DeSantis went on to assert that Florida has become a beacon of hope for those looking to escape the clutches of leftist politicians. According to the Governor, his state has “witnessed a great American exodus” from places where misguided policies have left residents feeling helpless and oppressed. By contrast, DeSantis touted Florida’s low tax rates, business-friendly environment, and strong commitment to individual liberties as key factors behind its success. Many in the audience were undoubtedly nodding in agreement as he spoke, recognizing the wisdom in his words. As the battle between conservative and liberal ideologies rages on across the nation, DeSantis seems determined to position Florida as a shining example of what can be achieved under conservative leadership.
During a speech in California on Sunday, Republican Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, took aim at Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom. DeSantis drew attention to the significant number of Californians who have left the state to reside in Florida, where they can live in a society that values individual liberty.
The Governor’s remarks were met with some humor as he began his speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. “I knew you guys got a lot of problems out here, but your governor is very concerned about what we’re doing in Florida, so I figured I had to come by,” DeSantis joked, before delving into the serious topic of why Californians are choosing to leave their state in favor of Florida.
Drawing inspiration from the former President, DeSantis highlighted how Ronald Reagan recognized the important role of government and how it could either have a positive or negative impact depending on how it was applied. The Florida Governor then emphasized that he had governed his state with this same understanding, especially during the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
DeSantis went on to compare Florida’s governance approach to that of California, New York, Illinois, and other states over the past several years. He described this period as a “great experiment” and a “great test in governing philosophies.” According to the Governor, Florida’s policies have been vastly different from those of other states, and the results speak for themselves. He firmly believes that Florida’s approach to governance, with its emphasis on freedom, individual responsibility, and low taxes, has been the driving force behind its success. It is evident that DeSantis is determined to make Florida a model for other states to follow and to uphold the principles that Ronald Reagan held so dear.
DeSantis went on to explain that in recent years, many Americans have been leaving states where leftist politicians have imposed their ideologies, which have yielded poor results. Instead, they are flocking to states like Florida, which prioritize proven principles, similar to those championed by President Reagan.
The Governor emphasized that historically, people have always been drawn to California, with its sunny weather, gorgeous beaches, and thriving entertainment industry. However, in the last few years, the tide has shifted, and California is now losing more residents than it is gaining. DeSantis pointed out that this is a significant departure from the norm and cited the hemorrhaging population as proof that people are actively seeking out states with more favorable policies. The Governor is confident that Florida’s commitment to conservative principles will continue to attract more people, fuel economic growth, and serve as an example for other states to follow.
States like California, which have become “biomedical security states” due to political ideology rather than data-driven decision-making.
DeSantis proudly declared that Florida has become a beacon of freedom, especially when compared to states like California, which have become “biomedical security states” due to political ideology rather than data-driven decision-making.
The Governor went on to share stories of families moving to Florida from the West Coast simply because Florida had kept their schools open while many other states had not. DeSantis also highlighted that Florida had banned vaccine passports, which some other states had required for access to certain activities such as dining out or staying in hotels. In Florida, he emphasized, everyone has the right to participate in society regardless of their vaccination status, as it is a personal choice that should not be used to exclude anyone.
Florida set a record for domestic tourism. In contrast, California’s tourism industry declined by 22% between 2019 and 2021
DeSantis then spoke about the positive impact of these policies on Florida’s tourism industry. In 2021, despite the pandemic, Florida set a record for domestic tourism. In contrast, California’s tourism industry declined by 22% between 2019 and 2021. The Governor attributed this to Florida’s pro-freedom policies and its commitment to individual rights, which make the state a more attractive destination for visitors and new residents alike.
According to DeSantis’ team, the Governor spoke to a crowd of more than 1,300 attendees at the Reagan Library. However, ahead of his visit, vandals had targeted the library with graffiti reading “Ron DeFascist,” as reported by KTLA. Fortunately, library employees were able to remove the paint before the Governor arrived.
The event on Sunday was intended to launch DeSantis’ new book, “The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival,” which was released on Tuesday. While the Governor has not officially announced a presidential run in 2024, he is widely seen as a possible candidate. DeSantis’ message of individual freedom and his track record of successfully implementing conservative policies in Florida have made him a rising star in Republican circles, and his visit to California served as a reminder of his potential as a national political figure.
In his newly released book, “The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival,” Governor DeSantis unveiled his vision for “Making America Florida.” He acknowledges that this would be a challenging task as it involves challenging powerful institutions in order to achieve true freedom.
The book also delves into the Governor’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which often deviated from CDC guidelines and was criticized by liberals. Despite the backlash, DeSantis argued in his book that standing up for his beliefs was a necessary sacrifice to exercise true leadership.
The Governor acknowledged that his policies went against the leftist narrative of the media, activist groups, Big Tech, and corporate America, but he argued that his approach ultimately saved the livelihoods of millions of Floridians.
