Gov. DeSantis on Banning lab-grown Meat. Another Example of Republicans devoid of Conservative Principles.

by Rod Williams, May 10, 2024- It seems not a day goes by that a Republican official or candidate somewhere does not take an action or advocate a position that would have been anathema to a pre-Trump Republican. Not that such did not happen prior to Trump (don't forget Richard Nixon and wage and price controls), but pre-Trump Republicans at least were embarrassed by it or at least were aware that their out-of-character actions or positions were, out of character. Not so much anymore.

Recently Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida signed a bill that prohibits the production and sale of lab-grown meat. Why? No one was forcing anyone to eat lab-grown meat. DeSantis couched his action in the populist language of the day. Here is a portion of his press release.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1084 to prohibit the sale of lab-grown meat in the state of Florida. Florida is taking action to stop the World Economic Forum’s goal of forcing the world to eat lab-grown meat and insects, “an overlooked source of protein.” While the World Economic Forum is telling the world to forgo meat consumption, Florida is increasing meat production, and encouraging residents to continue to consume and enjoy 100% real Florida beef.

“Today, Florida is fighting back against the global elite’s plan to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish or bugs to achieve their authoritarian goals,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our administration will continue to focus on investing in our local farmers and ranchers, and we will save our beef.”

“Florida is taking a tremendous step in the right direction by signing first-in-the-nation legislation banning lab-grown meat. We must protect our incredible farmers and the integrity of American agriculture. Lab-grown meat is a disgraceful attempt to undermine our proud traditions and prosperity, and is in direct opposition to authentic agriculture,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “I applaud Governor DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, House Speaker Paul Renner, Senator Jay Collins, and Representative Danny Alvarez for standing up for Florida’s farmers and consumers. Together, we will keep Florida’s agricultural industry strong and thriving.”

This is similar to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's attempt to ban Big Gulp soft drinks a few years ago or the recent attempt to ban menthol cigarettes. It may even be worse. Those bans were to protect people from making unhealthy choices. This ban has a protectionist element. This is done to protect farmers from competition. 

This is Republican-style nanny-state big government. If the government expansion is to resist "global elites" then it is okay. If the government overreach is to foil some big "plan" of the "insiders" or the "elites" then Republican are all in. I am just surprised that DeSantis did not say this was standing up to a "George Soros backed secret plan."  Couched in the language of conspiracy theory paranoia and protecting the little guy and any authoritarian enactment is now acceptable to Republican voters.  

 

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