What Have You Done for Me Lately?

 

After reading @rodin’s excellent post, which clarified for me the state of the Republican Party and my relationship to it, I’ve been sitting in a state of shock and delusion. A factor that contributed to my disillusionment was a recent action by Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who takes no prisoners and knows how to get things done.

Unlike our legislators in the federal government.

Over the past couple of years, I have watched the machinations, hidden in plain sight, of the Republican party’s boasting of all the accomplishments they will achieve once they have majorities in the House and Senate. The potential for getting things done to meet our Conservative agenda was encouraging, and I listened to their plans for the future when the November elections are over. Recently, however, I began to listen more carefully to their plans, and began to realize that I was listening to the same, tired rhetoric of years past. I watched the infighting—those who were unhappy with Kevin McCarthy’s unforced errors, as well as Mitch McConnell’s running around looking for Trumpians and officials who could replace them. I finally asked myself, does anyone have their eyes on the prize, like actually making changes in the federal government policies and laws?

Well, not exactly.

Our esteemed legislators can pass laws, but Joe Biden can veto them. That possibility assumes that Republicans are prepared to propose and fight for critical laws that need to move our country forward. Fixing the border, you say? Just how will we do that with Biden in charge? Kevin McCarthy promised in a tweet to control inflation and shortages? How will that take place? Holding the Biden administration accountable? How will he do that? Make sure to keep food on the shelves? Really? Protecting kids in schools? What will that look like? Attacking crime? Just how will we do that, when AGs in the states don’t care about the people and only favor the criminals? The list goes on. And I see no indication that Republicans are going to take aggressive steps to improve the state of the nation as long as Biden and the radical Left are in charge.

Is there anyone in the Republican Party who can take charge and make a difference? Yes! Unfortunately, he is not in the federal government; he is Gov. Ron DeSantis in FL.

*     *     *

You are probably aware of DeSantis’ role in starting wars with many different federal agencies and with Pres. Biden in particular. He ignores the personal attacks, the lies, and the distortions of those who disagree with, even hate, his policies. He has fought mask mandates, lockdowns, vaccine mandates; in education, he has challenged Critical Race Theory and Social and Emotional Learning, in spite of the Left’s efforts to disguise its agendas.

A key factor that should not be overlooked with Gov. DeSantis is that he not only removes destructive policies in Florida, but he initiates new policies that will move the state of Florida in a positive and productive direction, in spite of ongoing resistance. His latest initiative has been a bill that condemns Communism:

Calling it a ‘blockbuster day for freedom,’ Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill that will require public-school to observe ‘Victims of Communism Day’ on Nov. 7 each year.

The new law, which went into effect immediately, describes the day as being geared toward ‘honoring the 100 million people who have fallen victim to communist regimes’ across the world.

‘We want to make sure that every year folks in Florida, but particularly our students, will learn about the evils of communism. The dictators that have led communist regimes and the hundreds of millions of individuals who suffered and continue to suffer under the weight of this discredited ideology,’ DeSantis said, adding that ‘a lot of young people don’t really know that much’ about the political ideology.

The brilliance of this action can be viewed in multiple ways. First, the radical Left has glamorized Communism, in spite of its horrors; they insist that their efforts to bring Communism or Socialism or Marxism to the U.S. will be successful, in spite of its many abject failures in many forms all over the world. Second, the bill focuses on the “victims” of Communism: who is prepared to criticize actions to memorialize the victims of the many Communist movements? The Left is unlikely to do so. I have noticed that in spite of the many daily attacks on Gov. DeSantis over the last couple of years, there has been no print criticism of this bill since he proposed it. The Left is silent.

So far only a minimum of a 45-minute segment on Communism has been proposed, to be taught to students in the 2023-2024 school year, in addition to other modifications that have already been made to the social studies curriculum.

*     *     *

Cuba has been a key constituency that escaped a Communist regime, and the exodus continues:

The decades-long exodus from Cuba shows no signs of abating. The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted 838 Cubans at sea in fiscal 2021, a large increase from 2020. Since October, another 410 Cubans have been intercepted trying to make the 90-mile journey to a better life in the United States. In addition, tens of thousands of Cubans are given sanctuary in the U.S each year as political refugees.

