Member Calls Out DeSantis Puffery

Member, Ed Braun, called out Time Magazine’s Time100 article on Governor Ron Desantis authored by Jeb Bush. Governor Bush praised DeSantis for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting the economy, school choice, environmental protection, and education excellence.

Ed responded with the following Letter to the Editor:

“Time Magazine’s list of the 100 individuals who most influence todays events includes Gov. Ron Desantis of Florida. Be that as it may, such laudatory praise of the subject is rendered by Jebb Bush as to cause DeSantis to be almost unrecognizable. Walter Lippmann wrote in 1919 that what is published results in “the whole reference of thought” becoming “what somebody asserts, not what actually is.” For in truth, Ron DeSantis’ actions in so many spheres make him the face of homegrown fascism and the purposeful, even proud leader of the Republican’s party goal to destroy American democracy. He has punished those with differing opinions, has played fast and loose with health statistics while not promoting vaccines but instead promoting unproven methods of COVID treatment. He continues to interfere with public school education unless it fits his own narrow view of American history, nor has he ever rejected the Big Lie. Your journalistic puffery thus results in your entire list, and magazine itself, one no longer to be trusted or relied upon as a source of truthful and respected journalism.”

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