Thousands of residents of the US state of Michigan have taken to the streets in an act of protest against “stay at home” measures introduced by official authorities to combat the spread of coronavirus infection. The mass demonstrations, organized by the Conservative Coalition of Michigan, attracted media attention and sparked a lively debate.
Voice of Protest
To the sound of honking cars, thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the Michigan State Capitol to protest measures enacted by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to reduce the risk of spreading infection. The slogan “Lock her up!” was heard amid a rally called “Operation Dead End.”
Opposing Forces
The event caused traffic closures in the Capitol neighborhood where the rally took place. Local authorities attempted to deal with the mass action organized by the Conservative Coalition of Michigan, which supports the Republican Party and opposes existing social distancing measures.
Context and Reaction
Michigan has become an arena for protests because the self-isolation measures imposed by levels of government are among the strictest in the country. While medical experts emphasize the need for these measures to protect the public, protesters express their anxiety about the economic and social consequences.
Balance of Opinions
Despite the controversy, the fact remains that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the lives of people in Michigan and around the world. The state has more than 27,000 confirmed cases of infection and more than 1,800 deaths from the virus.
Political Context
Governor Whitmer, who supports the Democratic Party, is in the spotlight not only as a powerhouse, but also as a pillar of potential Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden.
