In the end, we shouldn’t let DeSantis agree to positions where Democrats have historical strengths and natural advantages: education, health care, jobs. There are many reasons why many Americans Move to Sunshine State outside in pleasant weather. This month, DeSantis released a budget plan These include targeted tax cuts aimed at parents, increased wages for public employees, including teachers, and substantial investments in schools, including civic education programmes.
DeSantis’ misguided approach to primary, secondary, and college education drew widespread condemnation from Democrats, especially from their more radical camp. But we should pay attention to why his policies appeal to more voters than progressive critics. A law like Stop the Woke Act of 2021 (later partially blocked by federal court), restricting discussion of certain racial issues during diversity training sessions provided by private employers and during class, which may come with an provocative name and some serious attempt to restrict freedom of expression. But it is important to realize that aspects of it appeal to Floridians tired of racial and ethnic divisions and the overt politicization of what is taught in the classroom.
As many libertarians will quietly admit, Parents’ Rights in the Education Actwhich DeSantis signed last year, and which opponents have nicknamed the “No Homosexuality” law, makes sense and legal attractions for a wide range of parents worried about focus, efficiency and suitable age about what their children are learning in elementary and middle school. Democratic leaders should also be worried. Keeping quiet or pretending that worries aren’t real won’t make them go away.
Then university. The challenges of higher education have never been the strength of the Republican Party, which has long ignored the myriad needs of indebted students as well as the financial and existential pressures on academic institutions. . If ideological congruence has taken root in American university, long a bastion of liberal ideals, Democrats are the ones with the knowledge, experience, and track record to solve problems. Liberals must examine the excesses of the illiberal orthodoxy that is rampant among its far-left. We have a responsibility to ensure academic freedom and the kind of educational system that parents can trust.
It should be alarmed that recent polls show Republicans holding the upper hand on education issues. Instead of treating parents’ concerns as unfounded or false, we should listen to them and find better solutions to their grievances. Telling parents that they are bigots or not enlightened for not accepting the latest old-fashioned fundamentalism is not a winning message.
Which brings us back to Trump. We know that he takes DeSantis very seriously because Trump has shown signs that he fears DeSantis as a competitor. If even Trump knows as much, Democrats are likely to know more. Trump can think of the best way to bring down DeSantis, who he calls “DeSantimonious” – is to mock and belittle him. Democrats should realize that more will be needed.
