Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had to keep her state under her thumb because of COVID, she says. Does she have science to back up her capricious executive orders? Nope, but that hasn’t stopped the tyrannical gov from issuing 123 lockdown mandates.

But recently a federal judge said Enough! US District Judge Paul Maloney put the kibosh on Whitmer’s autocratic tendencies in response to a lawsuit filed by several Michigan gyms. In a nutshell, the judge asked for proof of the science that reopened gyms would be dangerous to public health. And Whitmer’s legal team was left hanging.

“Counsel could not articulate a reason beyond the bare assertion that gyms are dangerous.”

But, but, science! is the reason why Whitmer issued all those executive orders. For example, on April 14, Whitmer told National Public Radio:

“We’re going to have to make decisions based on the best science, the best medical advice and what’s in the best public health of the people of our individual states. . . . And I’m hopeful that my colleagues are listening to the best medical minds they have in their states, and we’re all thinking about doing it in the safest, smartest way.”

One week later, Whitmer opined in a New York Times editorial, saying she made “gut-wrenching choices to keep people safe.” Using science! of course.

“We must be responsible and thoughtful, and we must understand the science and rely on the data when we make decisions.”

Then, at a June 17 presser, Whitmer warned the people of Michigan not to f*** with her:

“I want to be very clear. Any attempt to strip away the powers of the governor during this time is irresponsible, dangerous, and foolish.”

As a result of such arrogance, there were 22 lawsuits filed in state and federal courts against Whitmer as of June 18.

However, Whitmer lifted the Michigan stay-at-home order for bars and restaurants on June 8. Then on June 15, hair salons, barbershops, and theaters could begin reopening. Such was the generosity she extended towards the plebes of her state.

But gyms could not reopen. Why?

Credit: imgur.com.

Besides using Whitmer’s phony science! argument, her lawyers also maintained that Michigan would be engaging a dangerous, slippery slope if gyms were to reopen. Because, they said, if the judge allowed the gyms to prevail, then other locked-down businesses could file suit. As if they hadn’t already.

Judge Maloney turned that argument back on Whitmer’s legal eagles. What about potential abuses on the part of, oh, say dictatorial state government? Like Governor Whitmer, for example.

“If Defendants can open or close any sector of the economy, at will, with nothing more than a vague reference that it is ‘dangerous,’ the potential for abuse is palpable.”

So Maloney allowed beleaguered Michigan gym owners to reopen.

“At this point, the bare assertion that gyms are dangerous is not enough to demonstrate a ‘real or substantial’ connection to public health, nor is it a set of facts establishing a rational basis to justify their continued closure.” 

Needless to say, owners were ecstatic at Judge Maloney’s order.

However, Gretchen Whitmer isn’t finished. On Monday, she filed an appeal to prevent gyms from reopening as scheduled on June 25. Because nothing riles the Michigan Martinet more than telling her she can’t dictate arbitrary rules to the state’s citizens.

Meanwhile, however, the good guys won the day in Michigan. The score now stands: Gym Owners, 1. Gretchen Whitmer: zip.

Featured image: USAG Humphreys/flickr/cropped/CC BY 2.0.