'Why Did You Set Up A Snitch Hotline?': DeSantis Does Not Hold Back Torching Tim Walz

 

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

In a fiery press briefing, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took aim at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, sharply criticizing his leadership and policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. DeSantis, known for his outspoken stance on individual liberties and minimal government intervention, did not hold back as he dissected Walz's record, particularly during the height of the pandemic.

DeSantis Highlights Florida's Success

Before diving into his critique of Walz, DeSantis highlighted the accomplishments of his administration in Florida. He proudly noted that Florida was ranked number one in the economy for two consecutive years by CNBC and in education for two years straight by U.S. News & World Report. He also pointed out that Florida has maintained the number one spot in public higher education for six years without increasing tuition, and has the lowest crime rate in 50 years. These achievements, according to DeSantis, stand in stark contrast to the challenges faced by states like Minnesota under Walz's leadership.

"We've paid off 36% of Florida's debt since I became governor," DeSantis remarked, emphasizing fiscal responsibility. He also noted that Florida boasts the lowest per capita debt in the United States, a testament to the state's strong economic management under his watch.

DeSantis on Minnesota's Decline

DeSantis then shifted his focus to Minnesota, stating that the influx of residents from states like Minnesota to Florida was a clear indicator of the failures in Walz's governance. He mentioned that people from states such as Illinois, California, New York, and New Jersey have been "voting with their feet" by moving to Florida, attracted by the state's low taxes, minimal regulations, and overall quality of life.

"People have come and voted with their feet," DeSantis asserted. "It's a powerful statement about what works and what doesn't in governance."

Criticism of Walz's COVID-19 Policies

DeSantis saved his sharpest criticisms for Walz's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the implementation of what he referred to as a "snitch hotline." During the height of the pandemic, Walz's administration set up a hotline for residents to report violations of COVID-19 restrictions, a move that DeSantis branded as hypocritical and overreaching.

"Walz says our neighbors can do what they want and to mind your own business. Fine, then why did you set up a snitch hotline for neighbors to report on each other for violating your draconian COVID restrictions?" DeSantis questioned, calling out what he sees as a glaring contradiction in Walz's rhetoric versus his actions.

DeSantis also criticized Walz's decision to impose a mandate for state employees to receive the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of personal freedoms. "He imposed a mandate on his people for something that just came on the market. Are you kidding me? This is just absolutely ridiculous," DeSantis declared.

Population Exodus and Parental Rights

Another point of contention for DeSantis was Minnesota's population decline over the last three years. He argued that the exodus of residents was a direct result of Walz's policies, particularly his stance on parental rights and controversial issues like gender-affirming care for minors.

"Minnesota is a sanctuary state for gender surgery for minors, where a kid can go with no parental consent and get this stuff done," DeSantis said, expressing disbelief at what he sees as a violation of parents' rights. He suggested that such policies contribute to the state's declining population and the growing number of people seeking refuge in states like Florida.

Final Thoughts

In closing, DeSantis reiterated that the migration patterns tell a story that statistics alone cannot capture. "People who have roots in a state are picking up and leaving, and they're telling people like me why they left—because of bad policies. That speaks volumes," he concluded.

The governor's comments are likely to resonate with his base, who view him as a champion of individual freedoms and a staunch opponent of government overreach. As the political landscape continues to heat up ahead of the upcoming elections, DeSantis's critique of Walz may well be a preview of the broader national debates to come.

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