The chilling effect that De Santis is having on free speech and thought.

[Baitball Blogger]

On Facebook I've noticed an odd change of behavior. People are going silent with opinions. I've removed almost all of the hardcore MAGAs from my friendlist, so I can't speak about the MAGA side, but when it comes to obvious signs of authoritarianism from the right, only the handful of progressive friends that I have, ever respond. Handful.

And I know that my other friends are still out there, because I'll post an innocuous photo of a flower that bloomed in my garden and they all rush to respond.

I think I found the answer to this behavior from one friend who takes classes for self-improvement from UF in Gainesville. They are afraid of leaving a political trail. Before it might have been to avoid upsetting their MAGA friends in the military, but now it's coming down to fear of reprisals from a vindictive governor who is actively targeting professors with removal of tenure and, let's face it, he won't make the mistake that Democrats always make. If he isn't doing it now, he will eventually require political loyalty to fill government jobs. And he'll know who those people are, because he's already laying the groundwork to force people to declare their political affiliations.

So, when I'm reading posts about why we can't get the good Americans to show more outrage over the things that alarm us every day, I think the answer is apparent. It's not laziness. It's fear. Fear of showing too much support for a good cause because they don't know if democracy will prevail. And for those of us who live in Florida, it is never more obvious where the source of the fear is coming from when it's still an uncertainty if we can beat De Santis in court over his attempt to expose political affiliations,. If we lose this fight, the next step will cut back on vocal support for democracy, and what will take its place is the raging voices of authoritarianism that doesn't wait for proof before storming our country's institutions.

[J_William_Ryan]

1. It's not just DeSantis, of course.

Throughout the country the neo-fascist authoritarian right is seeking to silence opposition and compel conformity by violating and denying citizens their right to free speech and free expression via force of law.

[SouthernDem4ever]

2. So this is how Hitler did it.

It's playing out in real time now. People staying quiet will make the end inevitable.

[certainot]

3. the way you destroy desantis is by getting u of Florida to stop supporting 10 of his radio stations!

all floridians have to do is get UF into a public discussion of the absurdity of a university supporting 10 radio stations that deny global warming in the lowest state in the country. not to mention the anti abortion and NRA support, COVID denial, anti LGBTQ, book banning, public ed privatization, etc,

a vindictive governor who is actively targeting professors with removal of tenure

from fakenewsradio.org 5 fla universities support/endorse pro -desantis messaging from 20 x-limbaugh stations!! at least 87 unis support 260 ex limbaugh stations.

FLORIDA 20 Florida 10, Florida St. 4 Miami 2, South Florida 2, Central Florida 2

once one uni starts discussing it publicly it will start a race to be the first to look for apolitical alternatives. advertisers will desert those stations quickly and the radio ad industry will have to move to get those stations to change programming. whatever happens it will be bad for fascists like desantis, who grew up politically, like so many mags, on limbaugh's knee and is now grieving for the loss of his master and taking it out on liberals

but it's also the tampa bay rays, which despite their attempts at progressive PR, broadcast on 4 ex-Limbaugh stations

[Baitball Blogger]

8. First I've heard of this.

You should post in the Florida group to at least spread the word.

[certainot]

9. florida group?

[Baitball Blogger]

10. It's a group under Places - US - Florida on DU.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1045

[certainot]

16. great, thanks

[Hugin]

4. I don't know, BB.

Maybe they are only tired. It will have the same effect, though.

IMPO, with the SCrOTUS decisions, the midterms were decided and it isn’t favorable to the GrOPpers. Without the gerrymandering and suppression they would be sent packing. As, has been the case as long as I can remember.

This is the effect that has been sought. Overload.

[Tickle]

5. Florida seems to be a

Sanctuary for conservatives. I spent years there and still have family in Florida. They love their Governor and love to tell me Florida has more registered republicans than democrats. My head hurts when we talk

[BlueBloodedAmerican]

6. Yes, Central Floriduh resident here. I've suffered through 4 1/2 years in this Republithug hell.

I can imagine that many years ago this was an awesome place before being overrun by the Greedy Old Pigs party. The beautiful nature here is fascinating to me, but the pressure of living among the terminally brain-dead is exhausting and miserable. I’ve learned to see their 🍊💩 and 🐷👀 (DeSatan) signs, flags, clothing and car decorations as helpful warnings to know who to avoid interacting with, rather than stress-elevating, which is their intent.

You’re lucky you got out.

[Tickle]

7. I've been very happy

with my move to the northeast. I have to admit I have ended many of phone calls with my family when the conversation goes into politics. I thought people were blinded by trumpism that’s nothing compared to DeSantisism

[Baitball Blogger]

12. A few years back they were intentionally courting retired military.

So, yes, the attempt to bring in conservatives is very apparent.

[dalton99a]

11. The little Mussolini is a very effective demagogue

[Tickle]

13. This one

DeSantis is also very educated. Beware of the educated nazi

[JCMach1]

14. FB isn't a discussion board it's a wall of right-wing bots

I don't post any opinions there any more and try to avoid areas where trolls live.

[onethatcares]

15. If you write to the governor

about any topic be aware that your name, address, phone number and email address will be posted on line for anyone to see.