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Michigan Judge Sides With Barber, Rejects Governor’s Demand to Close Shop; Sheriff Won’t Enforce Stay-At-Home Order

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By Breitbart. A Michigan judge has denied a motion made by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration that an Owosso barber close up shop during the coronavirus outbreak.

Great Lakes News was outside Karl Manke’s Barber & Beauty Shop on Monday when the ruling came down.

Reporter Katie Heid said the judge denied the state’s claim that the 77-year-old Manke to close his shop because he was allegedly in violation of Whitmer’s stay-at-home order.

“This is not only a big victory for Mr. Manke, but also for other small businesses,” she said. (Read more from “Michigan Judge Sides With Barber, Rejects Governor’s Demand to Close Shop” HERE)

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Michigan Sheriff Says He Won’t Enforce Whitmer’s Stay-At-Home Order

By The Hill. A county sheriff in Michigan said Monday that his office will not enforce Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) stay-at-home order intended to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which data shows has resulted in more than 47,000 cases in the state and more than 4,500 deaths.

Shiawassee County Sheriff Brian BeGole said in a written statement that he decided to share his office’s position on the governor’s executive orders after receiving “many calls” from local residents and businesses on the matter and “especially since the Michigan Legislature did not extend the state of emergency beyond April 30 as required by law.”

“The legality of that is a judicial branch determination,” BeGole said, noting his office’s “responsibility to serve and protect the citizens of Shiawassee County and to ensure their rights as described in both state and federal Constitution.”

“With limited resources, staffing and facilities, our priority focus will be on enforcing duly passed laws for the protection of Shiawassee County citizens,” he added. “I have decided, within my authority, that our office cannot and will not divert our primary resources and efforts towards enforcement of the Governor Whitmer’s executive orders.” (Read more from “Michigan Sheriff Says He Won’t Enforce Whitmer’s Stay-At-Home Order” HERE)

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Lawsuit Accuses Michigan Governor of Long List of Constitutional Violations

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The Great Lakes Justice Center has filed a lawsuit against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer alleging she violated at least six provisions in the U.S. Constitution. . .

The complaint announced Wednesday challenges her claim that criminal charges can be filed and fines imposed against violators of her orders. The lawsuit was filed in Grand Rapids on behalf of several individuals and churches in the state.

It alleges she has violated the First Amendment’s protections of the free exercise of religion, free expression and association.

The complaint also alleges violation of the due process rights of the plaintiffs and the constitutional requirement for separation of powers.

Finally, she’s accused of violating the constitutional assurance of a republican form of government and the Constitution with her use of the state’s emergency powers provisions. (Read more from “Lawsuit Accuses Michigan Governor of Long List of Constitutional Violations” HERE)

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WATCH: Armed Protest Breaks out Against Michigan’s Ridiculous Emergency Measures

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By NBC News. Hundreds of people protested outside the Michigan Capitol building in Lansing on Thursday, with some pushing inside while the Legislature was debating an extension of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Protesters held signs, waved American flags and even carried firearms, while some chanted “Let us in!” and “This is the people’s house, you cannot lock us out.” Others tried to get onto the House floor but were blocked by state police and sergeants-at-arms, according to NBC affiliate WDIV of Detroit. . .

Michigan United for Liberty organized the protest, dubbed the American Patriot Rally, to call for the reopening of businesses.

State lawmakers, who are Republican-led in both chambers, on Thursday night declined to extend the state’s emergency declaration before it expired at midnight. Instead, they voted to bring a lawsuit to challenge Whitmer’s authority and actions to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The Democratic governor quickly issued new orders stating that an emergency still exists, while also declaring new 28-day states of emergency and disaster. (Read more from “Armed Protest Breaks out Against Michigan’s Ridiculous Emergency Measures” HERE)

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Michigan Protesters Storm State Capitol in Fight Over Coronavirus Rules

By Fox News. Dozens of protesters, some of whom were armed, gathered Thursday inside Michigan’s Capitol building to voice their opposition to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, with tensions high as lawmakers were poised to debate an extension of an emergency and disaster declaration.

Holding American flags and handmade signs, the demonstrators in Lansing first congregated shoulder-to-shoulder outside before demanding to be let inside the building. Some chanted “Let us in,” The Detroit News reported.

