Florida Gov. Doesn't Care What You Think About Face Masks Or Weed

This article was originally published on The Fresh Toast, and appears here with permission.

Ron DeSantis has long followed Donald Trump’s footsteps in his political career. For masks and weed, it’s more of the same.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made no secret about his alliance to President Donald Trump. Throughout his time in Congress, DeSantis voted in line with Trump’s position 94% of the time. When running for the governor’s office, he endlessly touted his ties to Trump.

These are the three characteristics DeSantis promoted on his campaign website: Iraq Veteran…#1 Conservative in FL…Endorsed by President Trump.

Congressman Ron DeSantis, a top student at Yale and Harvard Law School, is running for Governor of the Great State of Florida. Ron is strong on Borders, tough on Crime & big on Cutting Taxes - Loves our Military & our Vets. He will be a Great Governor & has my full Endorsement!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2018

And so it is little surprise DeSantis ignored the voice of the people and followed in Trump’s footsteps on two key issues: wearing face masks and marijuana. According to a new Quinnipiac University Poll, 79% of registered Florida voters believe wearing a face mask in public should be required. Almost one-third of Florida counties instituted mandatory face mask policies in public, due to surging coronavirus cases in the state. But DeSantis refuses to implement such an order because he believes it will “backfire.”

“We left it to the locals to make decisions about coercive measures or impose any kind of criminal penalties,” DeSantis said at the end of June. “We’re not going to do that statewide.”

More than 400,000 coronavirus cases have been reported in Florida. Only New York and California have had more. According to New York Times data, Florida has had the highest number of cases in the past seven days (74,093). The state requires serious action combatting the coronavirus and, should we trust the Quinnipiac data, residents have essentially given DeSantis their permission to require face masks.

And yet he does nothing.

A similar theme emerges when you examine recreational marijuana in Florida. A different 2019 Quinnipiac poll reported 65% of registered Florida voters approved recreational marijuana. The South Florida Sun Sentinel polled its readers as well and found that 91% want legal cannabis.

Continue reading this article on The Fresh Toast.

Benzinga's Related Links:

• New Cannabis Products: Salves, Rubs, Face Masks And Pet Treats
• Amidst The COVID-19 Pandemic: Interesting Findings From The US Cannabis Consumers

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