Letters: Governor’s bruised ego comes with a hefty price tag for all Floridians

When the Disney company disagreed with Ron DeSantis’ political position, the governor reacted with petulance and decided to punish them. Regrettably, his decision will also punish all Floridians.

He strong-armed the legislature into terminating Disney’s special self-governing status. This move could trigger a cascade of future events that could impact the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of people. Employees of Disney and of other hotels, restaurants and gas stations throughout Central Florida may lose their jobs.

Beyond those folks, however, DeSantis apparently did not even know that the state is liable for paying off a $1 billion bond commitment if the 1967 legislation and contract are terminated. His inept planning and execution could mean that every individual in the state might (in some way) have to fork over $50 towards that unbudgeted debt.

If DeSantis’ revenge fantasy continues and he refuses to honor the Disney debt, Florida will lose fiscal credibility, affecting the future of the state. All because his ego was deflated when he was challenged. Now we all may have to pay a hefty price.

Steve Entman, Jacksonville

Disney should back up its position

When Governor DeSantis signed the Parental Rights bill (known to some as the “Don't Say Gay” bill), Disney management immediately offered its condemnation of the law. The Florida legislature is now about to repeal Disney's privilege of self-governance.

I cannot support this subsequent action by DeSantis or the legislature, since retribution should never be the motivation behind any legislation. But I also contend that Disney is standing on a hollow argument. The bill in question does not make any reference to or contain the word “gay.” In fact, the only change it does make is to prohibit the teaching of sexuality or gender identification in kindergarten through third grade.

So, if Disney feels it necessary to condemn the Governor's action, they should back up their argument by explaining why we should be teaching sexuality to our 6- and 7-year-old children.

John Bishop, Atlantic Beach

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Letters: Governor’s bruised ego comes with a hefty price tag