Rick Scott goes Ronald Reagan and slays NAACP with humor

OPINION:

ORLANDO, Fla. — Sen. Rick Scott responded to the NAACP’s warning for “Black Americans” to stay away from Florida with a travel advisory of his own, telling socialists to beware, to stay out of the state, to get lost, or else face widespread backlash, “laughter and mockery” for any attempts to spread their entitlement rot in the South.

And with that, Mr. Scott just coasted to an easy reelection in 2024. 

Here’s what the NAACP wrote a few days ago: “[T]he NAACP Board of Directors issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida. The travel advisory comes in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Florida schools. The former travel notice states, ‘Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

Yada, yada, yada.

There’s more. But the gist is clear: Mr. DeSantis, a conservative, dared take a stance on conservative politics by pushing conservative policies that included pushback of radical leftist policies — and for that, he must pay. (Question: Does the NAACP believe minorities living in Florida must now move?)

Anyhow, moving on, Scott responded in kind.

“Florida is openly hostile toward Socialists, Communists and those that enable them,” his travel advisory read. “Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of and the challenges faced by Socialists and others who work in the Biden Administration. Let me be clear — any attempts to spread the oppression and poverty that Socialism always brings will be rebuffed by the people of Florida. Travelers should be aware that attempts to spread Socialism in north Florida will fail and be met with laughter and mockery.”

He also warned that attempts to spread socialism in southern Florida might prove even riskier, as that area is heavily populated by those who’ve fled socialist countries like Cuba and Venezuela. 

How very Reagan-esque.

Ronald Reagan used to slay his political opponents with humor, as well. It’s a great way to reel back the stupid without the added complication of rising blood pressure. Sadly, leftists don’t have a sense of humor. So wait for it, wait for it. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who once vacationed in Florida to avoid the face mask mandates her leftist friends forced onto New Yorkers, will soon be issuing a scathing rebuttal against Scott. 

And that only makes clear: It’s not just Florida that needs a travel advisory against socialists. It’s the entire United States of America. In a free society, socialists don’t belong.

• Cheryl Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com or on Twitter, @ckchumley. Listen to her podcast “Bold and Blunt” by clicking HERE. And never miss her column; subscribe to her newsletter and podcast by clicking HERE. Her latest book, “Lockdown: The Socialist Plan To Take Away Your Freedom,” is available by clicking HERE  or clicking HERE or CLICKING HERE.