to public health and the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, he has consistently downplayed the severity of the virus and refused to implement policies that would slow its spread. He has repeatedly criticized mask mandates and other public health measures, arguing that they are unnecessary and infringe on individual freedom.
This approach is not only dangerous, but it also demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of how public health crises work. The reality is that individual actions can have a profound impact on the health and well-being of others, particularly during a pandemic. By refusing to implement policies that would slow the spread of COVID-19, DeSantis is effectively prioritizing individual freedom over public health, which could have serious consequences for the country as a whole.
In addition to his approach to public health, DeSantis’ policies on a range of issues demonstrate that he is out of touch with the needs and concerns of everyday Americans. For example, he has signed legislation that restricts voting rights, making it harder for people to exercise their right to vote. He has also been a vocal opponent of progressive policies like a living wage and universal healthcare, arguing that they are “socialist” and would lead to economic ruin.
This kind of rhetoric and policy-making is not only deeply concerning, but it also demonstrates a lack of empathy for the struggles that many Americans face. It is clear that DeSantis is more interested in pursuing a right-wing ideological agenda than in addressing the real problems that people in this country are facing.
Furthermore, DeSantis’ record on issues related to race and social justice is deeply troubling. He has been a vocal opponent of the Black Lives Matter movement, which seeks to address systemic racism and police brutality in the United States. He has also signed legislation that restricts protests and protects Confederate monuments, despite the fact that these monuments represent a painful legacy of slavery and racism in this country.
This kind of rhetoric and policy-making demonstrates a lack of understanding of the systemic racism and inequality that many people in this country face on a daily basis. It also suggests that DeSantis is more interested in maintaining the status quo than in addressing the root causes of these issues.
Recently DeSantis has begun a fight against what he calls “Woke Policies”. The one that hits the news the most is his battle against Disney and the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Reedy Creek is a special taxing district that has been in place since 1967 when it was passed by the Florida legislature as a way for Disney to govern and manage its own land as an incentive to bring Disney World and Epcot to central Florida. The Reedy Creek Improvement District had the authority of a governmental body, but was not subject to the constraints of a governmental body. That changed under the 2023 act, which gave the Florida governor the authority to name its board members.. Florida is home to more than 1,800 special districts of all shapes, sizes, and flavors, from housing and community development districts to quasi-governmental agencies. He only has attacked Disney because they came out against his so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill. This act by DeSantis is only a direct attack against Disney but not any of the other 1800 special taxing districts
Finally, DeSantis’ close ties to former President Donald Trump are deeply concerning. Trump’s presidency was marked by divisiveness, authoritarianism, and a lack of respect for democratic institutions. DeSantis’ close association with Trump suggests that he shares these values and may be willing to pursue similar policies if he were to become president.
In conclusion, I believe that Ron DeSantis is not fit to lead the country. His approach to public health, voting rights, social justice, and democracy is deeply concerning and suggests that he is more interested in pursuing a right-wing ideological agenda than in addressing the real problems that people in this country face. As we look to the future, it is important that we elect leaders who are committed to building a more just, equitable, and inclusive society, not ones who seek to maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the wealthy and powerful.