Lansing Sun

For the past ten months, the state of Michigan has lived under varying degrees of lockdown that place well-intentioned residents at the mercy of rules that seem necessary to some and arbitrary to others.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently made a point to announce that the Michigan economy has not been closed for the past several months, which many people would argue with. State residents have endured restrictions as the governor has taken steps to regulate different aspects of their social lives amid the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting that very perception that the economy is closed.

Some Michiganders feel that Whitmer’s actions put honest, law-abiding citizens are risk for potentially falling on the wrong side of the law and facing consequences. With the installment of emergency powers, the state fine went from $200 to $1,000 for breaking COVID-19 restrictions. Meanwhile, the governor has put herself in the position of deciding independently what should be prohibited or what she will allow.

Michigan Capitol Confidential described the various epidemic orders that are affecting people's social lives, including a maximum of 10 people from no more than two households being allowed at an indoor function. Also, no more than 25 people from three different households are allowed at outdoor events. For example, a group of four friends would not be allowed to play golf together, unless two people are from the same household.

Meanwhile, the governor also prohibits gatherings at entertainment and recreational facilities, unless they follow social-distancing standards. She also has allowed schools to reopen, along with restaurants, barbershops, churches and child care facilities.

However, the prohibitions cannot be fully enforced, even with the full weight of the county and local government behind them, according to an op-ed in Michigan Capitol Confidential written by Michael Van Beek. He feels that the COVID-19 restrictions are almost impossible for citizens to strictly adhere to, even if they want to do the right thing.

Van Beek takes issue with the approach the governor takes. While exhorting public responsibility, Whitmer has tried to convince Michigan residents to do their part, suggesting that their compliance with state guidance is the answer to the pandemic. However, her actions fail to match her words, and Van Beek finds it hard to believe when Whitmer suggests the state was never really closed.