The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Florida
“The one thing that communist regimes fear the most is the truth.”—That was Gov. Ron DeSantis. And while DeSantis is no avatar of veracity, what he says is true. But other regimes, non-Communist ones, have been known to fear the truth as well–as DeSantis and his pathologically-lying mentor know.
DeSantis traveled to the Texas-Mexico border and was briefed on security issues. He also upped his profile among Republicans looking to regain the White House in 2024.
Florida’s new civics curriculum has been approved by the State Board of Education. Gov. DeSantis is pleased, which is cause for concern. “We’re going to teach our kids about the evil of things like communism and socialism,” declared DeSantis. So much for historic racism and political harlotry. Or maybe he’s just nostalgic for the Cold War era and the secondary teaching of “Americanism vs. Communism.”
“(Socialist Democrats) would rather blame America than admit that the ideology they support has caused devastation, death and squalor for the people of Cuba.”—Sen. Rick Scott, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
“A new lifestyle is evolving in Florida and with it, a new habitat, the condominium.” That’s what Florida Trend magazine declared in 1970. Condo “paradise” was dawning. Much more than luster, however, has been lost over the years.
Twenty-five years ago, Florida produced more than 200 million boxes of oranges. The most recent season, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, produced 52.8 million boxes.