DeSantis vows to scrap WHO treaty if elected.
Presidential Candidate Ron DeSantis Vows to Reject WHO Pandemic Treaty
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a candidate for the presidency, made a bold statement at an event hosted by the Heritage Foundation and The Epoch Times. He declared that if elected, he would discard the World Health Organization’s pandemic treaty, emphasizing the importance of protecting U.S. sovereignty.
During the event, Mr. DeSantis was asked about his stance on the WHO pandemic treaty, a global agreement aimed at preventing and preparing for future pandemics. In response, he confidently stated, “As president, I will take that treaty, and I will throw that in the trash can where it belongs.”
Mr. DeSantis referred to the treaty as an “international lockdown treaty” that could potentially compromise U.S. sovereignty. He questioned the idea of relinquishing sovereignty and asked, “Why would we give up sovereignty?”
The Biden administration has been advocating for the WHO pandemic treaty, but critics have expressed concerns about its potential to grant the WHO excessive control over global pandemic response, infringing on U.S. sovereignty.
Standing Firm on State Level
Highlighting his commitment to protecting Florida’s sovereignty, Mr. DeSantis mentioned that his state has already passed legislation to nullify the impact of the WHO treaty. He made it clear that Florida would not recognize or abide by the treaty’s provisions.
Furthermore, Mr. DeSantis criticized dismissive policies implemented during the COVID-19 response, emphasizing the collateral damage and infringement on individual rights and freedoms. He warned against granting too much power to authorities, stating, “If you give these people an inch, they will take a mile.”
Mr. DeSantis concluded by promising to “nix” the treaty if elected president. He also expressed his intention to hold federal health agencies, such as the NIH, FDA, and CDC, accountable for their perceived harmful COVID-19 response.
In March, Mr. DeSantis blamed failed policies from federal and state governments for various problems caused by their pandemic responses. He also criticized experts for their inaccurate predictions about COVID-19.
Concerns Over Sovereignty
The WHO has introduced a zero draft of its global pandemic response accord, which member states will negotiate. Under this proposed accord, the WHO would have the authority to determine and enforce lockdown measures.
Experts have raised concerns that the treaty could undermine countries’ sovereignty and individual freedom, as seen during the previous COVID-19 response, where many countries implemented the China lockdown model pushed by the WHO.
The White House and the WHO have defended the treaty, emphasizing the need to strengthen global pandemic response. However, U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bill and a resolution that require Senate approval to prevent the ceding of U.S. sovereignty to the WHO.
Senator Kevin Cramer stated, ”Relinquishing U.S. sovereignty to an international entity like this would dilute American excellence.” Senator Jim Risch warned that giving the WHO power over future health emergencies in the U.S. would have disastrous consequences.
Reggie Littlejohn, president of Women’s Rights Without Frontiers, cautioned that the CCP might exploit the WHO pandemic treaty to expand China’s social credit system globally. A British politician also criticized the treaty, calling it an assault on freedoms and a vast public health surveillance mechanism.
What are the arguments for and against Mr. DeSantis’ rejection of the WHO pandemic treaty
Is highlighted his belief in the importance of state autonomy and the need for governors to have the power to make decisions that best align with the interests and values of their constituents.
A Unique Approach to Pandemic Response
Mr. DeSantis also outlined his approach to pandemic response, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both public health concerns and the economic impact of lockdowns and restrictions.
He highlighted the success of Florida’s approach, which focused on targeted measures to protect vulnerable populations, while also allowing businesses to remain open and people to continue their daily lives as much as possible. Mr. DeSantis pointed to Florida’s lower unemployment rate and strong economic recovery as evidence of the effectiveness of this approach.
Contrary to the worldwide trend of imposing strict lockdowns, Mr. DeSantis stressed the importance of individual freedom and personal responsibility in managing the pandemic. He stated, “Our approach was, let’s trust individuals and let’s give them tools to be able to make decisions for themselves and their families.”
Mr. DeSantis acknowledged the severity of the pandemic and the need for appropriate measures to protect public health. However, he believes that excessive restrictions and centralized decision-making can lead to unintended consequences and infringements on individual rights.
Support and Opposition
Mr. DeSantis’ rejection of the WHO pandemic treaty has been met with both support and opposition. Supporters argue that it is essential to prioritize national sovereignty and allow each country to make its own decisions in response to a global health crisis.
Opponents believe that a global agreement and coordinated approach are necessary to effectively prevent and respond to future pandemics. They argue that the WHO, despite its flaws, plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts and sharing vital information among countries.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Mr. DeSantis’ stance on the WHO pandemic treaty is likely to be a key talking point. The debate between national sovereignty and international cooperation in pandemic response will continue to shape the conversation around global health governance, with the potential to impact policies and decisions in the years to come.
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