In 2022, there are challenges and obstacles for people in America and yes, Florida. The COVID pandemic left people shattered with the loss of loved ones and debilitated physically because of ongoing struggles to recover.
Sadly, COVID is still here threatening our loved ones.
Amazingly, Gov. Ron DeSantis continually calls COVID a “farce and theatre.” That’s a disrespectful and irresponsible attitude for our state’s leader.
COVID, getting vaccinated, or wearing a mask are not farces. Millions lost their lives and left loved ones behind to deal with losses. Millions are long haulers struggling to recover 100%.
I don’t understand how those around DeSantis can stand on the sidelines watching his condescending and belittling attitude when it comes to COVID. Why ridicule individuals who want to protect themselves?
Obviously, he doesn’t have any underlying issues and his family hasn’t been affected by COVID. That’s not true for others. I nearly lost my son to a COVID-related heart attack. We have lost friends and family, young and old, to COVID. To hear the governor continually refer to it as “theater or a farce” leaves me dumbfounded.
I’ve watched the news conferences and heard comments he’s made. It makes one wonder what it will take for him to admit there is a real problem with COVID. People choosing to wear masks should not be ridiculed. Just because he doesn’t think anybody needs to wear one, don’t bark at them, belittle them, or bully them. That’s openly spewing hate and disrespect.
Many must continue to deal with COVID’s aftermath. We wonder why so many Floridians didn’t take COVID more seriously or show more responsibility to protect themselves or others around them. It’s because of the attitude of Gov. DeSantis, our state’s leader.
It is OK to have an opinion and voice it; it’s the way he does and says it. We’re all human with feelings. It doesn’t matter your race or ethnicity; you expect your governor to treat you with respect.
Maybe the way he talks to people in news conferences, the way he barks orders at young people to remove their masks, and maybe the way he categorizes COVID as a “farce or theater” is acceptable. It is not acceptable for others. Many respect the detriment and non-discriminatory damage of COVID and will continue to do so.
Because one is in a highly ranked official position does not make him better than the next person. I believe if you want people to respect you, then you must give it in return. But then again, maybe my expectation of what our state’s leader should or should not be or do doesn’t mean a hill of beans.
This is just one Black woman’s opinion.
Annie Gainous Thompson is the mother of two and an assistant professor of Criminal Justice at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL.
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