The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Florida
Gubernatorial/presidential priorities: Gov. Ron DiSastrous has appointed his Tallahassee chief of staff, James Uthmeier as his new presidential campaign manager. Uthmeier, ironically, is a former senior adviser in the, yes, Trump Administration.
“Be Likable, Ron!”: A snarky message for the Florida governor on a banner being pulled by an airplane flying over the Iowa State Fair.
“I will be able to destroy leftism in this country and leave woke ideology on the dustbin of history.”—Gov. DiSastrous.
Twenty-three and counting: Since 2019, Gov. DiSastrous has suspended 23 elected officials.
“Another illegal and unconstitutional attack on democracy by a small, scared man who is desperate to save his political career.” That was former Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren, on the governor’s suspension of Monique Worrell, the elected state attorney for Orange and Osceola counties.
“This is a political hit job.”—Monique Worrell.
State law allows taxpayers to pick up all costs for travel and security for its governor, even when they are engaged in political campaigning. Exhibit A: Florida’s governor, who has spent considerable time running for president and promoting his memoir.
This state collects about 25 cents a gallon in gas taxes. Those collections, of course, will decrease as electric vehicles increase in popularity.
Low-caliber priorities: The Florida Legislature approved bulletproof windows at the Capitol complex, while still making it easier for people to carry weapons into public areas.
Banning “And Tango Makes Three” but not “Art of the Deal”?