Democrat Gov. Whitmer Strips 77-Year-Old Barber of Livelihood, Revokes Licence
Barber receives a barrage of legal threats from Whitmer’s administration
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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing backslash for her cruel targeting of an elderly barber amid her widely criticized coronavirus lockdown orders.
Karl Manke had his license to trade revoked but vowed not to be slowed down.
Following being turned down for unemployment handouts, Manke reopened his shop.
After the barber received a barrage of legal threats from Whitmer’s administration, he said:
“What, are they going to give me? Life? I’ve got one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel. I could care less.”
“As long as I have two hands and I’m capable of cutting hair, that’s my occupation,” Manke said.
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“That’s what I do. That’s what I’m going to continue to do,” the barber added.
On Monday Manke addressed supporters outside his shop:
“I’d gone six weeks without a paycheck with no money coming in. I’ve been in this business 59 years…I’m 77. I’ve always worked,” he said.
“I’ve never looked for handouts. I don’t even know what they are. I had somebody call me and say why don’t you get on food stamps.
"I don’t want to get on food stamps. I want to work.”
“I came into this last Monday alone, thinking I’m going to swing in the wind alone,” he said. “I cannot believe the support that I’ve got,” he added.
The crowd cheered shouting, "You are not alone!”
“It’s overwhelming,” he added.
WATCH:
Manke told radio host Steve Gruber he will only leave his shop “if they drag me out in the street or Jesus comes.”
On Monday, Whitmer said the coronavirus lockdown was “not optional.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: "These executive orders are not a suggestion. They're not optional. They're not helpful hints." pic.twitter.com/ImffRfwPyb
— The Hill (@thehill) May 11, 2020
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When 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.
Whitmer’s administration continued to pursue the barber in court after failing to obtain a restraining order against him.
The AG said:
The Attorney General’s court action, filed on behalf of MDHHS, seeks to enforce the MDHHS Director’s Public Health Order that deemed Mr. Manke’s business an imminent danger to public health in light of the COVID 19 pandemic and directs him to immediately cease operations at his barbershop. The State is seeking to schedule a hearing as soon as possible.
The AG said the barber presents “clear public health dangers.”
Whitmer’s administration stripped Manke of his operating license, his attorney said.
“Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has suspended Karl’s license,” attorney David Kallman told radio host Steve Gruber.
“Not thinking about it, they’ve actually done it without a hearing, without any due process,” he added.
“It’s an unbelievable abuse of power,” Kallman said.
“This is pure retribution by the governor’s office and by the AG. This is so petty and vindictive, it’s beyond the pale,” he told Gruber.
The AG said the reason for revoking the barber's license was because Manke was violating the temporary restraining order–which was never granted.
