The Bully in Florida

Once again, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has demonstrated his willingness to use strong-arm tactics against those who make decisions that he doesn’t like. The latest example came in early June when Florida threatened to fine the Special Olympics $27.5 million for violating the state’s prohibition on vaccine mandates. The threat caused the Special Olympics to drop its requirement that athletes and spectators be vaccinated to attend the event. DeSantis is the bully in Florida.

DeSantis previously led a legislative effort to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The district was established by a Florida law passed in 1967 that gave Walt Disney World many of the powers of a county government, including taxing authority. When Disney came out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act (also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill), DeSantis retaliated.

For all of his talk about freedom of choice and property rights, DeSantis respects neither. Those who choose to act differently than the governor thinks appropriate are subject fines and other forms of retribution by the government.

The right to property includes the freedom to set the terms and conditions for those who wish to enter or use that property. The owner has a right to require patrons to wear a shirt and shoes for entering his establishment. He also has a right to require proof of vaccination. DeSantis wants to punish those who use their property in ways that he doesn’t like.

Freedom of speech means that one can express ideas with retribution from government. It means that individuals or businesses can express unpopular ideas without being punished by government. DeSantis wants to punish those who express ideas with which he disagrees.

A privately issued vaccine mandate does not violate anyone’s freedom of choice. Customers and employees remain free to choose to be vaccinated or take their labor and money elsewhere. DeSantis removes this freedom of choice for businesses and organizations. And he curtails the freedom of employees and customers who prefer everyone they deal with to be vaccinated.

DeSantis has made it clear that he won’t tolerate dissent, and he will use his powers as governor to punish those who have the audacity to challenge his edicts. He is the bully in Florida.