The Courage to Be Free

"Florida is where woke goes to die." Ron DeSantis shows how strong governance can turn a state not just into a haven of freedom, but a model for the nation.

1. Leadership by Doing: Governing Through Bold Actions

Ron DeSantis didn’t tread lightly when he became the Governor of Florida in 2018. He saw his leadership role as an opportunity to act, not just talk.

He transitioned from working as a congressman, one of many lawmakers, to leading a state with a strong hand. In Congress, DeSantis found it challenging to create real change due to legislative gridlock. As governor, he saw his new position as a way to accomplish tangible goals. He planned to implement reforms on healthcare, immigration, and law enforcement.

DeSantis operated with a mindset of "defense through offense," meaning he proactively tackled issues head-on rather than reactively defending against potential criticism. This philosophy shaped his hard stances, from enacting laws against Critical Race Theory to signing the “Stop WOKE Act.”

Examples

• His proactive legislation, the "Stop WOKE Act," banned schools from teaching viewpoints he saw as ideological propaganda.
• DeSantis prioritized his agenda immediately, knowing he might only have two terms as governor to effect change.
• Trump praised him as a "brilliant fighter," affirming his reputation as an assertive leader.

2. Florida's Contrarian Pandemic Strategy

The spring of 2020 posed one of DeSantis’s biggest tests: managing Florida during the COVID pandemic. He chose freedom over lockdowns, resisting strict restrictions implemented nationwide.

DeSantis followed the controversial Great Barrington Declaration, which argued for focused protection of the vulnerable while allowing everyone else to work and learn normally. He reopened schools, left beaches open, and rejected the idea of designating certain businesses as “nonessential.” He believed every job was critical for a worker’s livelihood. Unlike other states, Florida avoided vaccine passports and mask mandates.

This approach wasn’t popular in the media at the time, but he believes the data proved him correct. Florida had a relatively low COVID mortality rate and ranked high in balancing public health with economic stability. The state became a symbol of freedom for many people frustrated with nationwide restrictions.

Examples

• The Committee to Unleash Prosperity found Florida to be the top-performing large state during the pandemic, considering health, education, and economic outcomes.
• Tourism and migration surged as people flocked to Florida for fewer restrictions.
• DeSantis received praise from an Australian citizen who considered Florida "a beacon of hope" during harsh lockdowns in his own country.

3. The DeSantis-Disney Clash and Free Speech

Disney openly opposed DeSantis’s Parental Rights in Education Bill, leading the governor to strip the company of its special self-governing privileges. DeSantis showed a willingness to confront even prominent corporations.

The disagreement started when Disney condemned the bill, which banned teaching young children about gender and sexuality in schools. While Disney had long been a key employer in Florida, DeSantis wouldn’t let its corporate clout dictate state policy. DeSantis viewed their opposition as political meddling fueled by leftist activism.

Stripping Disney's unique privileges sent a message to other companies: engaging in political activism at odds with government policy might have consequences. To DeSantis, his fight with Disney was a broader stand against allowing corporate power to skew policymaking under the guise of “progress.”

Examples

• DeSantis pushed through legislation revoking Disney’s self-governing status.
• Disney employees in California mounted pressure on corporate leaders to oppose DeSantis’s education bill.
• Disney’s former CEO accused the law of endangering LGBTQ youth, stirring further debate.

4. "Wokeness" as a Battleground

Opposing left-leaning ideologies became a central feature of DeSantis’s leadership. His time at Yale in the late 1990s solidified his concern about liberal campus culture, which he saw as mocking faith and patriotism.

As governor, DeSantis positioned himself as a defender of traditional American values against what he calls “woke indoctrination.” He opposed Critical Race Theory in schools, claiming it teaches kids that America is inherently racist. Legislation targeting this educational trend was part of a broader push to prevent what he viewed as ideological bias seeping into government, schools, and businesses.

According to DeSantis, this isn’t just a political stance but a move to protect individual freedoms and American history from ideological distortion. His anti-woke policies resonate strongly with conservative Floridians.

Examples

• The Stop WOKE Act restricted schools from teaching divisive ideas related to race and identity.
• DeSantis opposed defunding police movements, calling such proposals dangerous for public safety.
• He repealed special diversity training mandates for government workers.

