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.”
House Republicans allege DC police downgraded crime classifications to manipulate statistics
Democrats press hard on Epstein files after years of sporadic interest under Biden
Police to Release Person of Interest in Brown University Shooting as Evidence Points in Different Direction
Illegal Indian Truck Driver Accused of Killing American Has Been Released from Jail Despite Vehicular Homicide Charges
Brown University shooting victim identified as Ella Cook: ‘An incredible light’
What we know so far about the Brown University shooting
Australia moves to tighten gun laws after Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting
Person of interest in Brown University shooting released
Biden officials go silent when asked about Afghan refugee program after guardsmen shooting
American Troops Ambushed in Syria, Two Soldiers Killed During Anti-ISIS Operation
Massive Medicaid fraud scheme puts Minnesota’s federal funding at risk — and fallout could widen
‘GavOUT’: Rapper Nicki Minaj Savages Gavin Newsom Over His Wanting to See ‘Trans Kids’
Breaking Report: Hollywood Legend Rob Reiner, Wife Michele Have Been Killed by Their Son Nick
Iowa police chief’s son among National Guard members killed in Syria ISIS terrorist attack
Breaking: Two Dead Bodies Found at Hollywood Legend, Liberal Activist Rob Reiner’s LA Home
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.
House Republicans allege DC police downgraded crime classifications to manipulate statistics
Democrats press hard on Epstein files after years of sporadic interest under Biden
Police to Release Person of Interest in Brown University Shooting as Evidence Points in Different Direction
Illegal Indian Truck Driver Accused of Killing American Has Been Released from Jail Despite Vehicular Homicide Charges
Brown University shooting victim identified as Ella Cook: ‘An incredible light’
What we know so far about the Brown University shooting
Australia moves to tighten gun laws after Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting
Person of interest in Brown University shooting released
Biden officials go silent when asked about Afghan refugee program after guardsmen shooting
American Troops Ambushed in Syria, Two Soldiers Killed During Anti-ISIS Operation
Massive Medicaid fraud scheme puts Minnesota’s federal funding at risk — and fallout could widen
‘GavOUT’: Rapper Nicki Minaj Savages Gavin Newsom Over His Wanting to See ‘Trans Kids’
Breaking Report: Hollywood Legend Rob Reiner, Wife Michele Have Been Killed by Their Son Nick
Iowa police chief’s son among National Guard members killed in Syria ISIS terrorist attack
Breaking: Two Dead Bodies Found at Hollywood Legend, Liberal Activist Rob Reiner’s LA Home
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.
House Republicans allege DC police downgraded crime classifications to manipulate statistics
Democrats press hard on Epstein files after years of sporadic interest under Biden
Police to Release Person of Interest in Brown University Shooting as Evidence Points in Different Direction
Illegal Indian Truck Driver Accused of Killing American Has Been Released from Jail Despite Vehicular Homicide Charges
Brown University shooting victim identified as Ella Cook: ‘An incredible light’
What we know so far about the Brown University shooting
Australia moves to tighten gun laws after Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting
Person of interest in Brown University shooting released
Biden officials go silent when asked about Afghan refugee program after guardsmen shooting
American Troops Ambushed in Syria, Two Soldiers Killed During Anti-ISIS Operation
Massive Medicaid fraud scheme puts Minnesota’s federal funding at risk — and fallout could widen
‘GavOUT’: Rapper Nicki Minaj Savages Gavin Newsom Over His Wanting to See ‘Trans Kids’
Breaking Report: Hollywood Legend Rob Reiner, Wife Michele Have Been Killed by Their Son Nick
Iowa police chief’s son among National Guard members killed in Syria ISIS terrorist attack
Breaking: Two Dead Bodies Found at Hollywood Legend, Liberal Activist Rob Reiner’s LA Home
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.
