In response to continual defiance of her far-reaching, draconian coronavirus executive orders, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer scolded Michiganders in a Monday press conference and declared that her lockdown is “not optional.”
At the presser, Gov. Whitmer was asked about business owners and residents “doubting” her authority to enforce her executive orders.
While claiming to know how “frustrating” the situation may be, nevertheless Whitmer stated, “I expect people to follow the law.”
“These executive orders are not a suggestion,” she warned. “They’re not optional. They’re not helpful hints.”
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
Gov. Whitmer’s warning comes as stories of civil disobedience and refusal to obey or enforce her orders continue to crop up across the state.
Over the weekend, we brought to you the story of Karl Manke, a 77-year-old Owosso barber who has refused to close his shop “until Jesus walks in or they arrest [him].”
“He just wants to work,” said Manke’s attorney, David Kallman, according to the Lansing State Journal. “And he wants to do it in a safe and responsible way.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sought a temporary restraining order against Manke on Whitmer’s behalf but was denied when Circuit Court Judge Matthew Stewart refused to sign the order before a hearing.
“The Court wanted to provide Mr. Manke with an opportunity for a hearing on the request for an injunction, despite the clear public health dangers that continued operation of his business creates,” Nessel spokesman Ryan Jarvi said in a statement.
Manke also garnered the support of Shiawassee County Sheriff Brian BeGole, who announced on Saturday that his department would not enforce Whitmer’s 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
“Through this period of uncertainty, I continue to remind myself that we derive our authority from the consent of the governed, the great people of Michigan,” BeGole said. “It is our responsibility to serve and protect the citizens of Shiawassee County and to ensure their rights as described in both State and Federal Constitution.”
“As always, we will respond to all calls for service and will address each call with a prudent use of discretion,” the sheriff continued. “We are committed to keeping the peace in this community. Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels safe and is treated fairly. With limited resources, staffing and facilities, our priority focus will be on enforcing duly passed laws for the protection of Shiawassee County citizens.”
“I have decided, within my authority,” he concluded, “that our office cannot and will not divert our primary resources and efforts towards enforcement of [Governor Whitmer’s] executive orders.”
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