5. Economic Freedom and Low Regulation

One of DeSantis’s key achievements has been making Florida a hub for economic opportunity. Florida’s taxes are low, its regulatory climate is light, and businesses thrive under these conditions.

During his tenure, Florida attracted significant net migration, with people moving from states like New York and California where taxes and regulations were stricter. He also removed pandemic restrictions that shuttered businesses in many other states. For residents, keeping Florida “open for business” reaffirmed the state’s commitment to economic stability and individual choice.

The economic benefits were clear, with increased tourism and billions added through new residency. DeSantis sees Florida’s appeal as evidence of how strong state-level governance can lead to growth.

Examples

• Net migration in 2020 brought $23.7 billion in income to Florida.
• DeSantis encouraged businesses and workers fleeing places with higher wages and stricter COVID policies.
• Florida welcomed 250,000 new residents between 2020 and 2021, marking the largest gain among U.S. states.

6. Law and Order: A Priority for Safety

DeSantis strongly disagrees with movements to reduce law enforcement funding. He argues that public safety builds stable communities and encourages economic growth.

Rather than shrinking budgets, Florida has focused on recruiting more police officers. DeSantis viewed moves to “defund the police” as dangerous, particularly during rising crime associated with periods of urban unrest. Families moving to Florida frequently list safety as their top concern, reflecting how law and order remain priorities for the state.

He directly criticizes liberal counterparts for prioritizing ideological goals over practical safety measures. In Florida, maintaining police presence is a means to preserve both freedom and quality of life.

Examples

• Florida increased law enforcement recruitment instead of reducing budgets.
• DeSantis contrasted his policies with states releasing offenders from prison to reduce populations.
• Safety concerns top the list of why families are migrating to Florida.

7. Navigating Media Criticism: Standing Firm

Throughout his career, DeSantis has faced intense opposition from liberal-leaning media outlets that criticize his policies. Rather than back down, he views such scrutiny as validation that he is doing something impactful.

During the pandemic, for example, DeSantis stood firm against media narratives deriding Florida’s open policies, later pointing to data showing those policies worked. By focusing on measurable results rather than popularity, DeSantis has created a reputation as a resolute leader willing to endure backlash.

DeSantis believes that courage in the face of media hostility is essential for sustained leadership. Rather than appease critics, he sets clear priorities and measures success through outcomes.

Examples

• Media outrage over open beaches in Florida captured headlines worldwide.
• DeSantis leveraged pandemic mortality statistics to counteract accusations of recklessness.
• He attributes his reelection landslide in 2022 to prioritizing voter interests over media narratives.

8. The Florida Migration Trend: A Silent Vote

Florida’s growth in population during DeSantis’s tenure reflects a broader endorsement of the state’s governance. As people relocated to Florida, they effectively voted with their feet.

Many came from states with differing policies on taxes, safety, and personal freedoms. Florida’s laws were appealing to families and retirees alike. DeSantis saw this as indirect proof of his decisions on the economy, law enforcement, and pandemic management.

These population shifts aren’t just statistics—they signify how state-level governance can attract residents nationwide by offering a different way of life.

Examples

• Florida added more than $23 billion to its economy through new residents in 2020.
• Retirees moved to Florida for its health freedoms during COVID lockdowns.
• Families cited public safety as a significant motive for relocation.

9. A Blueprint for America: "Make America Florida"

DeSantis envisions Florida as a model for the nation. He sees his leadership as creating a viable template for preserving American values and encouraging freedom.

With bipartisan appeal, as shown by his Hispanic and Black voter numbers in 2022, DeSantis believes his framework could succeed on a national level. His landslide reelection reflected how a majority of Florida’s population supported his approach. For DeSantis, the message is clear: the Florida model could offer a way forward for the entire country.

Examples

• He won 60% of Hispanic votes in his 2022 reelection campaign.
• Florida’s pandemic policies attracted national and international migration.
• The slogan “Make America Florida” embodies his broader political ambitions.

Takeaways

1. Build a clear vision of leadership and focus on action rather than empty rhetoric.
2. Balance freedom with public health, recognizing choices’ consequences.
3. Be willing to confront opposition, staying grounded in data rather than popularity.