Dennis Sigler, 66, of Mason, told the newspaper he attended the protest out of respect for others and not because he was worried about the COVID-19.

“I love freedom,” he said. “In America, we should be free. Don’t let them try to protect us from ourselves.”

State Sen. Dayna Polehanki, a Democrat, tweeted a photo of what she described as armed demonstrators yelling above her. She said some of her colleagues were wearing “bullet proof vests” inside the House chamber.

(Read more from “Michigan Protesters Storm State Capitol in Fight Over Coronavirus Rules” HERE)

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Dems Plan Censure of Lawmaker for Praising President Trump

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A Democratic Michigan state lawmaker who credited President Donald Trump with saving her life because he promoted a treatment for COVID-19 is now facing censure from her own party for praising the president and criticizing the state’s Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer. . .

When State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D) began suffering from scary symptoms like shortness of breath after falling ill with the coronavirus, she asked her doctor to prescribe hydroxychloroquine because she saw President Trump tout the drug as a possible treatment. Whitsett says it saved her life.

The Detroit Democrat even went to the White House to meet with the president and to personally thank him. She told President Trump that were it not for him talking about the drug to the American people, “I wouldn’t be here today.”

Yet, the Democrats aren’t just angry that Whitsett praised President Trump. She also dared to criticize Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, saying the governor’s widely-criticized stay-at-home orders hurt the poor who cannot afford to stock up on groceries on a weekly basis in accordance with Whitmer’s dictates.

(Read more from “Dems Plan Censure of Lawmaker for Praising President Trump” HERE)

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Tea Party-Style Protests Are Popping up Across the U.S. Over Stay-At-Home Restrictions

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By CNN. Protesters gathered in several state capitals this week to voice their opposition to stay-at-home orders issued to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina and Utah — states led by both Republican and Democratic governors — have all seen protests in recent days as people grow more concerned about the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. . .

Some protesters met Thursday outside the governor’s mansion in St. Paul to voice opposition to Democratic Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-home order, which has been extended through May 3. . .

Protesters demonstrated in the Kentucky capital of Frankfort, where Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, had to speak over the noise during a news briefing Wednesday. (Read more from “Protests Are Popping up Across the U.S. Over Stay-At-Home Restrictions” HERE)

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Tea Party-Style Protests Break out Across the Country Against Stay-At-Home Orders

By NBC News. Across the nation, protests against the stay-at-home orders that health experts say are needed to save lives are taking place, with more set for the coming days.

This week, about 100 protesters gathered outside the Ohio statehouse in Columbus to push for Republican Gov. Mike DeWine to reopen the state. In Raleigh, more than 100 demonstrators gathered to protest Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order, where at least one protester was charged with violating the order. In New York, a few dozen people gathered Thursday outside the state Capitol in Albany to rally for returning to normal. Kentucky, Utah and Wyoming also saw similar protests.

More events are scheduled for Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, Oregon, Idaho and Washington state. . .

Push back to the orders is generating plenty of buzz online, where hundreds of thousands have joined groups, such as “Michiganders Against Excessive Quarantine,” “ReOpen NC” and “Pennsylvanians Against Excessive Quarantine.” (Read more from “Tea Party-Style Protests Break out Across the Country Against Stay-At-Home Orders” HERE)

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Sheriffs Refuse to Enforce Democrat Governor’s Stay-Home Orders

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After a massive citizen protest at the state capitol, several Michigan sheriffs announced they will not enforce some of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive shelter-in-place orders, arguing they are bound by the Constitution.

Sheriffs Mike Borkovich, Ted Schendel, Ken Falk and Kim Cole promised to continue abiding by social distancing guidelines but contend Whitmer “has created a vague framework of emergency laws that only confuse Michigan citizens.”

“While we understand her desire to protect the public, we question some restrictions that she has imposed as overstepping her executive authority,” said the sheriff of Michigan’s 101st state House district, comprise of Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee and Mason Counties.

On Wednesday, while maintaining social distancing, thousands of Michigan residents gathered at their state capitol to protest Whitmer’s stringent orders, including barring people from traveling from house and house, even to vacation homes; shutting down certain sections of big-box stores; and banning some types of boats but not others. . .

