America in Shock as Florida Groups Warn Against DeSantis

Photo byGage Skidmore

Minority groups and other Florida residents who Ron DeSantis bullied are issuing a national warning about the dangers to democracy he might cause.

The right-wing Republican governor inflamed the ire of transgender rights activists, immigrant organizations, and civil and voting rights organizations in Florida, who have suffered the most from his extreme policies and legislation.

Human rights advocates, civil organizations, and political scientists deem DeSantis a threat to democracy and America.

Hard Right Turn

As DeSantis gears up to promote his hard-right brand on the national stage, a senior Democratic state congressman dubbed Florida "the canary in the coalmine" for the rest of the US.

Florida activists fear that DeSantis' attack on transgender rights, particularly the so-called don't say gay law that forbade discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in the school and led to a protracted dispute with Disney, is merely a preview of his vision for the nation.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) leaders in Florida feel DeSantis has already been exposed to voters nationwide. The NAACP issued a travel warning for the "active hostility" of the governor's policies.

According to Alex Barrios, co-founder of the Palm Springs-based Hispanic voting rights organization, DeSantis "overplayed his hand" in Florida, which could cost him in his bid for higher office.

DeSantis' bid for president is seen by Tessa Petit, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, as an effort to impose a "dictatorship" on the US.

Joe Saunders, a Democrat and former state representative, said DeSantis's popularity in Florida is unlikely to translate nationally.

DeSantis was re-elected as governor of Florida by 19 points in November against his Democrat rival.

He now seems to be investing more attention inDemocracyDemocracyDemocracy the presidential campaign than running Florida.

What do you think about DeSantis's influence on Democracy?

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