“Most Americans instinctively know that something has gone wrong with our country over the past generations.” That is how Governor DeSantis opens his book and it resonates because it’s true. Between the pages, Governor DeSantis gives readers a glimpse into his thinking and how he would govern if he were President.
Does a Resume Matter?
You bet it does – especially if it’s good. Governor DeSantis comes out of the gate listing out his accomplishments: His Little League team made the World Series, he played baseball at Yale, he excelled at Harvard Law School, he served as a JAG officer to the Seal Teams, he served three terms in Congress, and he’s been elected Governor of Florida, twice.
Besides that, he wants readers to know he comes from blue collar roots, he’s hard working, and he likes playing the underdog.
These are all good things, but does it make him a true conservative? To answer that questions, let’s review the highlights of the book and the most pressing question about Governor DeSantis.
Four Truths, According to Governor DeSantis
1. The Founders’ Vision
Conservatives often cite the Founders of our nation because they have amazing quotes and conservativism is often a defense of our founding principles. DeSantis takes this to a new level. Throughout the book he cites the Federalist Papers, a collection of essays written by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison in defense of the proposed constitution (our existing constitution). From his understanding of our founding, DeSantis extols the virtues of state authority, checks and balances, freedom, and limited government.
It’s clear Governor DeSantis has studied and understands not only contemporary politics, but also our founding principles. In fact, he wrote a book about the Founders before he ever entered politics.
2. The Swamp
Alongside his belief in the founding principles of our nation is a disdain for the “Leviathan” of government bureaucracy. Government bureaucrats, agencies, and all the rest of the government web are not what the Founders envisioned. This unelected “Swamp” exists because Presidents and members of Congress have abdicated responsibility. They have surrendered to the elites, believing they know best how to organize the lives of millions of Americans.
He writes, “That Congress has abdicated its oversight responsibility and does not aggressively use the power of the purse to discipline the bureaucracy is one of the main reasons why the administrative Leviathan of the federal government has become effectively immune to accountability — and more willing to abuse its enormous authority…”
Draining the swamp, means ending decades long tenure in government positions. For DeSantis, term limits for members of Congress is the first step towards ending the expansion of the swamp. Only when the federal bureaucrats recede, can we begin moving to restore the virtues of our republic.
3. Freedom Reigns in Florida
Much of DeSantis’ evidence that he is a freedom fighter comes from his Covid policy. DeSantis told the CDC, Dr. Fauci, and the Biden Administration to pound sand over and again. His book recounts his decision making and the evidence he used.
In addition to his Covid policy, Governor DeSantis has promoted freedom by supporting parents over school administrators, recruiting businesses, and understanding he serves the people. As he puts it:
“We witnessed a great American exodus from blue states – with Florida as the promised land.
This is not some general validation of the Republican Party, much less of the Republican establishment. There are folks who largely feel underrepresented by GOP leaders in DC and have gravitated to Florida largely because we have led with an agenda that presents the values of people like them. Indeed, I think the character of the Florida migration is more emblematic of people wanting to see policies that reflect both the American tradition and basic common sense. This is especially true as the Democratic Party has transformed into what can only be described as a woke dumpster fire.
What Florida has done is establish a blueprint for governance that has produced tangible result while serving as a rebuke to the entrenched elites who have driven our nation into the ground. Florida is proof positive that we the people are not powerless in the face of these elites.”
4. The Problem with Corporate America
The fight against Disney is known far and wide. According to DeSantis, it’s a “textbook” example how not to behave. He explains, Disney took a political stance against a bill aimed at protecting small children from learning about sex and gender from their schools. It was a no brainer, but Disney thought they could just appease a fringe group by opposing the bill and Florida would continue rolling out the red carpet. They were wrong.
The problem with Disney, isn’t just an ill-advised decision by Disney. The problem is much more widespread. DeSantis clarifies:
“The battle lines almost invariably find large, publicly traded corporations lining up behind leftist causes.. It is unthinkable that these large companies would side with conservative Americans on issues such as the Second Amendments, the right to life, election integrity, and religious liberty.
In this environment, old-guard corporate Republicanism is not up to the task at hand. For decades, a huge swath of GOP elected officials have campaigned on free market principles, but governed as corporatists – supporting subsidies, tax breaks and legislative carve-outs to confer special benefits on entrenched corporate interests. Just because policies may benefit corporate America does not mean that such policies serve the interests of the American economy writ large.
In response, it is not only prudent but necessary to counteract efforts by large corporations to impose a woke agenda on the rest of us. It is regrettable that our nation has become so politicized, but the fact is that private companies wielding de facto public power is not in the best interests of most Americans. Leaders must be willing to stand up and fight back when big corporations make the mistake, as Disney did, of using their economic might to advance a political agenda.”
DeSantis v. Trump
The media’s obsession with money over truth is evident in the headlines. Both conservative and progressive publications seem determined to find tension between DeSantis and Trump, but there is not much to it. In fact, DeSantis offers compliments to Trump and clearly the two agree on many issues.
If anything, media outlets wish DeSantis would draw Trump from his lair and attempt to slay him. They want the showdown because it will sell papers. That DeSantis isn’t distracted by the former President and is not bending to the wishes of the media, shows discipline.
Is DeSantis Authoritarian?
Reviewing The Courage to Be Free, the New York Times alleges Ron DeSantis is an authoritarian. It’s true he argues for an “energetic” executive, citing Alexander Hamilton. Nevertheless, much of the New York Times analysis ignores the facts and takes statements out of context. Yes, DeSantis is bold and tough, but he also seems driven to restore the Founders’ vision for our nation.
DeSantis writes, “State governments are the primary source of authority in the American political system.” There is ample evidence suggesting he embraces this view of the United States. The question is if he will still believe this if he became President.
Cacophony or Crescendo?
“The Florida Blueprint is a simple formula: be willing to lead, have the courage of your convictions, deliver for your constituents, and reap the pollical rewards. This is a blueprint for America’s revival. We’ve shown it can be done.”
Is Ron DeSantis more of the same cacophony from the right or is he leading to a conservative crescendo? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: It will be fun watching his rise.
If you are interested in purchasing the book, click here.
