Michigan health director now the target of protests
Flashlights and American flags in hand, a group of protesters marched through the dark Tuesday night to the Lansing home of Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, to protest the statewide public health orders to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Chanting, “Open up now!” and “We’re not going to take it anymore,” while ringing cowbells and using megaphones, the group of about 15-20 protesters shared a video of the protest on social media.
The protesters demanded Gordon rescind the restrictions on indoor dining and closures of entertainment venues that were put in place Nov. 18 and were extended through Dec. 20 as the state tried to quash a surge in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
The public health orders, while lauded by doctors, medical groups and hospital systems, have been met with fierce criticism from businesses, Republicans and a vocal faction of protesters who have increasingly made their dissatisfaction known by targeting the homes of public figures after dark.
“This is the real deal guys. This is how we take our country back, small little steps like this,” one of the protesters said in a video posted to Facebook.
Another protester called the COVID-19 crisis a “hoax.” They shouted through bullhorns “no vaccine” and demanded that Gordon “open Michigan now,” and “no more lockdown” before breaking into song, caroling “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Jingle Bells.”
The protesters promised to return every night for demonstrations until Gordon fully reopens the state’s businesses and economy.
Their chants reveal antigovernment sentiment, opposition to vaccines, a disbelief that the pandemic is real, and some a refusal to wear masks.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Wednesday that there are ongoing investigations into threats made against public officials, though she said she couldn’t detail them.
“We do have some ongoing investigations but not any that I can disclose,” Nessel said during a press call hosted by the Voter Protection Program.
Protesters also have staged demonstrations in front of the home of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson; in front of the home of Heidi Washington, director of the state Department of Corrections, and Gov. Gretchen
Whitmer’s home. Several members of a group called the Wolverine Watchmen face state and federal charges after allegedly plotting to take Whitmer hostage and overthrow state government.
“What’s really disturbing are the continued protests that are happening at the homes of elected officials or appointed officials at night,” Nessel said. “And, as you know and I know, this is supposed to be about election-related issues, I think it’s some of the same people that were at Robert Gordon’s house, of course our director of Health and Human Services, last night. I know there was a protest at director Washington’s home, I think, the night before.
“Obviously you know about the event at Secretary Benson’s house, and I’m told these are going to continue. And if you hear the remarks that are made during these evening protests, you know, it’s very concerning for sure.”
Gordon issued the following statement Wednesday:
“This is America, and I believe strongly in
Americans’ right to protest. Last night was something different: people came to my home in the dark of night, screaming through bullhorns, scaring my children, and trying to intimidate me. That is wrong, and, in case anyone is wondering, it’s a waste of time.
“We are going to keep following the proven, science-based steps to save lives and get Michigan through this pandemic. I know it’s challenging for everyone, especially for small business owners, but it is what is necessary for us to get to the other side with as many of our loved ones as we can.”
Since March, the state has reported 446,752 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 11,018 deaths. Coronavirus was the leading cause of death in the state in November, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, either as the primary cause of death or a contributing factor in the deaths of 3,096 Michiganders.
Michigan’s COVID-19 restrictions have had a big impact on restaurant owners and staff, who say they’ve been crippled by being unable to offer dine-in services.
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association sued the state, asking a judge to overturn the public health orders limiting the businesses from operating fully.
But U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney issued a written ruling in early December, denying the association’s request for a temporary injunction in its case against the state.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Michigan businesses have felt a bigger impact because of restrictive COVID-19 policies than other states.
Nationally, 19% of businesses experienced government-mandated shutdowns, according to to the data collected from January to September.
But in Michigan, 32% of businesses were affected. The state ranked higher than every other place except for Puerto Rico, which had 50% of its businesses affected by government shutdowns. Other states well above the national average included Pennsylvania (30%), Washington state (27%), Vermont (26%), Hawaii (26%), and New York (26%).
The report showed that industries hit hardest by government-mandated closures included the arts, entertainment and recreation (48%), educational services (40%), and accommodation and food services (36%).