Letter: Governor's ‘free state’ doesn't pertain to what you can do with your own body

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

Dear Editor:

There are two controversial constitutional amendments that will appear on the November ballot in Florida.

Although different in substance, they are similar in principle. Amendment 3 relates to recreational marijuana use and Amendment 4 relates to a woman’s right to abortion. But both are based on the notion of having the individual freedom to determine what you can do with your own body.

The controversy arises when any government, in this case Governor DeSantis and company, feels the need to impose its will on the people. The governor is determined in his attempts to convince voters to reject both amendments.

We know the governor’s rationale for his strong objections to Amendment 4 is predicated on his well known exclusivist version of Christianity as the dominant moral and cultural order. However, his objections to pot use is less clear and seems more based on his objection to the odor of a cannabis joint rather than anything real and credible.

And, of course, there is a certain irony pertaining to this railing against marijuana in that DeSantis just OK'd a bill curiously allowing four gallon wine bottles weighing a whopping 83 pounds to be sold in Florida stores.

Both sides of the political divide have been loudly vocal with the mantra “my body, my choice” whether it relates to abortion, vaccines or mask wearing. But picking and choosing when to apply that fundamental right would be a bit hypocritical … and not to vote “Yes” on both of these two amendments, would be as well.

It is also worth reflecting on the two amendments when you pass a highway billboard that says “Welcome to the Free State of Florida” and ponder whether that’s really the case or is your freedom, your free will, actually only what the state wants as seen through the eyes of our governor?

Bob Gordon

Palm Coast