Two Republican governors in two important states in any presidential election are acting more like Democrats in their efforts to pander to MAGA voters.
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican Texas Gov. Gregory Abbott are signing executive orders that prohibit school districts from issuing mask mandates. Gov. DeSantis also signed an executive order banning all cruise ships from issuing proof of vaccination mandates for all passengers.
The mentality of a governor superseding the local school districts by banning mask mandates seems contrary to the conservative philosophy of less government intervention and more power to citizens. The case of Gov. DeSantis using the power of government to dictate rules for an industry to do what they believe is necessary for their customers and the success of their business seems blatantly in defiance of the foundation of conservative ideology.
But all's fair in the name of satisfying the true MAGA voters.
Is it interesting to witness the dismissing of the foundation of conservative ideology in favor of making specific gestures to the group of MAGA activists who appear oblivious to the reality that they are being used as pawns in a game of political chess.
Mask mandates should be an option for schools and businesses. So should proof of vaccination requirements. The idea of the head of state government banning mask mandates or proof of vaccination requirements for businesses should be considered government overreach, but the anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers that accept the misinformation spread on social media platforms seem to be driving some Republicans to act more like Democrats.
But the group that is accepting phony information over facts is also the group that lacks the ability to see their own defiance of conservative ideology.
In Florida, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled in favor of the Norwegian Cruise Lines that the company has the right to require proof of vaccination for all passengers. Gov. DeSantis will appeal the judge’s ruling, arguing that the state has the right to prohibit the cruise line from requiring proof of vaccination.
In San Antonio, Texas, Bexar County Civil District Judge Toni Arteaga ruled against Texas Gov. Abbott by issuing a temporary restraining order stopping the governor’s executive order banning mask mandates in schools.
What we are seeing is a lesson in civics. The executive branch of government can issue orders, but the judicial branch of government interprets whether orders are justified.
There is no question that FL Gov. DeSantis is positioning himself for a presidential run in 2024. Could it be that TX Gov. Abbott is in line to be a possible VP running mate for DeSantis?
There is no substantial information that indicates the MAGA extremists, which DeSantis and Abbott continue to pander to, is large enough to send anyone to the White House.
Stay tuned and we will watch together as this political drama plays out.