As the lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19 drags on, many people are becoming frustrated with the measures. Some people are beginning to feel as though local governments are abusing their power and overreaching in their stated goal to stop the virus. Protesters in Michigan argued these very points on Wednesday during “Operation Gridlock.”
Organized online, Operation Gridlock involved hundreds of protesters in their cars stopping traffic all around the capitol. Michigan’s governor, Gretchen Whitmer, has instituted some of the strictest and most draconian stay-at-home orders in the nation. Protestors argue that she’s overstepping her role.
While most protesters seem to agree that the COVID-19 pandemic is serious, they disagree with the nature of Whitmer’s orders. Several protesters stated that, while they understand the need for some social distancing measures, these have gotten out of hand. Whitmer’s orders included shutting down parts of big box stores deemed “inessential,” as well as stopping interstate travel.
Many Michiganders have been organizing online to voice their displeasure with the series of events. Many fear that this could set a dangerous precedent, with local governments using emergency declarations as an excuse to rule by fiat. Others are more narrowly focused, concerned that these measures are too strict. Several have cited lower-than-expected death tolls and flattening case numbers as reasons to loosen the guidelines.
Operation Gridlock itself was organized via a Facebook group. The protesters primarily used their cellphones to coordinate their gathering. Many even got out of their vehicles to protest, which technically violated Whitmer’s social distancing guidelines.
COVID-19 has taken thousands of lives in the US, and its impact is felt outside of the hospital, too. Small businesses have closed their doors in an effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Many of these businesses don’t have the cash reserve to keep paying their lease or their employees while closed.
Businesses have had to lay off millions of employees in the past six weeks. American unemployment is soaring while hospitals continue to handle thousands of COVID cases. The US government authorized a stimulus bill of $1200 for most adults. House Democrats have proposed another bill, offering $2000 for each adult for at least six months.
People who have been affected by the economic side of the virus are beginning to grow frustrated with the measures. Servers, airline employees and numerous other “inessential” workers are out of work for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, they still have bills to pay and mouths to feed. While the economy may have been paused, millions of people are still trying to keep things going.
Through this lens, it’s easy to see why hundreds in Michigan are growing tired of the measures. While the virus itself is a nightmarish disease, many feel as though our response is unwarranted.
