Ron DeSantis is more out of control in Florida than ever
It’s already clear that Ron DeSantis doesn’t belong anywhere near the White House, and that a President DeSantis would almost surely spell the end of America’s long-cherished democracy. Although we don’t need any more evidence of this, we are nevertheless continuing to learn more about DeSantis’ obsession with autocracy.
It turns out DeSantis has secretly been building a personal militia, funded by Florida taxpayers. A recent investigation by the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times has revealed that, according to veterans who quit the program, DeSantis’s State Guard that he revived supposedly to help Floridians during emergencies has become “militaristic” and engages in “abuse.”
In one instance, a disabled retired Marine Corps captain reported being assaulted by instructors after he questioned the program. After two sergeants singled him out to do push-ups, the veteran explained he couldn’t because of his disability as well as pain from a fitness test the prior day. The sergeants then “grabbed him and pushed him into [a] van.”
By March, DeSantis and his minions announced their intent to give the State Guard $89 million that would change the character of their mission. The funding included the acquisition of boats, planes, and helicopters, and even cellphone-hacking technology that runs outside federal jurisdiction, according to an earlier report by the Tampa Bay Times. A specialized unit would have police powers and carry weapons.
DeSantis has also been flexing his autocratic muscles at Florida’s third-party voter registration organizations, which disproportionately affects minorities. According to a list obtained by the Guardian, at least 26 groups have been fined over $100,000 since September.
The fines were levied by the Office of Election Crimes and Security (OECS), a new type of agency created by DeSantis last year supposedly to combat voter fraud. However, the effort has led to “criminal charges against people who appeared to be confused about their voting eligibility.” Already, there has been a drop in voter registrations compared to four years ago, at the same time before the last presidential election, according to the report.
The more we learn about DeSantis and how he has “served” his constituents in Florida, the more obvious it is that he would be the most fascist President of the United States. The way this Republican Party is going, democracy will be on the ballot next year no matter who gets the nomination. Voter turnout will be key to ensuring that democracy lives on for many more generations.
Ron Leshnower is a lawyer and the author of several books, including President Trump’s Month