The Michigan Conservative Coalition is planning to hold another protest in Lansing, just a month after hosting Operation Gridlock.
The protest, dubbed “Operation Haircut,” was inspired by the Michigan barber in Owosso who opened in defiance of the state’s lockdown orders. Karl Manke, 77, had originally opened his barbershop on May 4, but was ticketed by Michigan State Police and ordered to close. He recently had his license revoked after a judge denied the state a temporary restraining order.
“Michigan’s small business owners are patriotic and law-abiding citizens, but enough is enough. Our Governor’s actions show every day that this is no longer about the China virus. Her actions show this is now about a progressive radical agenda,” said Marian Sheridan, a co-founder of the Michigan Conservative Coalition, in a statement. “Dope shops are open, abortion mills churn on, but barber shops are, somehow, unsafe. Show us that ‘science,’ Governor!”
The protest will bring free haircuts to the Michigan Capitol lawn on May 20 from noon until 3 p.m. Those attending are encouraged to practice proper social distancing and wear face coverings, the MCC said.
“Citizens are tired of being treated like babies,” said Meshawn Maddock, Chair of the 11th District Republican Committee, in a statement. “As adults, we know what needs to be done to stay safe. Any citizen has the right to participate, or not participate, in Operation Haircut. Lansing elites love to tell everyone else how to live. That is not freedom. Citizens are fed up.”
Michigan is currently in Phase 3 of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Safe Start Plan, meaning that only construction, outdoor work, manufacturing and real estate business are permitted to open, in addition to essential businesses.
“Operation Haircut is designed to demonstrate the insanity still rampant in Lansing,” Sheridan said. “Michigan needs to be reopened now to end the reign of Michigan’s power hungry bureaucrats.”
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected].