“Each of us took an oath to uphold and defend the Michigan Constitution, as well as the U.S. Constitution, and to ensure that your God-given rights are not violated. We believe that we are the last line of defense in protecting your civil liberties.” (Read more from “Sheriffs Refuse to Enforce Democrat Governor’s Stay-Home Orders” HERE)

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SERIOUS PUSHBACK: Thousands Protest Dem Governor’s Stay-Home Order While Maintaining Social Distancing (VIDEO); Protest Organizer Says Gov’s Orders Have Put State ‘Under Tyranny’

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By WND. While maintaining social distancing, thousands of Michigan residents gathered at their state capitol to protest stay-at-home orders by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that are among the nation’s most restrictive.

The stringent orders include barring people from traveling from house and house, even to vacation homes; shutting down certain sections of big-box stores; and banning some types of boats but not others. . .

Among the messages on signs were “Liberty once lost is lost forever,” “Security without liberty is called prison” and “Recall Whitmer.”

Lt. Darren Green of the Michigan State Police told the paper the protesters were “doing a pretty good job of maintaining social distance.”

(Read more from “SERIOUS PUSHBACK: Thousands Protest Dem Governor’s Stay-Home Order While Maintaining Social Distancing (VIDEO)” HERE)

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Michigan Protest Organizer Blasts Whitmer, Says Gov’s Orders Have Put State ‘Under Tyranny’

By Fox News. he organizer of Wednesday’s massive protest against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus-induced restrictions told “Your World” Wednesday that the governor’s executive orders have been unduly onerous and tyrannical.

Operation Gridlock organizer Meshawn Maddock of the Michigan Conservative Coalition told host Neil Cavuto that about 10,000 vehicles converged on Lansing.

“Almost all of the people got into their cars with the people that they have been sheltering with, packed a snack, drove to Lansing to show their protest,” she said. “The most fun that they had was in the last 48 hours making signs.

“I have to admit, it felt a little fun for a few minutes, because it has been so depressing,” Maddock added. “Michigan has been just under tyranny. We had to lay off seven employees of our own.

“When you look into these cars … you see a bookstore. You see a coffee shop owner, a small insurance agency owner, a paint store owner, landscapers, bricklayers, I could go on and on,” Maddock continued. “These are real people with real families and bills to pay. They have mortgages to pay.” (Read more from “Michigan Protest Organizer Blasts Whitmer, Says Gov’s Orders Have Put State ‘Under Tyranny'” HERE)

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‘Prosecutor’ Considering Release of 90 Convicted Murderers

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Anyone who still thinks “criminal justice reform” is about leniencies only for first-time, nonviolent offenders, take stock of what yet another liberal prosecutor is contemplating.

Last week, the Lansing City Pulse reported that Ingham County district attorney Carol Siemon “this year plans to begin a formal review of the 90 convicted murderers serving life in prison without parole in Ingham County.”

“While I personally believe there are some people who should be in prison forever, like the Jeffrey Dahmer type of people, I just don’t believe in the death penalty,” Siemon explained. “I think life in prison without parole functions in a similar way, and I think everyone should have an opportunity to be able to get out some day.”

Siemon is part of a growing trend of deep blue cities electing “progressive” prosecutors, often with the help of Soros-funded NGOs, to promote what they call “restorative justice.” Siemon publicly stated what, clearly, most of them privately believe. Their opposition to the death penalty is not born out of some sort of altruistic pro-life view. Keeping murderers alive in prison opens the door to ultimately releasing them, eventually doing away with life sentences the same way they have essentially done away the death penalty as a common practice in almost every state.

“It’s not whether or not they’re innocent,” Siemon said in an interview with City Pulse. “We’re not saying that. But if they committed a homicide 40 years ago, who are they now? And do they deserve another chance? To my knowledge, nobody else is doing this type of thing in the state. It has just been something rolling around in my head.”

No regard for second chances for victims, of course.

This speaks to the big lie about over-incarceration. Most people locked up are in prison for violent crime or have a substantial criminal history. They were already on their second, third, or 40th chance by the time they were put away for many years. That’s built into the system. Most criminals are already under-charged and under-sentenced for their crimes as it is. This is why, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 40 percent of murder convicts serve less than 10 years in prison, while only 30 percent serve more than 20 years. Thus, anyone serving a life sentence deserves it by a mile.

