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.”
Maryland Dems mocked for prioritizing tampons in men’s bathrooms amid state deficit: ‘Nonsense’
US, Israeli officials insist Iran’s speaker is negotiating despite denials
Matt Mahan moves to boost sagging poll numbers in California free-for-all
Trump urges RNC chair’s wife to run for Congress, pledges endorsement: ‘RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!’
Rep. Jim Jordan eyes spy powers warrant debate after short-term extension of FISA Section 702
Chicago alderwoman apologizes for ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ comment on slain student
Driver hops curb, strikes 9 students during after school pickup in Iowa
Two arrested after US Park Police officer shot in apparent DC ambush: report
Judge grants $1 murder bond for Georgia woman accused of using pills to induce second-trimester abortion
Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate calls for sweeping federal limits on Muslim immigration
NJ Gov. Sherrill attends mosque led by Imam once accused of Hamas ties in deportation case
Ballot box upset: Democrats flip Florida legislative seat in Trump’s stomping ground
Pritzker’s glowing review of lakefront resurfaces after college student killed by illegal alien nearby
Dems vow to force weekly Iran war votes after GOP blocks latest move to curb Trump
FBI’s ‘Operation Box Cutter’ indicts Chinese pharma firms, terror-linked cartel assets in fentanyl takedown
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.
Maryland Dems mocked for prioritizing tampons in men’s bathrooms amid state deficit: ‘Nonsense’
US, Israeli officials insist Iran’s speaker is negotiating despite denials
Matt Mahan moves to boost sagging poll numbers in California free-for-all
Trump urges RNC chair’s wife to run for Congress, pledges endorsement: ‘RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!’
Rep. Jim Jordan eyes spy powers warrant debate after short-term extension of FISA Section 702
Chicago alderwoman apologizes for ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ comment on slain student
Driver hops curb, strikes 9 students during after school pickup in Iowa
Two arrested after US Park Police officer shot in apparent DC ambush: report
Judge grants $1 murder bond for Georgia woman accused of using pills to induce second-trimester abortion
Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate calls for sweeping federal limits on Muslim immigration
NJ Gov. Sherrill attends mosque led by Imam once accused of Hamas ties in deportation case
Ballot box upset: Democrats flip Florida legislative seat in Trump’s stomping ground
Pritzker’s glowing review of lakefront resurfaces after college student killed by illegal alien nearby
Dems vow to force weekly Iran war votes after GOP blocks latest move to curb Trump
FBI’s ‘Operation Box Cutter’ indicts Chinese pharma firms, terror-linked cartel assets in fentanyl takedown
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.
Maryland Dems mocked for prioritizing tampons in men’s bathrooms amid state deficit: ‘Nonsense’
US, Israeli officials insist Iran’s speaker is negotiating despite denials
Matt Mahan moves to boost sagging poll numbers in California free-for-all
Trump urges RNC chair’s wife to run for Congress, pledges endorsement: ‘RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!’
Rep. Jim Jordan eyes spy powers warrant debate after short-term extension of FISA Section 702
Chicago alderwoman apologizes for ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ comment on slain student
Driver hops curb, strikes 9 students during after school pickup in Iowa
Two arrested after US Park Police officer shot in apparent DC ambush: report
Judge grants $1 murder bond for Georgia woman accused of using pills to induce second-trimester abortion
Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate calls for sweeping federal limits on Muslim immigration
NJ Gov. Sherrill attends mosque led by Imam once accused of Hamas ties in deportation case
Ballot box upset: Democrats flip Florida legislative seat in Trump’s stomping ground
Pritzker’s glowing review of lakefront resurfaces after college student killed by illegal alien nearby
Dems vow to force weekly Iran war votes after GOP blocks latest move to curb Trump
FBI’s ‘Operation Box Cutter’ indicts Chinese pharma firms, terror-linked cartel assets in fentanyl takedown
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.
