In recent years, under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has made headlines for controversial policies and laws that are reshaping the sociopolitical landscape. In this essay, various elements of DeSantis’ governance are analyzed, focusing on his feud with Disney, the implementation of anti-woke laws, polarizing measures against immigrants, the introduction of anti-woke legislation, LGBTQ+, the approval of a pro-Christian education program, and the disturbing trend of firing Democratic lawmakers and committee members. Florida is experiencing a transformation that contradicts the values of a progressive and inclusive United States, as a review of these policies and actions shows.
One incident that stood out during Governor DeSantis’ tenure was his highly publicized confrontation with Disney over their COVID-19 safety protocols. Disney, along with many other companies around the world, have taken steps to ensure the safety of their employees and guests during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the incident in question. Measures such as social distancing, wearing masks and limiting the number of visitors have helped minimize the risk of transmission of the virus within their premises. Health experts have provided guidelines for developing safety protocols to balance business continuity with the public health imperative. Protocols such as social distancing, wearing masks and reducing the number of visitors are in place.
Governor DeSantis, however, contested these measures. He publicly criticized Disney’s decision, arguing that it infringed on individual freedoms. The conflict between a governor and one of the state’s largest employers was more than just an incident. It was a challenge to the fundamental principles of our society, such as freedom of expression and the autonomy of private businesses.
Freedom of expression is an essential right that allows individuals to express their thoughts without fear of reprisal, censorship or legal sanctions. Businesses can communicate freely with their customers and employees and make decisions based on what they believe is best for them. Criticizing Disney’s safety protocols, DeSantis went against this principle. He failed to recognize the company’s ability to create regulations and…