They are driven to flee out of desperation — desperation to leave behind a system of government that stifles opportunity and suppresses the human spirit.

Although Leftists blame the conditions in Cuba on the U.S. embargo, the Cubans know better and joke about this excuse. The Freedom Tower in Miami (shown above), where many Cubans landed to seek freedom and escape tyranny in the 1960s, serves as a beacon of hope for Florida and for this country.

May it inspire our legislators in Washington, DC to follow Gov. DeSantis’s example and actually do something to escape the tyranny of the radical Left.

Or maybe we can hope that Gov. DeSantis will become Pres. DeSantis in 2024.

Published in Domestic Policy
This post was promoted to the Main Feed by a Ricochet Editor at the recommendation of Ricochet members. Like this post? Want to comment? Join Ricochet’s community of conservatives and be part of the conversation. Join Ricochet for Free.

There are 33 comments.

Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.
  1. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Susan Quinn: Or maybe we can hope that Gov. DeSantis will become Pres. DeSantis in 2024.

    I would eat a brick to make that happen . . .

    • #1
  2. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival
    1. Ron DeSantis gets elected President.
    2. President DeSantis names Donald Trump to lead the Disinformation Governance Board.
    3. Heads at the New York Times and the Washington Post newsrooms start exploding like popcorn.
    • #2
  3. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    Percival (View Comment):

    1. Ron DeSantis gets elected President.
    2. President DeSantis names Donald Trump to lead the Disinformation Governance Board.
    3. Heads at the New York Times and the Washington Post newsrooms start exploding like popcorn.

    And be press secretary. 😂😂😂😂😂

    • #3
  4. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    I’d like to see it

    • #4
  5. E. Kent Golding Moderator
    E. Kent Golding
    @EKentGolding

    In the waning days of President DeSantis second term,  he needs to nominate himself to the Supreme Court.

    • #5
  6. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    • #6
  7. E. Kent Golding Moderator
    E. Kent Golding
    @EKentGolding

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    Gotta admit,   I would vote enthusiastically  for a federal government that did absolutely nothing other than national defense and border  control.   Let the states control the rest.

    • #7
  8. OldPhil Coolidge
    OldPhil
    @OldPhil

    Percival (View Comment):

    1. Ron DeSantis gets elected President.
    2. President DeSantis names Donald Trump to lead abolishes the Disinformation Governance Board.
    3. Heads at the New York Times and the Washington Post newsrooms continue start exploding like popcorn.

     

    • #8
  9. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    McConnell and McCarthy have to go. Bounce the Mics.

    • #9
  10. CACrabtree Coolidge
    CACrabtree
    @CACrabtree

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    No.  March to their houses and terrorize their families.  They will deserve it far more than the six Conservative Judges.

    • #10
  11. Gary Robbins Member
    Gary Robbins
    @GaryRobbins

    CACrabtree (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    No. March to their houses and terrorize their families. They will deserve it far more than the six Conservative Judges.

    If America thinks that you are serious, you are the greatest gift the Left might ever have.   Please think carefully before threatening violence.

    • #11
  12. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    Percival (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    McConnell and McCarthy have to go. Bounce the Mics.

    McConnell was making some comment decrying the protests in front of the residences of the Supreme Court justices. Pity it wasn’t delivered by someone with a pulse.

    • #12
  13. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    • #13
  14. genferei Member
    genferei
    @genferei

    Next up, “Victims of Democrats Day”. From slavery, through KKK terrorism, segregation, Jim Crow, internment and eugenics, it’s a day that brings many diverse communities together in a spirit of commemoration and a conviction of “never again”…

    • #14
  15. EHerring Coolidge
    EHerring
    @EHerring

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    CACrabtree (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    No. March to their houses and terrorize their families. They will deserve it far more than the six Conservative Judges.

    If America thinks that you are serious, you are the greatest gift the Left might ever have. Please think carefully before threatening violence. 

