So, If You Vote for the GOP in 2024
Expect Double Talk and Obfuscation
What exactly is "double-talk?" According to at least a definition found in one online dictionary it is defined as:
language that appears to be earnest and meaningful but is a mixture of sense and nonsense, and/or
inflated, involved, and often deliberately ambiguous language
In other words, the truth is obfuscated. Nothing more, nothing less. The truth often is represented in an intellectually dishonest and twisted manner to obscure true intent. Disinformation in today’s politics is rampant and if political claims and speeches are not critically analyzed and constantly fact checked, it will contribute to the demise of our basic democracy. In plain language, we are witnessing lies and intellectual dishonesty promulgated by people who have political power, in real time. A few examples of “double talk” that should be apparent, but often are not, are commonly presented to the public. The intent: to disguise the true objective they want to
Freedom
Listen carefully when you hear GOP politicians exclaim that they are all about freedom “for the American people.” Freedom as pontificated is really not freedom for everyone. It is only freedom as long as you ascribe to their ideology. Belief in any other ideology not consistent with their religious or political beliefs is not acceptable. For example:
"Florida is the Citadel for Freedom"———Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida.
In Florida, numerous examples prove the above statement to be false. Book bans impacting people of color and LGBTQ persons, , restrictions on demonstrations in front of the state capitol if demonstrators are at odds with policies not consistent with the governor’s agenda, taking over universities and curricula because he calls them liberal or “woke,” banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs, arrests for having on face masks in public, or even restrictions on county governments in their abilities to deal with issues such as rent control, COVID infection and the like. How about restricting the voices of Black voting districts through gerrymandering, resulting in their inability to select representation as defined by the state Constitution? Florida law restricts a woman’s right to make decisions concerning her reproductive care.
"We have the opportunity to lead the national debate about the importance of protecting life and giving every child the opportunity to be born and find his or her purpose," said Republican Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, of Florida.
It does not allow a woman to choose. She does not have the freedom to determine what is best for her. Abortions will be allowed up to 15 weeks for rape and incest as long as the victim includes documentation such as a restraining order or police report. Yet, only 12% of child sexual abuse is ever reported, and 63% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. The institution of a 6 week ban has been signed by the governor. So much for freedom. The State of Florida is not the best judge of child health given its' policies against Medicaid expansion and the recent revelation that 360,000 children lost Medicaid, Chip coverage in Florida . If you're pro-life, and care about children and families, be willing to provide optimal support for children and families post-birth rather than cutting services and care.
Parental Rights and School Choice
Let's first provide context by looking at Florida's rankings in education:
Florida ranks 44th out of all 50 states in the amount spent per pupil in Florida
Florida ranks 48th out of all 50 states in annual teacher salaries
Florida ranks 33rd out of all 50 states in high school graduation rates
Florida cares about education so much that recent legislation allows funds to be taken away from public schools, allowing parents who send their children to private schools and homeschooling to receive $8,000 yearly to defray their costs. In essence, money is taken away from a public education system in a state that already ranks 44th in pupil funding, which leaves fewer resources available for public schools where most students (primarily of color) are enrolled. Somehow, this is promoted as parental choice, school choice, freedom, and the like. The disturbing, not well-publicized fact is that these funds are siphoned from the public school systems and can be used to purchase items such as flat-screen televisions (55 inches or less), kayaks, tickets to theme parks, etc, in the name of education. Who benefits from this? Officials tout that parents can choose the best education for their children, but the double talk hides the impact on others. Providing this money helps them to achieve that. The downside, however, is that public schools and their students receive different accolades and are left in a lurch where resources are less. Teacher pay is among the worst in the country, and teachers are saddled with teaching what the legislature finds appropriate.
Erasing and Denying Historical Events
Erasing and denying historical events is part of a larger narrative. Denying past injustices is a way of justifying not providing diversity and equity programs now. Ask Nikki, Ron, and Lindsay.
Nikki Haley: Slavery was not the real cause of the Civil War
Ron DeSantis: Blacks benefitted from slavery, and teaching an African American History Placement course is indoctrination.
Lindsay Graham and Tim Scott: systemic racism doesn't exist
If you convey a message that says, “ yeah slavery and racism existed but it wasn’t that bad and it happened a long time ago,” it makes it easier to convince people that programs promoting equity are not necessary since we should be truly “colorblind”. This is a way to thwart racial and social equity by those clearly not interested in these programs. This is a subtle way for those who uphold white dominance in a society that is becoming more and more increasingly Black and Brown. .
Project 2025
Project 2025 lays out the ultra-conservative agenda, which will shift power to the executive branch, take over the government, and undo many of the rights afforded to individuals through the decades. Abortion has already been subjected to this and is a significant agenda item advanced in their discussions of change. Upon reading this, you'll better understand the attack on the LGBTQ+ community and social and racial equity progress. This is not confusing. The Heritage Foundation has meticulously designed the takeover, and what we see now is simply a foreshadowing of how life could quickly change and unfold—much of the double talk or dog whistles in political banter masks a more covert agenda.
Summary
Understand what is at stake. This year, voting is critical to preserve the democracy we enjoy.
2024 is pivotal for the country. We cannot afford to go backwards.