In a recent op-ed, Gerald Salerno suggests that Democrats, after the election of DeSantis and other Republicans in 2022, are like frustrated motorists in a massive traffic jam, caught behind the cars in front of them (Republicans), but should not complain. After all, according to Mr. Salerno, “… there’s nothing Democrats can do about it.”
It’s a difficult analogy to understand. Is he really suggesting that Republicans are blocking progress? Or that DeSantis may be the train wreck causing the obstruction? Wouldn’t these Republicans (at least the moderate ones) be as frustrated sitting in traffic as Democrats are? Furthermore, he is wrong about Democrats and what they can do about it. Floridians from both parties who are worried about the erosion of civic rights and our democracy are busy analyzing election results to educate voters for the next election.
As the writer provoking Mr. Salerno’s op-ed alludes, and as many letter writers to the Palm Beach Post reveal, there is a disconnect from what Floridians believe and what the results of the election would suggest.
Polls point out that most Floridians believe that: a women’s right to choose should be protected; permitless or open-carry laws should not be passed; books should not be banned; and 1st Amendment rights and academic freedom should be protected. They also believe that diversity, equity and inclusion in racial and gender issues are important to securing basic rights for all Floridians – not just those of the prevailing political party.
So how were DeSantis and other Republicans elected to office in 2022? What external factors caused voters to vote against their values? How were voters conned into believing that perhaps the greatest restrictions ever imposed on the state’s residents were in the name of “freedom”; or, that “parental rights” regulations are limiting the rights of many parents? Are voters falling victim to the relentless barrage of campaign lies or unholy rhetoric fomenting anger, hate, division, exclusion and violence?
What role did restrictions in voting laws, redistricting, or ghost candidates play in the election results?
Are the relentless attacks on mainstream media, exemptions to the Sunshine Law, delays responding to Freedom of Information requests, and the manipulation of real data, hiding the truths that voters need to know to vote intelligently? If the current administration is so proud of the job it’s doing, why try to hide it all? Are they worried that their lies will be revealed? I think we all know the answer to that question.
Many voters are not even aware of these attempts to thwart or sway their votes. Do voters know that bills filed in the Legislature (HB 991/SB 1316), in violation of our 1st Amendment rights, essentially work as a gag order? If a news source or private individual (watch your Facebook post) dares to say something critical of the governor or a legislator, even if true, that organization or individual can be subject to prosecution. Is it coincidence that the bills are proposed as DeSantis postures to become a presidential candidate? Would the passage of this bill sway your vote in the next election? It should.
Inform and educate. That’s what Democrats are doing as we work to clear the obstruction.
Mary Mertz is a resident of West Palm Beach.