    Seems to work well for the left . They are violent and they are getting their wish list checked off. When Republicans tried it, they won. During the Florida 2000 recount when they beat on the shut door, Democrats relented and let the observers back in. Jan 6 protestors took one for the team. They exposed the anger and biased judicial system ( the contrast between Antifa/BLM riots and their mob). RINO pundits were exposed.  Now books cover the injustice and rigged election process. Trump comes across as the victim of corruption. States and groups are energized to investigate that election. 2000 Mules. Communism begets violence. Corruption begets violence. It is only a matter of time before the two sides meet if we don’t force a peaceful correction. We don’t need to cower in the face of the left. We need Republicans in every state to hold a peaceful protest outside of their state capitols next Jan 6 to tell those elitists to clean up their act or else.

    • #15
  16. DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic Oaf Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic Oaf
    @DrewInWisconsin

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    They need to be incentivized. Think like a leftist. How do leftists always get what they want even when they’re out of power. Threats? Bribes? Why does the left have a “mostly peaceful protest” faction that they can call into service at a moment’s notice with pre-printed signs and placards? Because they plan far in advance. They organize for power. We organize for cocktails.

    • #16
  17. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic … (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    They need to be incentivized. Think like a leftist. How do leftists always get what they want even when they’re out of power. Threats? Bribes? Why does the left have a “mostly peaceful protest” faction that they can call into service at a moment’s notice with pre-printed signs and placards? Because they plan far in advance. They organize for power. We organize for cocktails.

    Aside from drinks, do you have any other suggestions for incentives, Drew? I’m at a loss. . . 

    • #17
  18. DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic Oaf Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic Oaf
    @DrewInWisconsin

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic … (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    They need to be incentivized. Think like a leftist. How do leftists always get what they want even when they’re out of power. Threats? Bribes? Why does the left have a “mostly peaceful protest” faction that they can call into service at a moment’s notice with pre-printed signs and placards? Because they plan far in advance. They organize for power. We organize for cocktails.

    Aside from drinks, do you have any other suggestions for incentives, Drew? I’m at a loss. . .

    “Nice little position you got there as Majority Leader. Be a shame if something happened to it.”

    I’m only half-joking.

    • #18
  19. CACrabtree Coolidge
    CACrabtree
    @CACrabtree

    DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic … (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    They need to be incentivized. Think like a leftist. How do leftists always get what they want even when they’re out of power. Threats? Bribes? Why does the left have a “mostly peaceful protest” faction that they can call into service at a moment’s notice with pre-printed signs and placards? Because they plan far in advance. They organize for power. We organize for cocktails.

    Well, they do seem to have a knack for it.  I saw on FOX this afternoon that Congress has hired a new caterer who will deliver liquor to their offices.  I’d like to see a list of who orders the most.

     

    • #19
  20. Kirk Spears Inactive
    Kirk Spears
    @Kirk Spears

    You are forgetting the number one job of a politician: to get re-elected. Getting re-elected in today’s world means having issues you can rant about and enemies you can blame. Solving problems may seem like a good selling point, but that’s not what seems to attract eyeballs, dollars, and votes. People like to vent, and they love politicians who vent more than they problem solve. And why do we think that it is actually the government’s role (Republican, Democrat, or otherwise) to be involved in much of this stuff, especially at the national level?  Finally, you’ve got to leave room for great gobs of incompetence on the part of many elected officials. They just aren’t as smart as required to deliver on their ridiculous promises.

    • #20
  21. DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic Oaf Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic Oaf
    @DrewInWisconsin

    CACrabtree (View Comment):

    DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic … (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    They need to be incentivized. Think like a leftist. How do leftists always get what they want even when they’re out of power. Threats? Bribes? Why does the left have a “mostly peaceful protest” faction that they can call into service at a moment’s notice with pre-printed signs and placards? Because they plan far in advance. They organize for power. We organize for cocktails.

    Well, they do seem to have a knack for it. I saw on FOX this afternoon that Congress has hired a new caterer who will deliver liquor to their offices. I’d like to see a list of who orders the most.

     

    Pelosi’s gotta be right up there.

    • #21
  22. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    So they’ve gone from the House Post Office to the House Liquor Store?