As the City Pulse interview reveals, Siemon already under-convicts criminals relative to what they do. Even the people originally arrested for first-degree crimes, such as murder or robbery, can now plead down to second-degree offenses, which dramatically reduces prison time, even before factoring in all of the early release opportunities. This is why we see every day so many criminals with serious arrests and even convictions who barely served time over the course of a 20-year criminal career.

The effort to release the worst offenders is now a growing trend throughout the country. As I reported, Virginia Democrats are working on legislation to release many murderers and rapists when they turn 50 or 55 and are also working on restoring gun rights to juveniles convicted of murder (while infringing on gun rights of law-abiding citizens.)

Something is wrong when there are only a few people with a voice in public policy speaking out against this. Almost every “conservative” and libertarian organization is now pushing “criminal justice reform,” without defining what it is, other than hiding behind the banal talking point of the need not to over-incarcerate “low-level, first-time offenders.”

However, if they really believe that, why are they not just as passionately opposing the growing successful trend in almost every blue state, and now even red states, to release violent repeat offenders? Why are Koch-funded organizations, such as the Texas Public Policy Foundation, so gun-shy when it comes to calling out those who are seemingly tainting their supposed version of reform? They don’t seem too concerned about the Soros agenda of releasing even violent prisoners. Which raises the question: What exactly is their agenda of “conservative” reform? (For more from the author of “‘Prosecutor’ Considering Release of 90 Convicted Murderers” please click HERE)

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Gay Judge Denied Communion

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Michigan district court judge was asked by her Catholic priest to not partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion because of the fact that she is married to a woman.

Michigan’s 63rd District Court Chief Judge, Sara Smolenski, told CNN that the priest at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Grand Rapids called and asked her to “not come to communion” because of her same sex marriage.

“This is not about me against the priest, and it’s not really me against the church,” said the 62-year-old Smolenski, telling CNN that the decision “feels like selective discrimination.” . . .

Smolenski, who was baptized at the church, claimed that St. Stephen’s priest Scott Nolan called her on November 23 to tell her it was good to see her in church, but “‘because you and Linda are married in the state of Michigan, I’d like you to respect the church and not come to communion.’”

Smolenski was elected as a judge in 1990 and became chief judge in 1996. She married longtime partner Linda Burpee in March 2016 after the practice became legal, CNN reported. (Read more from “Gay Judge Denied Communion” HERE)

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Michigan County Seized Retiree’s Home Over $8 Debt

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In August 2011, Uri Rafaeli bought a three-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot home in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Mich., for $60,000. He converted the fixer-upper into a rental property.

Two-and-a-half years later – and at the time unbeknownst to the retired engineer – Oakland County seized his property, put it up for auction and sold the house for $24,500. All this, after a mistake in calculating his property taxes left Rafaeli’s account delinquent by just $8.41. Oakland County ended up keeping all of the $24,500 from the sale, while Rafaeli, now 83, was left without the home and the income he made from renting it.

Rafaeli’s stunning case, which is at the heart of a legal battle currently being considered before Michigan’s Supreme Court, is an extreme example. Yet it is hardly unique: more than 100,000 homeowners in the state have fallen victim to an aggressive property tax law that legislators in Lansing passed two decades ago. Similar statutes have been passed in more than a dozen other states. . .

At the core of Martin’s argument is a clause in the Fifth Amendment, which states that the government cannot take a citizen’s private property for public use, “without just compensation.” In the case before the Michigan Supreme Court, Martin argued that Oakland County has violated both the state and U.S. constitutions under the Takings Clause by seizing and selling Rafaeli’s property and then failing to recoup him any of the money made from the sale.

Martin added that even if the county had paid Rafaeli the extra $24, 491.59 that it made from the sale of his property, that money still pales in comparison to what the retired engineer really lost given that he paid $60,000 for the house, pumped thousands more into fixing it up and has lost years of rent he could have collected were the property still in his possession. (Read more from “Michigan County Seized Retiree’s Home Over $8 Debt” HERE)

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