Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is waging an increasingly high-profile battle against an elderly barber, and he appears to be winning in both the courts of law and public opinion.
Karl Manke, a 77-year-old from Owosso, reopened his shop after he was turned down for unemployment.
Amid the legal threats from Whitmer’s administration, he recently responded, “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. “That’s what I do. That’s what I’m going to continue to do.”
So-Called Moderate Governor Candidate Wants More Trans Books in Elementary Schools
Leading Democrat Official Resigns After Probe Uncovers Sexual Harassment of Young Female Staffer
How Ukraine’s 40-day summer drone campaign to end the war with Russia backfired
Trump stumps for Protect College Sports Act at Texas-Tennessee game: ‘Bipartisanship for the first time in a while’
Applause Erupts as Crowd of Over 100,000 Sees Trump on the Jumbotron at Major SEC Showdown
They Told Us Trans People Are Dying Everywhere – Turns Out the Few Deaths That There Are Decreased Under Trump
Georgia man, 18, charged with murder after dismembered human remains found in car trunk
Trump claims stunning casualty numbers in Russia-Ukraine war
Trump’s home county hits pause on data centers over environment and electric bill concerns
Cruz says winning AI race against China is ‘single most important economic question’ for America
US, China strike deal to lower tariffs on $30B in goods after Trump-Xi Washington summit
Idaho Prop 1 Isn’t ‘Reproductive Freedom’: It’s a Vote to Kill More Babies
Incoming Democrat Rep. for NYC Arrested for Refusing to Obey Police Orders, Attempting to Get Netanyahu Arrested
Mamdani Celebrates ‘Closing’ the Budget: All He Did Was Move Some Numbers Around, and Constituents Are Still Packing for Florida
Watch: Even Murder Victim’s Family Almost Laughs as Court Plays ‘American Idol’ Killer Suspect’s Terrible Love Songs for Mistress
Manke addressed supporters outside his shop on Monday.
“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 to cheers, with some responding, “You are not alone!”
“It’s overwhelming,” he added, getting choked up.
Another day, Manke made it clear he was going to defy Whitmer’s orders.
So-Called Moderate Governor Candidate Wants More Trans Books in Elementary Schools
Leading Democrat Official Resigns After Probe Uncovers Sexual Harassment of Young Female Staffer
How Ukraine’s 40-day summer drone campaign to end the war with Russia backfired
Trump stumps for Protect College Sports Act at Texas-Tennessee game: ‘Bipartisanship for the first time in a while’
Applause Erupts as Crowd of Over 100,000 Sees Trump on the Jumbotron at Major SEC Showdown
They Told Us Trans People Are Dying Everywhere – Turns Out the Few Deaths That There Are Decreased Under Trump
Georgia man, 18, charged with murder after dismembered human remains found in car trunk
Trump claims stunning casualty numbers in Russia-Ukraine war
Trump’s home county hits pause on data centers over environment and electric bill concerns
Cruz says winning AI race against China is ‘single most important economic question’ for America
US, China strike deal to lower tariffs on $30B in goods after Trump-Xi Washington summit
Idaho Prop 1 Isn’t ‘Reproductive Freedom’: It’s a Vote to Kill More Babies
Incoming Democrat Rep. for NYC Arrested for Refusing to Obey Police Orders, Attempting to Get Netanyahu Arrested
Mamdani Celebrates ‘Closing’ the Budget: All He Did Was Move Some Numbers Around, and Constituents Are Still Packing for Florida
Watch: Even Murder Victim’s Family Almost Laughs as Court Plays ‘American Idol’ Killer Suspect’s Terrible Love Songs for Mistress
He told radio host Steve Gruber he will only leave his shop “if they drag me out in the street or Jesus comes.”
Manke’s levity is a striking contrast to Whitmer’s attempts to appear tough.
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
When asked specifically about Manke defying her edicts, Whitmer responded, “I expect people to follow the law. These executive orders are not a suggestion. They’re not optional. They’re not helpful hints.”
Despite failing to obtain a restraining order against the barber on Monday, Whitmer’s administration is continuing to pursue him in court.
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.
So-Called Moderate Governor Candidate Wants More Trans Books in Elementary Schools
Leading Democrat Official Resigns After Probe Uncovers Sexual Harassment of Young Female Staffer
How Ukraine’s 40-day summer drone campaign to end the war with Russia backfired
Trump stumps for Protect College Sports Act at Texas-Tennessee game: ‘Bipartisanship for the first time in a while’
Applause Erupts as Crowd of Over 100,000 Sees Trump on the Jumbotron at Major SEC Showdown
They Told Us Trans People Are Dying Everywhere – Turns Out the Few Deaths That There Are Decreased Under Trump
Georgia man, 18, charged with murder after dismembered human remains found in car trunk
Trump claims stunning casualty numbers in Russia-Ukraine war
Trump’s home county hits pause on data centers over environment and electric bill concerns
Cruz says winning AI race against China is ‘single most important economic question’ for America
US, China strike deal to lower tariffs on $30B in goods after Trump-Xi Washington summit
Idaho Prop 1 Isn’t ‘Reproductive Freedom’: It’s a Vote to Kill More Babies
Incoming Democrat Rep. for NYC Arrested for Refusing to Obey Police Orders, Attempting to Get Netanyahu Arrested
Mamdani Celebrates ‘Closing’ the Budget: All He Did Was Move Some Numbers Around, and Constituents Are Still Packing for Florida
Watch: Even Murder Victim’s Family Almost Laughs as Court Plays ‘American Idol’ Killer Suspect’s Terrible Love Songs for Mistress
The AG asserted Manke’s open business presents “clear public health dangers.”
After the close of business on Tuesday, 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, saying the action took place some time after 5:00 p.m.
“It’s an unbelievable abuse of power,” Kallman said, arguing there’s no legal basis for the action.
“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.
According Kallman, the AG claimed one of the reasons for the license suspension was because Manke was violating the temporary restraining order–which was never granted.
Story cited here.
