A.G. Gancarski
Gov. Ron DeSantis may not be in line to be President after the November election, but he’s establishing a post-campaign reputation for aggressive deployment of Florida’s forces that he commands.
Just hours after announcing that he was sending his State Guard to Texas, along with National Guard troops and state troopers, the Governor told friendly interviewer Sean Hannity that he was ready to deploy them even farther away.
“But if California actually wants to stop people coming across the border, I’m happy to send to California as well because ultimately, I want the whole border secure. Texas is the first step, but we need all states to have secure borders,” DeSantis said on Fox News.
The Governor’s willingness to deploy state forces is nothing new, having happened since months after Joe Biden was sworn into office. But the comment about sending forces to help out Gov. Gavin Newsom, however unlikely that they would be requested, shows that he is comfortable with using state resources for activities far outside the immediate interest of most Floridians.
Improbably, there is precedent for DeSantis offering to help Newsom, as he made a more legitimate offer when Hurricane Hilary approached the state.
It is a matter of subjective interpretation if the State Guard should be out of state at all. While the law permits it, the organization’s marketing suggests that’s outside of its mission.
According to Florida Statute, the Florida State Guard is intended to be used “exclusively within the state, or to provide support to other states,” so this kind of deployment is within the letter of the law, especially given the alignment of the state’s Attorney General and the vast majority of its judges.
The organization’s website, meanwhile, doesn’t suggest that it’s an expeditionary force. The claim is that it’s “by Florida, of Florida,” and that it’s “proud to offer a volunteer response during times of manmade or natural disasters.”
“State guards are authorized under Title 32 of the U.S. Code and operate distinctly from the National Guard. They are state-funded, responsive to the Governor and focused on the needs of their home state.”
19 comments
MH/Duuuval
February 1, 2024 at 9:51 pm
Glad the Fla. expeditionary force is made up of volunteers and not conscripts.
Impeach Biden
February 1, 2024 at 10:40 pm
When was the last time this country or even a state had conscripts? Here’s an idea. Have all of those people out there looking for Joe Biden to cancel their student debt. Have them do some sort of service. Nothing is really free right?
Taylor Swift 2028
February 2, 2024 at 3:35 am
Please send your fatties to Cali; we will BBQ you on the beach.
Taylor Swift 2028
February 2, 2024 at 3:36 am
Certainly Florida is not tax-free.
MH/Duuuval
February 2, 2024 at 4:02 pm
1973 was the end of the draft in the US, and since then the prison system has taken up some of the slack.
BTW: Debt reduction for public service is a good idea. There is some of this already.
Michael K
February 1, 2024 at 10:44 pm
Someone please tell Rhonda that their campaign is dead and he’ll never be president and he needs to stop the expensive performative stunts. Nobody likes Rhonda. Nobody.
My Take
February 1, 2024 at 11:00 pm
Will he ever shut up and quietly get to work for Florida?
Is he capable of shutting up?
Proud Bois of Florida
February 2, 2024 at 4:02 am
He is trying to *at least* win a date with KC…
Steve Hamilton
February 3, 2024 at 9:52 pm
Gavin Newsom will send them back and FL residents will foot the bill for their tickets and salaries.
BTW, Ron’ and his surgeon general have given Florida a COVID death rate three time higher than the national average; the state will turn blue through attrition
Dont Say FLA
February 2, 2024 at 12:09 am
Rather that the Republican Governors Ass-ociation making themselves look like more Rons, why don’t they lobby their G0P cohorts in the US House to pass the immigration bill that provided the GOP with everything they said they wanted on immigration?
Instead of taking that bill, they took the bait and got their bluff called. They don’t give AF about securing any border. If they did, they wouldn’t have refused a great offer.
Now the GOP look like the chumps they are. And here’s Rhonda wanting to play army men when he and the rest of the G0P got played by Biden. Again!
Ronna McDaniel, Leader of QOP
February 2, 2024 at 4:03 am
Send me! I’m useless-
rona be cray cray
February 2, 2024 at 8:06 am
Good Grief! With all of Floridians’ needs what the heck is Rona’s point in pissing away our tax dollars by sending troops to Texas? Maybe there is Civil War 2 brewing and Rona is a rebel! What’s next? Sending troops to defend Israel? Our Governor has gone crazy. He squandered $160 M trying to get into the White House. Me thinks that he is consoling himself with the Rona 2028 BS and has already started his 2028 run with this latest stunt. What a disgrace he is to our State and our Nation. He has “weaponized” our Guard, to use one of his favorite words. God help us.
Pam W.
February 2, 2024 at 7:39 pm
He is trying to stay in the public spotlight in case Trump
gets arrested then the GOP will need another nominee.
Steve Hamilton
February 3, 2024 at 9:58 pm
After Smith sends Trump to prison in June the RNC will probably nominate Haley, the strongest (but still weak) candidate still standing and Biden will whip her like a chef making a souffle.
PeterH
February 2, 2024 at 10:22 am
Hi Ron,
I have found seventeen available hotel rooms in San Diego for your National Guard vacationers. The nightly rate is $1700.00 and unfortunately does not include breakfast! Parking is a bargain at $42.00 per car per 24 hours! The hotel is located on a beautiful beach not far from the Mexican border. There are plenty of five star restaurants and nightly entertainment.
Thanks so much for your business. Will your guards need airport transfers?
Gavin
MH/Duuuval
February 2, 2024 at 4:04 pm
Free breakfasts, wi-fi, and early-bird buffet would clinch the deal.
Kenneth L Gallaher
February 2, 2024 at 9:33 pm
If any show up in California they will be arrested and the bill will be sent to Ron.
Steve Hamilton
February 3, 2024 at 10:01 pm
Nope. Gavin will just send them back home; they’ll never even get off the plane,
FL taxpayers will foot the bills for air fare and salaries.
jean solomon
February 5, 2024 at 11:37 am
lol,, the FLORIDIAN GUARD members, once they get a taste of CALIF., will refuse to leave CALIF., will disappear, never to be seen again.. thanking GAVIN for the hospitality…
Comments are closed.