The first amendment under attack

Governor Ron DeSantis is a vocal advocate for freedom and individual liberty, making him a strong candidate for a potential presidential bid. As the co-founder of the Freedom Caucus and author of the book "The Courage to Be Free," Governor DeSantis is well-positioned to lead the free state of Florida and potentially the country.

Governor DeSantis' commitment to freedom is facing scrutiny following a lawsuit by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The lawsuit claims that DeSantis violated the company's First Amendment right to free speech by imposing retaliatory measures after their opposition to the "Don't Say Gay" law, also known as the Parental Rights in Education Act, which prohibits discussing sexual orientation or gender identity in classrooms before fourth grade.

Governor DeSantis has accused Disney of launching a "frontal assault" on Florida's law, but his stance has been challenged by former Representative Justin Amash, a member of the Freedom Caucus. Amash argues that DeSantis and his supporters are singling out Disney with stringent requirements, rather than enforcing consistent regulations across all businesses.

Disney's lawsuit claims that DeSantis is retaliating against them for their lawful advocacy by eliminating their special taxing district. This is a clear violation of their constitutional rights, as the state cannot take any actions against a company in retaliation for engaging in protected speech.

DeSantis has taken a narrow view of freedom that prioritizes shielding the public from the left's activism, but this perspective conflicts with the core principle of the First Amendment, which guarantees the ability to engage in political speech without fear of punishment by the state. DeSantis has bragged about Florida's record in economic and educational freedom, as well as its status as a refuge of sanity during the COVID-19 pandemic, but his actions against Disney suggest that his commitment to freedom may not be as strong as he claims.

Governor DeSantis' stance on freedom has raised doubts about his treatment of Disney and could be constitutionally challenged. Protecting the right to free speech, without fear of retaliation, is crucial. This case emphasizes the need for all individuals and corporations to exercise their First Amendment rights.