GOP uses 'socialism' to distract and deceive

The Florida election is plagued with absurd Republican claims of socialism. Plans for a hurricane insurance fund are labeled as socialist. Ranked-choice voting is also accused of being socialist. New residents are viewed with suspicion as potential "radicals." David Jolly, the former Republican congressman seeking the governorship as a moderate Democrat, is seen as a "Trojan horse," hiding his supposed socialist agenda until he assumes the Governor's Mansion.

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power declared, "It's either socialism or patriotism." This is a false dichotomy. Jolly's moderate stance is being used as a scare tactic. The notion that he would push extremist policies as governor is illogical. Even if Jolly were to reveal a hammer-and-sickle tattoo, how could he enact socialist policies when Republicans control a supermajority in the Legislature?

But his proposal for a state hurricane fund to reduce insurance costs is now seen as a step towards a socialist takeover in Florida. Critics of ranked-choice voting have long dismissed it, but now it's being seen as a harbinger of creeping socialism. Capping utilities' profits, a policy Jolly supports, is also labeled as socialist, despite the fact that the Public Service Commission has the authority to regulate such matters.