Condemning Nazi Ideology and Anti-Semitic Actions a Moral Imperative

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Jul 26, 2022

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Friedan independently-elected member of the Florida Cabinet, wrote Governor Ron DeSantis formally requesting that he condemn Nazi demonstrations that took place in Tampa this weekend, which included “DeSantis Country” flags among swastikas and other Nazi imagery. The letter follows the Governor’s failure to speak out against the demonstration, the second time this year that he has refused to denounce Nazi gatherings in Florida.

The letter reads in part: “As the first Jewish woman elected to statewide office in Florida, I implore you to take a strong stand for morality by immediately, and forcefully, condemning this vile congregation and its association with your administration…. I encourage you to join our country’s strong, bipartisan tradition of elected officials standing up to Nazi ideology and the harmful effects of anti-Semitism.”

The letter reads as follows:

July 26, 2022

Governor DeSantis,

I am writing you today concerning the disgusting display by neo-Nazi protestors outside the Tampa Convention Center this past weekend. The demonstration, held outside the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit, included Nazi flags, swastika posters, and other anti-Semitic images, in addition to racial slurs directed at counter protestors. Prominently displayed along with those hateful symbols and images was a flag emblazoned with “DeSantis Country” and an image of you. As the first Jewish woman elected to statewide office in Florida, I implore you to take a strong stand for morality by immediately, and forcefully, condemning this vile congregation and its association with your administration.

Disturbingly, this is not the first time I have asked you to condemn Nazi demonstrations in our state. In January, you refused to denounce a Nazi gathering in Orlando, claiming it was an attempt to “smear me as if I had something to do with it.” As one of your harshest critics, I do not believe you are involved directly with Nazi demonstrations, however, your continued failure to speak out – especially when your name, image, and likeness is being co-opted by Nazis – is puzzling from a governor who never fails to speak his mind. Given the level of criticism you have directed at me over policy differences, it is deeply concerning that you cannot muster even a tweet against a group that glorifies genocide while using your name.

As one statewide elected leader to another, we must take a strong stand to show that such hatred has no place in our great state. Already U.S. Senator Rick Scott, representatives from Turning Point USA, and other state leaders have strongly denounced the protesters and their unacceptable actions. In joining us in condemnation, you would stand with leaders from both sides of the aisle, who understand Nazism is incompatible with American values. This isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a matter of morality. As such, I encourage you to join our country’s strong, bipartisan tradition of elected officials standing up to Nazi ideology and the harmful effects of anti-Semitism. 

Sincerely,

Nicole Fried
Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services

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