The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Florida
“If Joe Biden and Kamala Harris choose to pander to the left-wing, open-borders base of their party rather than keep our nation safe, then it is up to the rest of us to do what is necessary to combat this crisis.”—Gov. Ron DeSantis, staying in character, at a news conference at the Texas-Mexico border.
It’s unlikely that Florida will be reimbursed by Texas for sending state law enforcement officials to help patrol the border. Gov. DeSantis, however, has already been, in effect, reimbursed by a high-profile, national spotlight that advances his chances for a possible 2024 presidential run.
A Miami protest in Little Havana’s Versailles Restaurant was the backdrop for a GOP townhall hosted by Trumpster acolyte Sean Hannity of Fox News. The optics were as telling as they were unsurprising: from Cuban and “Trump Won” flags to MAGA hats and “DESANTIS 2024 T-shirts. Among those participating: Ron DeSantis and Mario Rubio.
As of July 4th, only 42 percent of Florida’s nursing home workers had been vaccinated. The number is 56 percent nationally. This is unconscionable, especially as Florida assumes the “lead” in new COVID cases. How do nursing home workers—in good conscience—take proper care of vulnerable patients while risking disease spreading among those they care for—and, presumably, care about.
“There’s been talk about potentially people advocating at the federal level, imposing compulsory masks on kids. We’re not doing that in Florida, okay? … We need our kids to be able to be kids.”—Gov. Ron DeSantis, okay?
Bumper sticker update: “Don’t Fauci My Florida.” That’s DeSantis’ mantra about COVID restrictions that limit “individual rights or liberties.”