The eyes of the media are currently turned on Minnesota anxiously awaiting the ratings bonanza that is the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial.
The looting of businesses and burning of buildings in Minnesota plagued the city last year, and now that the justice system is set to render a verdict the rioting will begin again, likely no matter what the verdict is.
Meanwhile in Florida, one of the best governors I’ve seen since the Mitch Daniels days in Indiana is being a proactive politician. <— Read those two words again, you don’t see them very often.
Ron DeSantis has been quick to ensure that the stupidity overrunning places like Portland, Seattle and Minnesota does not happen to us here in Florida.
Yesterday the governor passed into law legislation that cracks down on anyone who thinks it’s okay to burn things down, loot and steal, beat on cops or block public transportation routes.
“If you look at the breadth of this particular piece of legislation, it is the strongest anti-rioting, pro-law enforcement piece of legislation in the country,” DeSantis said at a press conference. “There’s just nothing even close.”
Supporting the cops and protecting the economy – what a concept.
So what all does it do?
Well, first, if protesters are illegally blocking a public road and you are driving down it, you are given immunity for any harm that might come to them. Go figure right, if you jump in front of a moving vehicle it’s actually your own damn fault and you get what you get.
Second the legislation increases the penalties for anyone who commits battery against a police officer. Want to beat up a cop? You’ll pay the price.
Third, if you’re some dumbass liberal enclave that thinks you will just do an end run and de-fund your local police department, well, think again. Any municipality must justify reductions in police funding. There may well be legitimate reasons, if there are, great – make your case.
Lastly, and maybe most importantly, it allows businesses to sue local governments over property losses if they interfere during law enforcement response to an event. You’re a dumb politician who tells police to “back off” while rioters loot a store? Negative. Maxine Waters should probably steer clear of the sunshine state.
What about the other side? Liberals of course say this is an attack on free speech rights. And of course it is nothing like that. You want to protest something? No problem. You don’t do it in the middle of the street, you don’t attack cops that are there to keep the peace, and you do it peacefully without destroying other people’s property. Why is that so damn hard?
The way it is written, not sure I understand the next to the last paragraph.
Pop
I fixed that a bit for ya ; )
I WANT TO MOVE TO FLORIDA, NOW!!!!!
I agree, DeSantis is the best governor I’ve seen in quite some time.
Never thought I’d say I’m in love with a man, but Governor Ron “Heavy D” DeSantis has stolen my heart. I love DeSantis. In addition to his latest masterpiece of legislation, he has previously refused to lockdown the state, refused to allow a statewide mask mandate (eliminating fines for any municipalities instituting same) and has prohibited Critical Race Theory from being taught in our public school system.
Here’s what still gives me the heebie-jeebies – waking me some nights in a cold sweat. He only defeated his Democratic opponent, one Mayor Andrew Gillum of Tallahassee, by about 1% in the past election. During the campaign, Hiz Honor the mayor, was arrested, passed out in a South Beach hotel room, at a meth-fueled party with a bunch of gay male prostitutes. Another one from the “You Can’t Make This Shit Up Department”.
The Democrats, characteristically, were non-plussed and voted for Gillum anyway. Just what Florida needs in a governor. Being African-American, Mr. Gillum would have certainly supported BLM, in all their “mostly peaceful protests”. We dodged a big-time bullet folks.
Speaking of dodging bullets – NOT – DeSantis’ latest Anti-Riot Bill, allows small business owners to shoot looters on their property, provided there is a “violent protest” within 500 feet of said business. How many looters would you imagine have to be “dropped” before the protest rapidly dissipates? My guess would be one, maybe two. Law enforcement has their hands full elsewhere? No problem!
There’s been more than a little chatter about DeSantis running for Prez in 2024, if Trump decides to sit it out. Personally, I’d hate to see it happen. Not only because I love him and I’d miss him terribly, I’d rather have him as a multiple-term strong governor. As the US continues to Balkanize, state power is becoming more attractive, and Florida needs to stay sane & strong.