Gov. Gretchen Whitmer | Michigan.gov
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer | Michigan.gov
Of all the contentious legal battles and debates that have raged over the COVID-19 pandemic and its handling, perhaps the most intense has been that of Michigan's internal struggle with the coronavirus and all its accompanying challenges.
This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is drawing even more criticism than usual for her handling of the pandemic and her increasingly confusing claims about the performance of Michigan in comparison to other states around the country. Whitmer has wielded her power as governor aggressively, unilaterally deciding to close businesses and the economy to manage the spread of the virus.
For every person who contends this was a necessary step, there's another person saying it is unconstitutional and an abuse of power.
Sen. Mike Shirkey
| #MiSenateGOP
Not only has Whitmer's handling of the pandemic been questioned, but so have her claims in recent weeks. On separate occasions, Whitmer has claimed that Michigan ranks 6th, 10th and 11th in the nation for its vaccination efforts, according to Bridge Michigan.
In Michigan, well over 14,000 lives have been lost because of COVID-19, and some residents are growing weary of platitudes and inconsistencies from the governor's administration.
One of Whitmer's most outspoken critics in the state government has been Senate Majority leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake). “Like many Michiganders, we are listening to the governor’s speech tonight in the hopes of hearing answers. Putting Michigan back to work is long overdue. Tonight we want to hear Gov. Whitmer acknowledge it is time to lift her unnecessary restrictions,” Shirkey said, according to Bridge Michigan.
Meanwhile, Whitmer continues to claim that her business restrictions have saved over 2,800 lives, with no verifiable proof. Studies are being conducted on these claims, but the early results are not promising for Whitmer's credibility. In any case, trust in Whitmer's administration continues to wane, and without a firm correction in the coming weeks, she may begin to see her welcome wear out with voters come next election cycle.
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