The following was published by 16-year-old Convention of States volunteer Riley Jo Brorsen.
It is time to reopen America! That doesn’t mean that everyone should rush out to the mall or go to the movies. What reopening America specifically means is that while practicing social distancing, avoiding large crowds, and practicing good hygiene, the governors in each state have the ability to determine when the time is right to start up the economy.
However, some governors have failed to uphold the oaths they promised to defend when their constituents voted for them. Governor Whitmer of Michigan is the perfect example -- she boldly represents to the American people her inability to protect the Constitution.
Instead of creating a task force to secure Michiganders their constitutional right to protest, Whitmer decided to create a “racial disparity task force” to investigate why a large number of African Americans are infected by COVID-19 in Michigan. Both President Trump and Dr. Facci both addressed this issue and stated that they will have results within a few days.
The Coronavirus doesn’t distinguish between who becomes infected based on skin color. Her task force is purposeless and engulfs tax-payer money which it should be using to help local small businesses.
Not only did Governor Whitmer make it illegal to purchase gardening tools, travel to other residencies, and use motorized boats, she also threatened to extend the current unconstitutional stay at home order if protests over her unconstitutional practices didn’t stop. We the people retain the right to “peacefully assemble” and protest the government. This right is enshrined in the Constitution. Governor Whitmer does not hold the power to determine what we the people can and can’t do.
Besides, the protests in Michigan are non-violent and safe. The protestors stayed in their cars with signs posted outside of their vehicles. If protestors left their vehicles for some reason, they were adorned in masks, gloves, and other protective garments.
If Governor Whitmer actually cares about the well-being of Michiganders, she would have taken the necessary steps to ensure Michigan’s economy and workers were protected. Instead, she decided which businesses were essential without taking into account that families rely on the income from those businesses. Their business is their livelihood and how they survive each week.
Meanwhile, she claims that abortions are “life-sustaining” while denying the knee and hip replacements that some people desperately need. People are suffering because they can’t perform day to day activities to make life more comfortable because surgeries deemed as non-essential prohibit them from doing such.
Governor Whitmer goes even further to prove her ignorance by claiming in an article she wrote for the New York Times that Republicans and Democrats alike are all on the “same team” when fighting the coronavirus. This couldn’t be further from the truth, especially for someone who has been highly critical of President Trump’s response to fighting the virus. Whitmer even went far enough to boast a shirt stating “That Woman From Michigan” on The Daily Show.
How does this promote unity in a time of crisis?
Luckily, there are some fantastic governors such as Governor Greg Abbott of Texas. Early into self-isolation and closing of businesses, Abbott waived restrictions on small businesses, and even made it legal for Texas restaurants to deliver alcohol. Instead of denying Texans of freedom of religion, Governor Abbott listed churches as essential. Texas is even set to reopen as early as May 1st. Governor Abbott gives us hope for the future of Texas and light at the end of the tunnel in our fight against the virus.
Want to get involved in the re-open movement in your state? Click the red button below to learn about the groups working to re-open America for business.
