(4/15/20 This story updated here: Michigan Residents Protest Gov’s ‘Stay-At-Home’ Order With ‘Operation Gridlock’)
A recall petition for Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has received hundreds of thousands of signatures and now residents are getting ready to get in their cars and take to the streets in protest.
A Change.org petition calling for the Democratic governor’s recall has received over 220-thousand signatures as of late Tuesday morning. Additionally, a planned protest to have people circle the Michigan Capitol Building in their vehicles on Wednesday as part of “Operation Gridlock” has gained the interest of over 15-thousand people.
The Michigan Conservative Coalition and Michigan Freedom Fund asked for protesters to surround the Capitol in their vehicles at noon Wednesday to display flags and signs, make noise and be disruptive about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's 'erratic, unilateral orders that threaten Michiganders' economic existence,' according to a news release. They warned protesters to come ready for a potentially major traffic jam.
On Thursday, April 9, Whitmer extended her “stay-at-home” order through the end of the month and also introduced new restrictions on garden centers and stores selling furniture and paint. The order has created some confusion about what activities and business are allowed.
WILX-TV reports, that Meshawn Maddock, a spokesperson for The Michigan Conservative Coalition, says there has been no action from Gov. Whitmer to promote both physical and economic health while the stay-at-home order is in effect.
She says, 'There is no reason why she can't be looking at some safe ways to be opening up businesses. Instead of talking about what's essential and nonessential, let's talk about what's safe and not safe.'