Charlie Brown's dad was a barber.
Posted on 05/16/2020 8:32:41 AM PDT by be-baw
LANSING, MI -- The Michigan Conservative Coalition on Friday announced plans for a protest outside the Michigan State Capitol next week that will feature barbers giving away free haircuts after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders aiming to stop the spread of COVID-19 closed barbershops, salons and other businesses.
The protest is planned for May 20 from noon to 3 p.m. outside the Capitol.
In a press release announcing the protest, organizers called on those planning on participating to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings. Volunteer barbers will “have chairs and safe equipment to provide basic haircuts” according to the release.
The protest is the latest in a series of movements at the state Capitol aimed at Gov. Whitmer and the ongoing stay-at-home 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 press release. “Dope shops are open, abortion mills churn on, but barber shops are, somehow, unsafe. Show us that ‘science’ Governor!
“Operation Haircut is designed to demonstrate the insanity still rampant in Lansing,” said Sheridan. “Michigan needs to be reopened now to end the reign of Michigan’s power hungry bureaucrats."
The gathering is inspired by the efforts of Owosso barber Karl Manke who has openly defied the governor’s orders and opened his shop last week. Supporters have praised Manke’s actions and shown up outside his business to show their support. However, the state suspended his license Wednesday for his actions and sent the notice to his lawyer.
The owner of another barbershop in Cadillac also reopened her doors this week citing concerns about going out of business if she was closed much longer.
Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statement following the suspension of Manke’s license saying his actions put people at risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.
“Anytime you have a barber or other professional providing services to numerous citizens in close proximity to each other and those citizens are then returning to their various residences, there is a risk of contracting and spreading the virus," Nessel said. "It is paramount that we take action to protect the public and do our part to help save lives.”
To obtain a barber’s license in the state, one must be at least 17 years old, complete 1,800 hours of coursework at a licensed barber college and pass an examination approved by the state among other requirements.
Barbers who participate in the protest could be in violation of state law, which says, “Except as otherwise provided in this section, barber services shall only be rendered in premises licensed by the department under this article. A barber may render services outside of a barbershop to a patient in a hospital, nursing home, home for the aged, or similar facility or to a person in the person’s home if it is impractical or unsafe for the patient or person to travel due to frailty, age, injury, or illness.”
That means barbers cannot conduct business outside of the approved premises. Another state law prohibits giving away haircuts.
“A person shall not render the services of a barber, with or without compensation, on any person other than his or her immediate family unless the person is licensed under this article,” according to state law.
Barbers can apply for a demonstration permit, which is “to allow demonstrations on premises not in use as a barbershop.” That permit would also allow a barber to give free haircuts as part of the demonstration.
David Harns, a spokesperson with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs said the department is handling possible violations of the executive orders on a “case-by-case basis to determine if licensees are in violation of the applicable laws and rules governing the regulated entities or individuals.”
Organizers of the protest say business owners are not being given the respect or the opportunity to prove they can safely conduct their businesses.
“Citizens are tired of being treated like babies,” said Meshawn Maddock, Chair of the 11th District Republican Committee in a press release. “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. Join us in Lansing on May 20. Get a free haircut and then let’s get Michigan back to work, before it is too late.”
I’m gaining a new appreciation for the 70’s Beatles.
“complete 1,800 hours of coursework at a licensed barber college”
I am proud of the patriots in my birth state. Keep poling that beyotch wHitler in the her soft belly until she does something REALLY stupid. I have great faith in her doing that too.
That’s POKING, not poling.
The lie is that the bitch’s orders are aimed at anything other than destroying livelihoods and lives.
How can this be? The governor made it clear that her diktats are not “suggestions” or “helpful hints.” She must be obeyed!
I hope folks tip well!
Does she get haircuts? If so, then where?
If you are a guy, cut. A woman, ponytails are attractive. Lol
I don’t see a problem if they’re doing it outdoors as the air blows the virons away. Probably doesn’t violate any lockdowns either.
Meanwhile, small biz in NYS just tugs its forelock...
I’m loving this! Who knew our freedom-fighters would be barbers and hairdressers?
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 press release...
and yet protesters are encouraged to wear, in a health safety way, useless face coverings to yield to her edicts...
In a press release announcing the protest, organizers called on those planning on participating to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings
Progressives aren't destroying our Country by playing nice.
Ditto from another former Michigander
The first Amendment affirms the right to free speech, peaceably assemble and to redress grievances with the government.
A barber license pays the state to allow you to cut hair at their discretion.
Gee, I wonder which one wins in court?
I wish I still lived in Michigan and actually had hair to cut. I’d be there.
One of my son’s lives there but he just got called back to the job he started a month before shutdown. He doesn’t have any time off amassed yet.
Is there a federal crime we can charge Whitmer with?
TELL IT!
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