Nobody wins in DeSantis’ war on woke

Sun Sentinel, by Rae Leiner, on Oct. 29 2023, https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2023/10/29/nobody-wins-in-desantis-war-on-woke-opinion/

The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.45.1 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Cindy Plaza, Jimmy Jr. and Aaron Jensen

In the Sunshine State, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a "war on woke," targeting teachers, medical providers, and marginalized communities, turning schools into political battlegrounds. This results in an exodus of educators and a plummeting teacher-to-population ratio.

Jimmy Jr appreciated the author's use of "incubator" to describe harmful laws spreading across states. He criticized warlike language, emphasizing its impact on marginalized communities, causing fear and divisiveness. Cindy characterized the GOP as rooted in fascist principles, relying on strongman narratives and vague terms like "woke."

Kelley pushed back against the idea that the war on woke originated solely in Florida, asserting it is a nationwide phenomenon. DeSantis is following a pre-established playbook trying to gain attention, and is becoming more radical in his presidential aspirations. Kelley mentioned DeSantis' endorsement by the governor of Iowa, indicating broader adoption of these strategies among Republicans.

Aaron defended the concept of being "woke," emphasizing kindness and empathy. He criticized the GOP for lacking a substantive policy platform and resorting to culture wars. Aaron stressed countering these ideas through collective efforts to make the country better.
Jimmy Jr agreed with Cindy's analysis, linking the GOP's need for a strongman to a playbook mentality. DeSantis, facing challenges in achieving his goals, adopts a more aggressive approach. He acknowledged the impact on teachers, doctors, and students, emphasizing the need to combat divisive rhetoric.

Cindy added that DeSantis is trapped by extreme positions he adopted to secure his initial election. She expressed curiosity about the governor's mindset and the challenge of maintaining these positions while navigating broader public sentiment.

Kelley shifted the discussion to the shortage of OBGYNs in Florida, debunking the idea that the war on woke directly causes this issue. He attributes the shortage to economic factors, including lower doctor pay. Kelley highlights the population increase in Florida, exacerbating the problem.

The panel briefly touched on the war on woke's impact on minority communities, expressing concern about the marginalization of these groups and potential long-term consequences.
In the final segment, the panel reflected on the harm caused by the war on woke. Aaron emphasized the decline in our ability to listen, believe others, and work towards compromise. Jimmy Jr predicted a decline in education quality due to the mass exodus of teachers. Cindy echoed concerns about the societal shift away from collaboration.

As the conversation was closing, Kelley noted that war on woke candidates did not fare well in recent school board elections, providing a glimmer of hope. The panel emphasized countering divisive rhetoric and working collectively to address challenges posed by the war on woke.