    • #22
  23. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    Kirk Spears (View Comment):

    You are forgetting the number one job of a politician: to get re-elected. Getting re-elected in today’s world means having issues you can rant about and enemies you can blame. Solving problems may seem like a good selling point, but that’s not what seems to attract eyeballs, dollars, and votes. People like to vent, and they love politicians who vent more than they problem solve. And why do we think that it is actually the government’s role (Republican, Democrat, or otherwise) to be involved in much of this stuff, especially at the national level? Finally, you’ve got to leave room for great gobs of incompetence on the part of many elected officials. They just aren’t as smart as required to deliver on their ridiculous promises.

    The problems more closely associated with the money get more attention in terms of action, but those very rarely make their way into the reelection campaign info-blitz.

    And welcome, Kirk!

    • #23
  24. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Kirk Spears (View Comment):
    You are forgetting the number one job of a politician: to get re-elected. Getting re-elected in today’s world means having issues you can rant about and enemies you can blame. Solving problems may seem like a good selling point, but that’s not what seems to attract eyeballs, dollars, and votes

    Thanks, Kirk. I can only hope that Republican voters wise up and realize that they and their issues are at the bottom of the politicians’ priority list. I’m tired of their rants and want action!

    • #24
  25. DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic Oaf Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic Oaf
    @DrewInWisconsin

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):
    Thanks, Kirk. I can only hope that Republican voters wise up and realize that they and their issues are at the bottom of the politicians’ priority list. I’m tired of their rants and want action!

    Too many are too comfortable, and they just don’t care. 

    • #25
  26. CACrabtree Coolidge
    CACrabtree
    @CACrabtree

    DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic … (View Comment):

    CACrabtree (View Comment):

    DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic … (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    So my question is, what do we about the fact that Republicans will likely do absolutely nothing after they get the majority in the House and Senate? Say, I told you so?

    They need to be incentivized. Think like a leftist. How do leftists always get what they want even when they’re out of power. Threats? Bribes? Why does the left have a “mostly peaceful protest” faction that they can call into service at a moment’s notice with pre-printed signs and placards? Because they plan far in advance. They organize for power. We organize for cocktails.

    Well, they do seem to have a knack for it. I saw on FOX this afternoon that Congress has hired a new caterer who will deliver liquor to their offices. I’d like to see a list of who orders the most.

     

    Pelosi’s gotta be right up there.

    Yeah, it seems like this is a finger to the eye of us taxpayers, “Yup, we’re here, fat and happy, and we can get hammered before noon, if we feel like it, at your expense.”

    • #26
  27. E. Kent Golding Moderator
    E. Kent Golding
    @EKentGolding

    I like Mitch.   He kept Merrick Garland off the Supreme Court.  So far he has been successful in torpedoing much of Biden’s agenda.

    • #27
  28. DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic Oaf Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Unapologetic Oaf
    @DrewInWisconsin

    E. Kent Golding (View Comment):

    I like Mitch. He kept Merrick Garland off the Supreme Court. So far he has been successful in torpedoing much of Biden’s agenda.

    And much of America’s.

    I have asked my Senator to throw him out.

    • #28
  29. Jim George Member
    Jim George
    @JimGeorge

    Stad (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn: Or maybe we can hope that Gov. DeSantis will become Pres. DeSantis in 2024.

    I would eat a brick to make that happen . . .

    Susan, here’s a little apparel suggestion for the task at hand with which, as you well know, I agree 100%!

    • #29
  30. I Walton Member
    I Walton
    @IWalton

    My guess is that De Santis will be the Presidential candidate.  Trump remains there to draw fire and criticism, but will tip his hat to De Santis as we approach elections.  The question is will they be fair enough to elect anyone.  I doubt it, but we can hope.   I just hope we’re prepared for that outcome, whether Trump or De Santis. .  We act as if we thought the system was going to be fair and straight forward.  It won’t be.   Even with Trump as President the fraud was massive and most refuse to acknowledge that fact.  Biden got more votes by far than anyone in history.  Yea sure. 

    • #30
Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.