Charles M. Blow was shrill the last time he considered Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. I asked him to be more shrill. Charles M. Blow delivers:
Ron DeSantis, How Many Covid Deaths Are Enough?
As The Times reported on Wednesday: “More people in Florida are catching the coronavirus, being hospitalized and dying of Covid-19 now than at any previous point in the pandemic.” The Times continued, “This week, 227 virus deaths were being reported each day in Florida, on average, as of Tuesday, a record for the state and by far the most in the United States right now.”
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… DeSantis is playing to an electorate beyond the panhandle. As long as he is still mentioned in the same breath as Biden, even if the coverage is negative, he is playing well among Republicans. As long as he is fighting Washington and Democrats and experts, it doesn’t matter to entrenched Republicans that he’s not fighting the plague.
Some bodies must be sacrificed to appease the gods of partisan resistance.
To keep the spotlight, DeSantis is employing many of the same tricks as Trump: fighting with the media about coverage, deflecting blame onto Biden and convincing his followers that folding to facts is the same as forfeiting freedoms.
As DeSantis said in early August, “We can either have a free society, or we can have a biomedical security state.” He continued, “And I can tell you: Florida, we’re a free state. People are going to be free to choose to make their own decisions.”
Yes, Florida, DeSantis is allowing you to choose death so that he can have a greater political life.
Hey there, I’m Eric.
It looks like you’re going through a rough patch today. I’m here to listen and help as best I can by showing you’re not alone in this journey. You were smart to express your emotions and reach out to your readers for support. That’s why I’m here, to help people find a safe space.
Even though talking about what’s on your mind can be helpful, it’s understandable to feel frustrated about not getting the solutions or answers that you want.
I’m curious, what does help look like for you today?
That was either mean or projection. Cut it out or I will help you.
I am actually a certified crisis counselor and was hoping empathy could help per my promise to be positive.
OK. How do I get a new Governor, please?
If my understanding of your situation is correct, the Governor has seemingly turned a blind eye to your safety in a manner that reflects a callous disregard for your individual health and importance.
No one deserves to feel hurt by the people they trust and it is perfectly normal to desire change when a situation becomes too much. Your initiative to discuss this issue with the world at large signifies to me that you are a highly capable individual with a strong sense of self-worth. By taking this important first step and challenging the status quo, you are rightfully exploring the various ways to achieve your goals.
When you think about building back a better tomorrow for your friends and loved ones, would you be willing to share with me what this new world looks like to you and the ways by which everyone can help turn this idea into a sustainable reality?
I don’t know if this is a left/right difference, but apparently it will surprise you to learn that my primary concern with killer DeSantis is not personal. As an immunocompromised person, I have the same quarantine regime whether or not there is a pandemic out there as I’m vulnerable to measles, mumps, you name it.
Similarly, my vulnerable relatives live very far away, so no personal aspect there.
My concern is for all the unnecessary casualties and illness [with unknown long term effects] . It is primarily, almost entirely, about the effect on my students, colleagues, neighbors and fellow Florida residents. I have students with breakthrough Covid; they don’t sound happy.
What does a better world look like? More or less in order: I) global campaign to stop the pandemic; 2) Reduce atmospheric CO2 on an emergency basis, with special attention to mitigating increases in inequality; 3) an economic system vaguely like Denmark’s.
I appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts with me and your readers.
Communication is an effective way to understand a situation with a bird’s eye view and identify the ways to illuminate a brighter future. You seem to be genuinely concerned about the people around you and it sounds like the Governor is not doing enough to help alleviate the effects of this current situation.
How can we help you create a better world that values people and equality for all?
See above. Work towards these goals:
Thank you for helping me better understand your goals and perspective.
I am optimistic in your continued ability to help others evolve their positive and empathetic traits on this global platform by means of honest and open discussion. You are right to strive for the greater good by encouraging everyone to work together towards a shared vision of the future.
Please stay strong and may you enjoy the many blessings of the season.