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 Whitmers administration, he recently responded, What, are they going to give me? Life? Ive 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 Im capable of cutting hair, thats my occupation, Manke said. Thats what I do. Thats what Im going to continue to do.
Manke addressed supporters outside his shop on Monday.
Id gone six weeks without a paycheck with no money coming in. Ive been in this business 59 years Im 77. Ive always worked, he said.
Ive never looked for handouts. I dont even know what they are. I had somebody call me and say why dont you get on food stamps. I dont want to get on food stamps. I want to work.
I came into this last Monday alone, thinking Im going to swing in the wind alone, he said. I cannot believe the support that Ive got, he added to cheers, with some responding, You are not alone!
Its overwhelming, he added, getting choked up.
Another day, Manke made it clear he was going to defy Whitmers orders.
He told radio host Steve Gruber he will only leave his shop if they drag me out in the street or Jesus comes.
Mankes levity is a striking contrast to Whitmers attempts to appear tough.
When asked specifically about Manke defying her edicts, Whitmer responded, I expect people to follow the law. These executive orders are not a suggestion. Theyre not optional. Theyre not helpful hints.
Despite failing to obtain a restraining order against the barber on Monday, Whitmers administration is continuing to pursue him in court.
The Attorney Generals court action, filed on behalf of MDHHS, seeks to enforce the MDHHS Directors Public Health Order that deemed Mr. Mankes 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 asserted Mankes open business presents clear public health dangers.
After the close of business on Tuesday, Whitmers administration stripped Manke of his operating license, his attorney said.
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has suspended Karls license, attorney David Kallman told radio host Steve Gruber.
Not thinking about it, theyve actually done it without a hearing, without any due process, he added, saying the action took place some time after 5:00 p.m.
Its an unbelievable abuse of power, Kallman said, arguing theres no legal basis for the action.
This is pure retribution by the governors office and by the AG. This is so petty and vindictive, its 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 orderwhich was never granted.
Kyle Olson is a reporter for Breitbart News. He is also the host of the syndicated Kyle Olson Show, found on Michigan radio stations on Saturdays.Follow him on Twitter andlike him on Facebook.
#3. To: misterwhite, A K A Stone, Gatlin, Stoner, Liberator, (#2)
That's the kind of government I want.
The kind of government that declares making a living a crime? That kind of government?
Figures.
In response to tensions between Manke and the state, the Michigan Militia has pledged full support in making sure the state government does not shut down the shop and will defend Manke from being hauled off in handcuffs.
"Yesterday (May 8) six troopers came in to enforce the governor's order or to issue a cease-and-desist order so we are here to make sure he doesn't get arrested," Owosso resident Daniel Brewer told NBC 25 News. "We're willing to stand in front of that door and block the entrance so the police will have no entry there today."
I'm guessing whitey don't like that much either. He can't stand people being free.