Voice of the people: Florida now sees DeSantis' true character

Florida now sees DeSantis' true character

Republicans, like Gov. Ron DeSantis, want you to know that they believe in the First Amendment, unless you disagree with them. A clear-cut example of this is the Republican response to Disney's concerns about the “Don't Say Gay” law. Disney publicly disagreed with the law and exercised its First Amendment right.

For its use of constitutionally protected speech, Disney was financially punished by Florida. An agreement that the state had in place with Disney since 1967 was shredded for political purposes in a matter of days. DeSantis is trying to score political points with the Republican base by attacking “woke” Disney, but his vindictiveness will ultimately fail. The courts will no doubt see his misguided actions as an abuse of power.

Abe Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." Florida voters gave DeSantis power, and now we see his true character.

Florida is known as a business-friendly state, but when Republican legislators direct their wrath at Disney, the state's largest employer, over a difference of opinion, then we must take Florida being a business-friendly state with a grain of salt.

Mark Dempsey, Lakeland

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This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Voice of the people: Florida now sees DeSantis' true character