Ending childhood vaccinations gives Democrats a wedge issue in coming elections

The decision by Gov. Ron DeSantis and his Surgeon General Joe Ladapo could backfire on Republicans

DeSantis and Ladapo courtesy of Jacksonville Today/Will Brown

David Jolly promises to fire Ladapo ‘on day one’

The DeSantis administration’s decision to go all-in with the anti-science, anti-vax cabal is handing Democrats a wedge issue they can use in upcoming elections.

So says political analyst David Silverberg in his latest essay.

He argues:

By banning all vaccination mandates they’re threatening every child going to school in the state—every single one. They’re alarming parents. They’re menacing seniors. They’re defying science. They’re outraging doctors. They’re hurting the economy. They’re also risking Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry, which is already reeling from President Donald Trump’s international bullying, insults and tariffs.

It’s a situation that’s damaging, unsustainable and needs to be corrected at the polls—but they’ve provided the means to do that.

And Democrats around Florida are weighing in on the issue. Said state party chair Nikki Fried of Surgeon General Joe Ladapo’s plans:

“The DeSantis Administration’s decision to end vaccine requirements will result in the deaths of thousands of Floridians. Today’s announcement is yet another morally bankrupt play that will make our communities less safe, all while Republicans are kicking 2 million Floridians off their healthcare.”

And David Jolly, a Democratic candidate for governor, piled on:

“Our surgeon general should be fired—today. The good news is that Florida’s next governor gets to do that and I will do that on my very first day in office.”

I’ve cross-posted David Silverberg’s excellent report to the homepage of www.Tropic.Press. You can also go directly to his article here:

Bear with us on this

On a substantially lighter note—well, mostly—today is National Teddy Bear Day.

In 1902, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was hunting when he ran across a bear cub, and he decided not to shoot it. His act of kindness became a national sensation, and a New York store owner made a stuffed bear named in his honor.

That’s the uplifting part of the story.

On a more disturbing note, just as this anniversary arrives, the State of Florida has reinstated Bear Hunting Season. Hunters will be able to use bait and dogs to lure the unsuspecting critters out of hiding when season begins in December.

Announcements

The Tampa Bay Times is sponsoring a seminar on artificial intelligence on Wednesday, Sept. 24, in downtown St. Petersburg. Here’s the info:

Have an event you want to share with the readers of this newsletter? Send your info (50 words or less with links) to:

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J.C. Bruce, journalist and author, is the founder of Tropic Press. He holds dual citizenship in the United States of America and his native Florida. Share this email with your friends. They will love you for it.

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