As DeSantis controls courts, Florida descends into authoritarianism

[In It to Win It]

As DeSantis controls courts, Florida descends into authoritarianism

Democracy isn’t inevitable.

It can slide into authoritarianism when leaders are allowed to consolidate power, capturing or marginalizing independent centers of thought and dissent that could challenge their authority.

American democracy depends on an independent judiciary to check executive and legislative powers, in no small part to be guardians of minority rights.

We are experiencing a legal revolution in Florida in which constitutional values that have been taken for granted are being trashed. These changes could last for years. I don’t think we are prepared for what’s coming.

We are about to lose our right to privacy

Given our state constitution’s guarantee of privacy, previous legislative efforts to restrict access to abortion were “presumptively unconstitutional,” as one former Florida Chief Justice said. But the Supreme Court is now considering a 15-week abortion ban, with a 6-week ban ready to be imposed depending on the Court’s decision.

Attorney General Ashley Moody, echoing the arrogance contained in U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion overturning the 50-year precedent of Roe, told the Court that all previous Florida abortion decisions were “clearly erroneous.”

[rubbersole]

1. Overstepping while goose stepping.