Democrat Gov Whitmer Lashes Out at Citizens: Lockdown is ‘Not Optional’
Michigan governor reacts to residents defying her orders
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As Michigan residents continue to defy Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's orders; the Democrat lashed out saying the coronavirus lockdown is “not optional.”
When the Whitmer was asked about residents and business owners “doubting” her authority to enforce executive orders, she replied:
“I expect people to follow the law."
“These executive orders are not a suggestion," she declared.
"They’re not optional. They’re not helpful hints.”
77-year-old Owosso barber Karl Manke recently defied Whitmer's order and refused to close his shop, despite repeated orders to do so.
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“He just wants to work,” Manke’s attorney, David Kallman, said, the Lansing State Journal reported.
“And he wants to do it in a safe and responsible way.”
The Michigan attorney general also sought a restraining order against Manke on behalf of Whitmer but was later denied by a Shiawassee County judge.
Circuit Court Judge Matthew Stewart refused to sign the order before a hearing.
Meanwhile, Shiawassee County Sheriff Brian BeGole stated he decided against enforcing Whitmer’s order after residents voiced their concerns.
BeGole added that his decision was based on state lawmakers opting to not extend the state of emergency beyond April 30 “as required by law.”
“The legality of that is a judicial branch determination,” BeGole said.
“I have decided, within my authority, that our office cannot and will not divert our primary resources and efforts towards enforcement of the Governor Whitmer’s executive orders.”
The Sheriff of Shiawassee County has publicly announced his department will not enforce the Governor's current executive orders! This is the county where Karl the Barber Manke's shop is located. We are going to win this fight.#StandUpMichigan pic.twitter.com/0c7PiOGMbd
— Garrett Soldano (@GarrettSoldano) May 11, 2020
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Last month, Michigan residents rose up against Whitmer over her handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Citizens have been flooding a petition at Change.org, calling for Whitmer's ousting.
The “Recall Governor Whitmer” petition accuses her of gross negligence and failures in handling the COVID-19 crisis.
The petition also alleges that the governor’s measures, such as “closing and banning various nonessential business’s [sic] and activities while leaving others open,” are actually “causing more Michiganders to get sick.”
