During the midterms, the people of Florida chose Ron DeSantis to be Governor, and former governor Rick Scott as Senator.
As someone who is not from Florida, I’m confused as to why they chose to vote Republican for either of these governmental positions?
My argument is not based on whether I think Gov. Ron DeSantis is a racist (link 1), or for the type of partisan mindset we see in our politics and public discourse, therefore, don’t vote for them because they are Republican.
My argument is that Florida is dealing with environmental disasters, and environmental quandaries that neither of these men will deal with, because they are Republicans.
Florida has been dealing with toxic algae (link 2) destroying their ecosystem, and posing harm to people’s overall health. Meanwhile, Miami is dealing with flooding, even when there isn’t even rain (link 3).
I’m not saying Democrats will or would do the right thing, but it’s a guarantee that DeSantis and Scott won’t.
I’ve heard people argue that Gillum likely didn’t have support from the Cuban community due to his political views.
I am sympathetic to any Cuban who would have this view, considering life under the rule of the Castro’s. I could also sympathize with a Cuban who would be put off with seeing Gillum campaign with Obama, for Obama tried to start the process of normalizing relations with people who have caused suffering for Cubans.
Where I break off from the sympathy is that where Cuban Americans live now is in jeopardy of not being habitable in the future due to flooding, because of rising sea levels.
The sea is rising because of climate change, and Ron DeSantis doesn’t want to be known as someone who thinks climate change is real.
DeSantis likes to call himself (link 4) a “Teddy Roosevelt conservationist,” but also said, “I’m not a global warming person. I don’t want that label on me.”
So I guess Ron wants to be labeled as an asshole who stood by and didn’t try and do anything about protecting the life of future generations.
Voting for Rick Scott is even more absurd, for he was the governor who saw the rise of toxic algae under his stewardship, and his obstruction on the truth and actions to deal with climate change.
Not only did Rick Scott deregulate for polluters, but had financial investments in businesses that oppose in climate change (link 5), and banned (link 6) government employees from using the word climate change.
So with toxic algae, and rising sea levels causing flooding. Why did the people of Florida vote for those who will only make things worse?
My best guess: Florida just being Florida.
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