Weaponizing Free Will

Dear Governor Ron DeSantis –

On March 13, President Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency and announced we were at war with the virus. The President also implemented a 15-day plan that includes a “shelter in place” order that would end around March 31. The President stated: “We will defeat this threat. When America is tested, America rises to the occasion.” I used to believe this statement to be true until the recent events that have taken place in Florida.

On March 20, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a “shelter in place” order for the State of New York. This order requires the citizens of New York to stay at home as much as possible, except for going to grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, laundromats, and health care facilities – not leave the state.

On March 23, instead of isolating the virus by sheltering in place and practicing social distancing, over 190 direct flights came into Florida from the New York City area. Governor you required those arriving to SELF-quarantine for 14 days?! I’m appalled, do you really believe these people will follow your instructions?!

During this time frame, give or take a day, Florida went from being ranked 8^th to 5^th in the nation with the most confirmed cases of the virus in the country. Constitutionally speaking, people can now use their freedom to impose their free will and harm the people of a state having the highest percentage of elderly people in the nation. Allowing these lawless people to play “Russian Roulette” with the health and the economy of Florida is unacceptable.  

Most Floridians have complied with the order to “shelter in place,” along with practicing social distancing. I believe their efforts are having great results in defeating this viral enemy. The reason for their success comes from knowing freedom to move around during this pandemic comes with responsibility, respect, and to “love your neighbor as yourself.”  Governor, you have a Constitutional obligation to protect the citizens of Florida from this lawlessness. So, what’s your next move in this war on bioterrorism?

With all this lawlessness going on in our country, it reminds me of the ancient days of Israel where everyone does “what is right in their own eyes.” Judges 21:25 – “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

In the year of our Lord 2020 –

Sincerely, Tom Hughes
President, Alliance for Religious Freedom
www.allianceforreligiousfreedom.com
P.O. Box 571 Marco Island, FL 34146-0571